Essien: Chelsea Will Beat Man city

Midfielder Michael Essien has talked up Chelsea’s chances in winning Sunday’s crucial clash with Manchester City at the Stamford Bridge, claiming the game will be decided in midfield, part of the pitch he patrols.

It was the Ghanaian midfielder whose solitary header secured maximum points for the West London side the last time they defeated City at the Stamford Bridge in 2009.

Essien is now relishing the opportunity to get the better of players like Patrick Vieira, Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong and Yaya Touré and see the Blues finish in a third place before the international break.

‘They have some tough players in the midfield and we have some as well so it is going to be really tough in there and there is going to be movement all over the pitch,’ Essien said. ‘It is going to be physical and it is always hard playing Man City. They will come here and make things difficult for us but with the players we have got and playing in front of our fans, hopefully that will give us the advantage to go out there and get the three points.’

One player Essien is pleased will be alongside him in midfield if he is selected, is Ramires who is now a regular in the side midway through his first season in England.

‘Ramires has adapted to the Premier League now and you can see he has been doing great for us,’ Essien praises. ‘With his energy and his pace and his movement going forward, it is good to have him in the team.’