Half-time: Man City 0 Chelsea 0

By

Chelsea defended superbly in the first half at the Eithad Stadium, denying Manchester City a notable effort on goal despite the champions having most of the possession.

Diego Costa, back in the visitors’ starting line-up after a hamstring problem, has been well contained by Vincent Kompany and the two sides have so far cancelled each other out, with the pace of the game slowing after a high-tempo start.

Costa did get a sight of goal just before the break but Fernandinho was alert to the danger and denied the Spain striker as he looked to pounce on Branislav Ivanovic’s header down.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho recalled Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back, with Filipe Luis dropping back to the bench having started against Schalke in midweek.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is on the bench for City.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Costa.
Subs: Cech, Luis, Oscar, Drogba, Mikel, Schürrle, Remy.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook