Sunday 2 February 2014 15:14, UK
Juan Mata's transfer to Manchester United has earned Chelsea a tidy sum but also shows how much faith Jose Mourinho has in Oscar.
Chelsea are looking fantastic defensively as well now - they have kept seven clean sheets in their last nine games, and only let in late on against Man United and very early in that great game with Liverpool - and I think Gary Cahill deserves a lot of credit for that. So Chelsea should be headed to the Etihad Stadium in a very confident frame of mind, not only are they in great form - although Wednesday's draw with West Ham will be a slight frustration - but they beat City earlier in the season. They also got a point at Arsenal and, under Mourinho, are masters at going to difficult places and getting the result they need, so you wouldn't back against them doing it again on Monday night. From City's perspective, though, this match gives them a chance to make a massive statement. If they win they will be six points ahead of Chelsea with 14 games to go and that is a very decent lead especially for one racking up the goals and streamrolling teams like they are. If Mourinho's team lose on Monday, they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
