Sunday sees City host Chelsea in a game that could well have a huge say in the title race, despite being so early in the season. Chelsea have got off to a flying start, and sit on top of the table with a 100% record. City, meanwhile, have gone two games without a win and sit five points behind Chelsea. Another loss this Sunday would see the Citizens under real pressure, and firmly hand the initiative in the title race to Chelsea, however a win would put them right back in the mix.

Martín Demichelis scored a late equaliser against Arsenal last week to clinch City an important point away at Arsenal and he has produced some solid defensive displays so far this season. The central defender has also completed 175 of his 200 attempted passes so far this season, showing signs of good ball retention, providing foundations for his midfield to go on and create chances. The Argentine is one of only three City players to have played every minute of Premier League football this season, alongside Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany and he will be hoping to continue his run in the starting lineup against Chelsea, despite the improving fitness of new signing Eliaquim Mangala.

James Milner started his first game of the season against Arsenal and lasted the full 90 minutes. The tireless midfielder covered more ground than any other City player, running a distance of 12.3km in total, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Milner definitely staked a claim to retain his place in the starting lineup this weekend when Chelsea visit, and his work-rate could prove important in tracking the Chelsea midfield.

Sergio Agüero has averaged the greatest number of shots on target per minute in the league this season. The striker has managed a shot on target every 31 minutes according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which pips Chelsea’s Diego Costa who has recorded a shot on target every 32 minutes and twelve seconds. Agüero is 22/5 with 888sport to be the first goalscorer this in this Sunday’s clash.

Diego Costa does however boast by far the greatest goal ratio in the league, scoring seven goals in his first four matches — which averages out to around a goal every 47 minutes. He also has the most shots on target, with ten, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, and is almost certain to provide one of the greatest threats to the City defence on Sunday afternoon.

Costa’s main source of supply has been midfielder Cesc Fábregas. The Spaniard has by far the most assists of any player, with six assists in four games. Despite having spent less than half the time on the pitch that Fábregas has, Chelsea’s Ramires has the third most assists in the league with three, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The pair are likely to link up alongside Nemanja Matić at the Etihad in order to combat the midfield threat that City possess in players such as Yaya Touré. Costa is 10/1 with 888sport to score from a Fabregas assist.

Eden Hazard is pulling further away at the top of the dribbling charts. The Belgian winger has completed 24 successful dribbles in the league so far according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, eleven more than his closest rival Erik Lamela.

Photo: Action Images

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