on his day, there are no better goalkeepers playing right now - but Hart’s
lack of consistency places him in that level just below the world’s
best. Which one will turn up against Chelsea?
Manchester City will be hoping that Joe Hart is at his commanding best in goal against Chelsea
Asmir Begovic (Chelsea) - 7.5
A huge blow not to have Thiabaut Courtois available for such a crunch match, but Begovic is an able deputy.
Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will face a stern test keeping the Manchester City attack at bay on Sunday
RIGHT BACK
Bacary Sagna (Manchester City) - 7.5
The
32-year-old’s best playing days are behind him and Eden Hazard will be
licking his lips at the prospect of taking on Sagna out on Chelsea’s
left flank.
Bacary Sagna (left) knows he is in for a tough afternoon in defence as he tries to contain Eden Hazard
Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) - 8
An
uncharacteristically shaky match in Chelsea’s season opener against
Swansea. The Serbian will be keen to make amends against City, so expect
the usual warrior-like performance to return.
Branislav Ivanovic (left) had an uncharacteristically shaky match in Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Swansea
CENTRE BACK
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) - 8
City’s
captain is still the beating heart whose energy pumps through the rest
of the team. Will be crucial in dealing with Diego Costa.
Vincent Kompany headed home Manchester City's third in their 3-0 win at West Brom on Monday night
Gary Cahill (Chelsea) - 8
Their
vice-captain was part of the leanest defence in the league on the way
to winning it last season. Despite having his critics, undoubtedly one
of the league’s best centre backs.
Gary Cahill (left) was a key component of Chelsea's defence last season as they won the Premier League title
CENTRE BACK
Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City) - 7
Still
unproven after moving to the club for £32million a year ago and
struggling with the price tag. Teams even targeted him as a weak point
in City’s defence last season. Talented, but unreliable.
Eliaquim Mangala (right) will be hoping to fare better this season after a poor debut campaign at City
John Terry (Chelsea) - 8
The
34-year-old is making every effort to prolong his career and even in
the twilight of it there are still few better. If Sergio Aguero starts,
his pace could cause Terry problems.
Despite his age, Chelsea captain John Terry continues to be one of the best defenders in world football
LEFT BACK
Aleksander Kolarov (Manchester City) - 7
As
useful in attack for City as he is in defence. His rocket of a left
foot can get them the odd goal, especially from distance, which Chelsea
will have to be wary of.
Aleksander Kolarov's (left) marauding runs from left back could cause Chelsea problems on Sunday
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) - 7
Left
back is still a problem area for Mourinho, after losing a dissatisfied
Filipe Luis in the summer and ultimately having to play a right back on
his unfavoured side.
Cesar Azpilicueta made the left back position his own last season - despite playing on his unfavoured side
CENTRE MIDFIELD
Yaya Toure (Manchester City) - 8
Demonstrated
against West Bromwich Albion in their opening game of the season that
he can still turn it on when some have questioned the 32-year-old’s legs
for this campaign.
Yaya Toure (right) was an absolute powerhouse duriung City's Premier League opener on Monday night
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea) - 8.5
He
will be vying with Silva for the title of pass master in central
midfield. Last season’s assist king has the range and accuracy to match
his counterpart.
Chelsea will be looking to their pass master Cesc Fabregas (centre) to unlock City's back four
CENTRE MIDFIELD
Fernandinho (Manchester City) - 7.5
Without
being emphatic, the Brazilian is a model of consistency and
determination, doing the necessary dirty work in City’s midfield, but
will struggle against Nemanja Matic.
Fernandinho is Manchester City's unsung hero in midfield - often doing the necessary dirty work
Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) - 8.5
The
destroyer - and no-one can match the Serbian for this ability in the
game. He combines a hulking 6ft 4ins frame with ball-playing abilities.
Fernandinho though faces a tough task against Chelsea's imposing midfield warrior Nemanja Matic (right)
RIGHT-ATTACKING MIDFIELD
Jesus Navas (Manchester City) - 7
Pacy,
sharp, close ball control, good delivery - why has Navas never really
lit up the Premier League? A threat, but nowhere near the level he could
be.
Despite his pace and trickery Jesus Navas (right) hasn't lit up the Premier League since moving to City
Willian (Chelsea) - 7.5
Mourinho
appears to strongly favour the 27-year-old and it is easy to see why -
he is tireless on the right flank, helping in defence and attack.
Expect another tireless performance in defence and attack from Chelsea midfielder Willian (left) on Sunday
CENTRE-ATTACKING MIDFIELD
David Silva (Manchester City) - 8.5
City are reliant on his intricate passing genius to unlock defences. Linked up superbly with Toure against West Brom.
City's answer to Fabregas, his compatriot David Silva, has the ability to carve open the Chelsea defence
Oscar (Chelsea) - 7
He
wants to challenge Hazard for Chelsea’s Player of the Year award, but
has his work cut-out. The 23-year-old scored a cheeky (lucky) free-kick
against Swansea. More is required.
Oscar (left) scored Chelsea's opener against Swansea but more is required from him on a consistent basis
LEFT-ATTACKING MIDFIELD
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) - 8
A quiet, efficient debut for the tricky winger on Monday. This will be a chance to really show why he is worth £49million.
Raheem Sterling can start to justify his £49m price tag with a stellar performance at the Etihad on Sunday
Eden Hazard (Chelsea) - 9
Another
who disappointed in the match against Swansea as the Welsh side
nullified his potent threat. Needs to dominate the match, like he did so
many last season.
Chelsea will look to the mercurial talent of star midfielder Hazard to inspire them to victory over City
STRIKER
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) - 9
Racing
to be fit for the tie after playing in the Copa America and therefore
missing City’s pre-season matches. Pellegrini will be hoping the
Argentine who struck 26 Premier League goals last campaign will be
ready.
Sergio Aguero (right) could start against Chelsea after coming on as a substitute on Monday night
Diego Costa (Chelsea) - 8.5
Will
his hamstrings hold up? Will he have recovered from his Ibiza partying
the night after the Swansea match? Costa is due a goal.
Having scored 20 goals last season Diego Costa (right) will hope to get this term's account started on Sunday
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