Manchester City travel to Chelsea, seeking to blow the English Premier League title-race open when they lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
 
Chelsea are still seven points clear at the top of the table, but should they drop points against City, the pressure will well and truly be upon them.
 

So while Chelsea remain favourites despite their stunning loss to Crystal Palace, a high-scoring draw seems to be on the cards at the Bridge.
 
Chelsea
What went wrong against Palace? Are Chelsea already celebrating their Premier League title with nine games to spare?
 
Simply put, the Eagles' sterling all-round performance proves them the better team on the day.
 
The Blues cannot afford to dwell on their defeat and must look to make amends with a result against Pep Guardiola’s men. Eden Hazard was in fine form on Saturday, but Diego Costa was not and the Spanish striker needs to get his act together pronto. Scoreless in the last two league games, Costa has been cautioned twice and when he isn't scoring, seems to be more of a liability than anything.
 
Another source of concern will be the inability to keep a clean sheet (seven league games in a row) and their defence will have to shore up if they are to silence the likes of Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne.
 
With Victor Moses the only doubt with a calf complaint, Chelsea continue to remain blessed,
 
Manchester City
City were impressive in patches against Arsenal in their 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Sunday and probably would have won had it not been for a glaring referring mistake.

However, they cannot place the blame solely on the match official, as they themselves were to blame for conceding both goals. Their defence has been poor all season. Pitted against league leaders who are looking to bounce back from a shock loss, they may be humiliated over the course of 90 minutes.
 
City’s offensive unit are in good shape now, and Sergio Aguero’s sharp finish against Arsenal hints that the Argentine hitman is nearing top form and the visitors will need him fit if they are to come away from London with a result.
 
Kevin De Bruyne has a point to prove as he returns to a club which didn't ‘believe’ in him and the Premier League’s highest-assist maker will be crucial to City’s fortunes on Wednesday.
 
Good news comes in the form that Pablo Zabaleta is fit to start at right back, which should see Fernandinho move back into central midfield. 
 
Super Stat: When the sides met in December at the Etihad, sparks flew as Chelsea ran out 3-1 winners on the night. Sergio Aguero saw red for a horror tackle on David Luis and Fernandinho was sent off for his part in the ensuing melee.