Manchester City were impressive in their opening English Premier League match against West Brom, finding that attacking verve in style, and that cutting edge will be needed again if they are to make it two wins out of two with Chelsea coming to the Etihad on Sunday.
The buildup to this match – the first marquee one of the season – has been overshadowed by the Jose Mourinho-medical team/Eva Carneiro row, with the Chelsea manager refusing to talk about the issue in his press conference on Friday, after making a short statement.
Hopefully, it will be the match that takes the headlines on Sunday, and not another Mourinho sulk – quite possible considering his relationship with Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini – because Chelsea need this win after their rather disappointing draw against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on opening day.
"I cannot say it's crucial, it's decisive, or it's very, very important, but it is two title contenders, and three points," Mourinho said of the match against Manchester City. "If you can get three and your opponent zero it is important but for sure I am not going to say the game decides anything for the winner or anything for the loser."
But, after the start Chelsea made, you feel they require that victory more than City, and when it comes to the big games, there is nobody who sets a team up better than Mourinho.
For City, it will be about breaking down that most-of-the-time impenetrable barrier of Chelsea's and also ensuring they don't overcommit and allow the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa hurt them on the counter-attack.
Raheem Sterling and his big-match nous for his new team will be tested in this game, and if he comes out with flying colours, City will have a good chance of leaving the Etihad with three points.
Team news: Manchester City: Pellegrini has a near-full squad of players to choose from, with only new signing Fabian Delph and Fernando missing. Yaya Toure was a slight doubt coming into this match after being taken off in the win over West Brom with a groin problem, but the manager confirmed his talisman will be fine. It remains to be seen if Sergio Aguero will start the match after his rather late return from holiday owing to Copa America commitments.
Chelsea: Costa looked fit in the 2-2 draw against Swansea and should be fine to start again, but Thibaut Courtois will miss out due to suspension, after his red card in the last match, which means a start for summer signing Asmir Begovic in goal.
Manchester City vs Chelsea Schedule: English Premier League match on 16 August, Sunday at Etihad Stadium with a start time of 4 pm BST (11 am ET, 8.30 pm IST).
