EPL 08/09: Man City vs Chelsea - 13/9/08

Friday, 12 September 08, 09:15 PM · Comments(1)

Fate again appears to have played a part in the Premier League fixture list as Manchester City prepare to welcome Chelsea to Eastlands. This has been billed as a clash between Britain's 'wealthiest' clubs, even though the acquisition of Manchester City is still subject to financial scrutiny and has not yet formally been completed. As west Londoners, we have neighbours QPR to thank for proof that money doesn't guarantee success.

Team News
Chelsea

Chelsea and manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, without recently resigned assistant Steve Clarke, will be eager to spoil the party and they could welcome back Didier Drogba for his first game of the season.

The Ivory Coast forward has not played since the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Manchester United last season following a knee injury, but could hand the Blues a major boost with his return.

Joe Cole is expected to be available despite needing stitches to a head wound suffered during England's 4-1 win in Croatia on Wednesday night.

John Obi Mikel is hoping to return from a leg problem to fill in for Michael Essien, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty.

Manchester City

Robinho is expected to be the star attraction, but add into the mix that Shaun Wright-Phillips will be making his first outing against Chelsea following his return to City, and it would seem difficult to plan anymore possible angles for a fixture preview.

But City boss Hughes is well aware that he will need to build a team ethic and will be eager to see a number of 'original' members of his squad impress.