Manchester City need to win this game in order to remain in the title race, but that will be no easy task now that Chelsea have returned to form.

Just few weeks ago everything was going perfectly fine for the Citizens as they were in control of the Premiership title race and playing great football in Europa League, but things have changed considerably since.

The league defeat to Swansea saw Manchester United leapfrog them in the standings, whereas Roberto Mancini’s side were also eliminated from Europe after the 3-3 aggregate draw with Sporting Lisbon.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have won another league game to go four points clear at the top, although City now have a game in hand.

The current situation makes the Chelsea game extremely important for the hosts, but even so, odds of 1.95 (19/20) offered by BetVictor on home win do not look too tempting.

Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany remain injury doubts, but they could be risked if they get even close to full fitness.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart – Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy – Y. Toure, Barry – Aguero, Silva, Milner – Balotelli.

Many people doubted that Chelsea would show any improvement after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked from the post, but caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo has done brilliantly over the last few weeks.

The Italian coach restored faith in veterans Lampard, Terry and Drogba, and was rewarded with four straight victories that have helped the Blues get their season back on track.

Chelsea not only won two FA Cup games to qualify for the semi-finals, but they overturned a two-goal deficit against mighty Napoli to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

As if that was nit enough, even Fernando Torres rediscovered his form and broke his scoring duck by bagging a brace against Leicester, so no wonder the Blues are feeling confident before the trip to Etihad Stadium.

Taking everything into consideration, odds of 4.33 (10/3) offered by Stan James on away win could be worth a shot.

John Terry and Ramires have recovered from injury and they are expected to start, whereas several players will return to the starting line-up after they were rested against Leicester.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cech – Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole – Ramires, Essien, Lampard – Sturridge, Drogba, Mata.