The title isn't decided in the first few weeks of the season but certain games, such as this weekend's, can swing it in one side's favour.

Chelsea and Manchester City meet at the Etihad on Sunday, and the match could have a big say in where the title ends up in May. Last season's meetings both ended in 1-1 stalemates, before Chelsea eventually lifted the title. 

Team News

Chelsea:

The Blues kicked off their campaign with a 2-2 home draw against Swansea last weekend, but lost Thibaut Courtois to a red card in the process. The Belgian will miss just one match, the clash with City. Meanwhile Oscar has emerged as a doubt after picking up a knock in training, according to Jose Mourinho.

Asmir Begovic will make his first competitive start for Chelsea while John Obi Mikel may come into midfield in place of Oscar.

Projected XI: Begovic; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Matic, Mikel, Fabregas; Hazard, Willian, Diego Costa.

Manchester City:

A thumping 3-0 win against West Brom on Monday night propelled Man City to the top of the league and they could be set to welcome back a few players to their starting lineup. Sergio Aguero is a doubt to start but will be a substitute at the very least, Pablo Zabaleta may be ready to reclaim his spot at right back after being unavailable on Monday.

Yaya Toure's groin problem doesn't seem to have an effect on his availibility for Sunday's match but Gael Clichy, Fernando and Fabian Delph are a few weeks away from their comeback.

Projected XI: Hart; Sagna, Kompany (c), Mangala, Kolarov; Yaya Toure, Fernandinho; Navas, Silva, Sterling; Bony.

Background

Last season's encounters both ended in 1-1 draws while Manchester City have won just three of the last 10 league meetings with Chelsea.

The two previous Premier League titles have been won by Manchester City and Chelsea.

Players to Watch

Chelsea: Eden Hazard: The Player of the Season for 2014/15, Hazard terrorized defences for fun and looks to build on that success this season. The Belgian playmaker is Chelsea's main threat in attack and has emerged as one of the world's best players.

Man City: David Silva: With Aguero's status in doubt, David Silva will arguably be Man City's danger man on Sunday. A superb performance against West Brom dazzled fans everywhere comes as no surprise with the diminutive Spaniard being known as one of the world's best number 10s.