Manchester City vs. Chelsea: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Manchester City and Chelsea will battle in an epic Premier League clash next week in a match where both clubs desperately need three points.

City need a positive result after a shocking 1-0 defeat to Swansea City allowed arch rivals Manchester United to overtake them for the league lead.

Chelsea need three points to keep pace with a red hot Arsenal squad, who are sitting in the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.

A defeat for either club would be a major setback in their respective goals for this season, so let's look at a complete preview to this crucial Premier League showdown.

Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

Watch: Sky Sports HD

Live Stream: Sky Sports

When: Wednesday, March 21 at 3:45 p.m. ET

Most Important Player to Watch: Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres has been a massive disappointment this season for Chelsea, and there would be no better time for him to raise his level of performance than against City next week.

The Chelsea player has just three goals in 36 Premier League appearances and hasn't been able to find a consistent run of good form.

If Torres cannot find his scoring tough against City, then maybe the Spanish star's tenure at Stamford Bridge should end sooner rather than later.

Key Matchup: City center backs vs. Chelsea forwards

The Manchester City central defenders, including captain Vincent Kompany, must shut down the middle of the pitch and not allow Chelsea forwards to dribble right at them and create quality scoring opportunities.

Stopping the Chelsea strikers like Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres must happen if City want to take all three points from this matchup.

What They're Saying

New Chelsea manager Chelsea Di Matteo recently talked about the struggles of Fernando Torres, saying via Soccernet:

"

He must not think about how much he cost the club. He must concentrate only on playing and not about scoring, or providing an assist or making a great play every time he touches the ball.

He should not think about scoring goals, only about playing simple football. The rest will take care of itself. My approach with Fernando will always be a natural one.

Fernando is still a great striker and I am sure he has not forgotten how to score goals. He is one of the strongest forwards in the world.

He has scored so many goals in recent years and I'm sure he will continue to do so in the future. He will succeed because he is still young. He just needs to regain his confidence.

"

Prediction: Chelsea win 2-1

Manchester City has had trouble scoring goals of late, and in their last three matches, City have scored just four goals against much inferior opponents such as Bolton, Swansea City and Sporting Lisbon.

With their backs up against the wall, Chelsea will give an inspired effort and take all three points to help save their season.

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