It’s a game of huge significance at Stamford Bridge tonight as Manchester City take on Chelsea in a top-of-the-table clash in the English Premier League.
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While the match may be thousands of miles away in west London, Manchester City fans can watch the action unfold live in a vibrant atmosphere at the Luna Lounge situated above the Media Centre at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The Manchester City Fanzone event is free admission with doors opening at 21:00 ahead of the 21:30 kick-off.
It will be an intriguing game with plenty at stake for both sides. Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City are five points behind leaders Chelsea; the same situation they were in when the two met at the Etihad Stadium in September’s 1-1 draw.
In that encounter, former Chelsea player Frank Lampard scored the equaliser and will be returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since leaving the Londoners last summer.
With Yaya Toure away on international duty playing for Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations, Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini could start the English midfielder.
Having been beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in their last league encounter, Pellegrini will be looking for a response from his players. His attack will be led by Sergio Aguero, who has bagged 14 league goals so far while captain Vincent Kompany will be leading a defence that has conceded 22 goals.
Unlike Manchester City, Chelsea will have little time to recover from their League Cup semi-final win over Liverpool on Tuesday, which booked them a trip to Wembley.
Although it may be an advantage for Pellegrini’s side, Jose Mourinho’s team, which is likely to feature John Terry and Eden Hazard, will be searching for their 17th league win, a result that would put them eight points ahead of City in the title race.
Kompany, who was part of the squad that travelled to Abu Dhabi earlier this month, has urged Manchester City fans to show their support.
He said: “It’s always great to see the passion the fans in Abu Dhabi and the UAE have for the team and it’s looking like being another
really exciting title race.”
“We have been here before and won the league so we have that experience from the past and will be doing all we can to win the league.
“There is a long way to go but the Chelsea game is obviously very important and we need to make sure we are all totally focused,” he added. For more information or to book a place at the Fanzone, email [email protected]
What: Chelsea v Manchester City
Where: The Luna Lounge, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
When: Tonight. Doors open at 21:00; kick-off 21:30.
Contact: Email [email protected]
