Costa returns as Chelsea clash with Manchester City (preview)
– Diego Costa will return to the Chelsea line-up after completing his 3-match-ban
– A win for City will take the team temporarily to 3rd position
It is a big day in the English Premier League as Chelsea host Champions League semi-finalist, Manchester City, in a crucial league game this evening.
The Blues will be happy with the return of striker Diego Costa after completing his three-match suspension.
Diego Costa celebrates with Kurt Zouma
PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest sports news on Naij Sports App
City will look to get the better of Guus Hiddink’s men as John Terry, Eden Hazard and Loic Remy remain out because of injuries, but Nemanja Matic and Gary Cahill have returned to fitness.
The Citizens may be without Vincent Kompany as the Belgian is still struggling with a calf problem.
Raheem Sterling is back in training after a groin injury; he may however sit on the bench in the first 45minutes.
Ahead of the massive fixture, Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink said: “City have had a beautiful week after getting in to the semi-finals. It’s good for them to be in the last four and it’s a reward for their efforts over the last seasons.
“Their team is getting into a certain flow of success and results so they’ll like to continue it. It’s encouraging for them and for us it is another reason why we expect very strong opposition.”
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists that it is important to keep tabs with the league leaders and ultimately not lose grip with the top-four position.
“The important thing is it depends on us what we do to be in the third or fourth position. We cannot talk more about the other two positions because that doesn’t just depend on what we do,” he said.
GET for FREE: Get the latest sports news on Naij Sports
Chelsea are currently 10th on the log with 44 points while City occupy the 4th spot with 57 points.
It will be a massive game and NAIJ.com will bring you live updates of the encounter from 5:30pm
The post Costa returns as Chelsea clash with Manchester City (preview) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.