Early title decider

Premier League leaders Chelsea could be without midfielder Cesc Fabregas and defender Filipe Luis for tonight’s top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Both came off during Chelsea’s 1-0 victory in the Capital One (League) Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool on Tuesday, while Branislav Ivanovic, who headed the winner in extra-time, is also a doubt with a cut foot.
“Branislav could finish the game, Fabregas and Filipe couldn’t,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho explained.
“Filipe has a calf problem, Fabregas has a hamstring.”
Mourinho added that Fabregas “said he wasn’t yet injured but that he would be soon if he continued” but was uncertain whether he would be available for this evening’s late kickoff.
Fabregas was replaced by Ramires, five minutes into the second half, while Filipe Luis limped off after 78 minutes and was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta.
Chelsea’s victory in a thrilling blood-and-thunder game went some way to alleviating their embarrassing 4-2 home defeat to third tier Bradford City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Tuesday’s win over Liverpool gave them a 2-1 aggregate success and they will now meet either Tottenham Hotspur or Sheffield United in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 1.
Chelsea have won four and lost two of their last eight games against Man City. No team has beaten Man City more often than Chelsea (22 victories same as Arsenal). Chelsea have won 11 and lost one of the last 16 league matches against City.
Sixty four percent of the goals Manchester City have conceded have come in the second half, the highest proportion in the top flight.
And city gaffer Manuel Pellegrini is anxious to turn the tide and inspire his troops to change the fortunes against a seemingly unbeatable Chelsea this term.