Preview: Chelsea vs Man City

A battle commences between two of the Premiership's top sides as Chelsea play hosts to Sven-Goran Eriksson's Man City. Chelsea will look to continue with the winning form as they take on high-flying Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Avram Grant's side have won their last two Premiership games and the Blues are also unbeaten at home for a record 68 games.

Manchester City, under Sven-Goran Eriksson, have enjoyed their best start to a league season in 37 years and go to Stamford Bridge in search of a fourth successive Premier League victory which would put City equal on points with leaders Arsenal.

Chelsea will hold the edge over their rivals as they have not lost to the Citizens for 13 years.

However, Man City look a difficult prospect this year and Eriksson's 40m spend has certainly turned them into a force to be reckoned with.

There are incentives for both sides to go flat out for three points as the Blues can cut the gap on City while Eriksson's side can equal leaders Arsenal's points tally.

Chelsea are without injured skipper John Terry and Ashley Cole; Wayne Bridge is suspended. City are set to go in unchanged for their fourth successive game.

Chelsea have not lost at home in 68 games - can Man City cause an upset here today?

Sven: wary of Drogba

Sven said: "Drogba is a great football player.

"Last season maybe he was the best striker in the league. He’s not just about his goals, he’s so strong, quick and has good technique.

"When he gets the ball it’s very difficult to take it from him and when he’s gone – he’s gone – we’ll see if Micah Richards can catch him or not!

"Chelsea are different and they are very much about Drogba, he is a symbol, like John Terry and Frank Lampard – the main focus points and difficult to beat."

Teams

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Lampard, Mikel, Essien, J Cole, Carvalho, Makelele, Sidwell, Malouda, Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou, Wright-Phillips.

Man City (from): Hart, Isaksson, Corluka, Onuoha, Richards, Dunne, Garrido, Ball, Ireland, Geovanni, Hamann, Fernandes, Johnson, Petrov, Sun, Elano, Mpenza, Samaras, Bianchi.

Eyefootball Premiership Predictor

Chelsea 2-1 Man City

Chelsea are going to beat Man City purely because every pretenders challenge must come to an end - and Man City's may stop here. Chelsea are a great team on form, and Man City look like this game will be too difficult for them. Drogba will be the man to stop, whilst Elano will be held off by the superb Alex.

Prediction: 2-1 to Chelsea

Goalscorer: Drogba