Beating weaker teams. Chelsea preview

A lot has been made of the opposition Chelsea have had to face whilst thrashing their way to the top of the table this season.  West Brom, Wigan, Stoke, West Ham and Blackpool have all had the honour so far.  Such is the extent of their domination so far this season that the Blackpool fans were rejoicing with chants of "you've only got four."  Which, having watched Chelsea's barren second half, they were quite lucky to get away with.   They haven't faced any stern tests yet but, as the old mantra goes, 'you can only beat what's put infront of you.'    If it weren't for a Scott Parker consolation goal, they would have had twenty-one goals without reply this season.  Weak opposition or not, it is hard to understand those who aren't impressed by the sheer dominance of Chelsea.  Mancini may well be right to say that Chelsea could retain the title 'easily' this time around.  

City have been the long anticipated first test to Chelsea's strength.  'The Clash of the Cash' - as a lot have it - finds two clubs on an entirely different end of the development spectrum.  City, despite all the money spent, are still growing, still improving, still finding their feet in the upper echelons.  Chelsea are reaping the rewards of the post-investment stability.  Mancini's focus on buying young players who can 'write the history' of the club, should afford City the same luxury in the years to come.  

Both teams enter the game off the back of disappointing Carling Cup exits, but it is City who seem to be  the most wounded.  In the pre-match press conference, Mancini revealed we only have three fit senior defenders:  Kolo, Kompany and Zabaleta.  Which leaves a potentially under-guarded left-back position.  Talk that Barry could be played there was quashed by Mancini, although it could well be the best option.  Otherwise it appears to rest on last minute talks with Boateng and Lescott, who would both be below 100%, or playing a youngster in there - with suggestions it could be Boyata, who would be out of position.  Our injury issues will be the mirth of the rest of the league after our reinforcements but, in defence in particular, it has become a real problem at this early stage - especially with the frequency of games - Juventus and Newcastle come within eight days of the Chelsea fixture.  

Last season's double against Chelsea was achieved through stubborn, tight, counter-attacking football, on the whole, and I imagine City will continue with a midfield-heavy selection.  Considering Chelsea usually play with three central midfielders as well, this is no bad thing.  With the quality of their midfield three, it is important City can compete in the centre of the pitch - and the Essien/De Jong battle could be key.  

Kolo Toure has fared fairly well against his compatriot Didier Drogba in previous encounters, whilst playing for City, so it will be interesting to see how that duel goes.  Vincent Kompany will also attempt to get as tight as possible to the man who is increasingly described as 'unplayable'.  

Possible line-up:

Hart

Boyata, Kompany, Kolo Toure, Zabaleta

Yaya Toure, De Jong, Barry

Milner, Silva

Tevez

It should be an interesting contest and, should it go well, it could provide a spring-board for City's season - with the potential to plant us more firmly in the top-four and to keep ground with the leaders as well.