Man City v Chelsea preview

City could do United a favour if they can take points off the Blues

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 4th April 2008

Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson

Eriksson: City are after an Intertoto Cup place

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 0-2

SKY BET odds: Man City 4/1, Draw 11/5, Chelsea 4/6

One to Watch: Nicolas Anelka

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Chelsea will be looking to keep their title dreams alive when they travel to Manchester, while City are in danger of seeing their European ambitions go up in smoke.

Sven Goran Eriksson's side have picked up just two victories in their last 11 Premier League outings and now find themselves cast adrift in the race for a Uefa Cup spot.

They have also struggled at home of late, winning only one of their last seven at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have the best away record in the top flight after recording 10 successes on their travels this season.

They are also unbeaten in their last 15 league games, winning 11, to move to within five points of league leaders Manchester United at the top of the table.

The Blues also have an impressive track record against City having won the last five meetings between the two sides, including a 6-0 rout in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge back in October.

Duo return

Hoping to avenge that disappointing defeat this time around, City look likely to be able to call on the services of Martin Petrov and Michael Johnson for the visit of Avram Grant's men.

Bulgarian winger Petrov was ruled out of last week's 3-1 defeat at Birmingham with flu, while Johnson missed the trip to St Andrews with a groin injury.

Despite having the midfield duo back in contention, Eriksson will definitely be without defensive pair Michael Ball and Micah Richards who both continue to be sidelined with knee problems.

Cech in contention

Chelsea remain hopeful that Petr Cech will be back in action against City after finally shaking off an ankle knock.

The keeper did not travel to Istanbul for the 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat in midweek, but is back in training and back in Grant's plans.

Frank Lampard came through Wednesday's trip to Turkey unscathed and is expected to retain his place in the heart of the Blues' midfield, while Saturday will also see former City favourites Nicolas Anelka and Shaun Wright-Phillips back in familiar surroundings.