Chelsea to leave no stone unturned while facing City

Roberto Di Matteo said that he is going to test his tactics against defending English champions Manchester City on Sunday. Last season’s FA Cup winners find themselves without prolific talisman Didier Drogba after a 8 year relationship came to an end this summer. Torres is expected to lead the attack, with Eden Hazard and Juan Mata pulling the strings in midfield due to the absence of Oscar (international duty) and Marko Marin (injury). Daniel Sturridge would also be available for selection.

After a rather emotionally mixed pre-season, Roberto Di Matteo spoke at a press conference :

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 04: Roberto Di Matteo the manager of Chelsea in action during the pre season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea at the Amex Stadium on August 4, 2012 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“It’s certainly going to be a strong team. The players know a win against City would be great and give us the right step into the Premier League.”

“There is always competition for places, and I try to keep it as open as possible for people fighting for places. Everybody apart from Marko Marin and Oscar is fit and available.”

Roberto Di Matteo was also full of praises for youngster Daniel Sturridge, who impressed many with Team GB at the Olympics and was called up to the England squad by Roy Hodgson.

“He is a very exciting player, and it’s great for him to be involved in the England squad. He has the ability to play in more than one position. He still has a lot to learn as well, but we are hopeful he can develop even more and become a great player for us.”

BEIJING, CHINA – JULY 27: Manchester City Coach Roberto Mancini looks on during the after pre-season Asian Tour friendly match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Birds Nest Stadium on July 27, 2012 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Roberto Mancini on the other hand wasn’t concerned about the lack of transfer activity, and played down rumours that it would affect the team’s performance against Chelsea at Villa Park.

“I am confident with my players, because we won the league and also because last year we beat a fantastic team like United, but you do need to improve at every level. We are a young team and we need to get better every month, every year.”

He also hinted that David Silva and Mario Ballotelli could be unavailable as they battle to regain fitness with Richards facing an ankle problem and Gareth Barry still far away from recovery.

“Mario and David have had a busy summer, they need more time, they will probably be on the bench.”

“Richards, I think will be out for just this game. He has a small ankle problem,” .”Gareth, I don’t know. I hope that maybe three or four weeks or one month. But I don’t know.”

The match is all set to be held this Sunday at Villa Park.

Read the match preview here.