DE BRUYNE TURNING HEAT ON CHELSEA
KEVIN DE BRUYNE has warned Chelsea that another wobble in the title race could open the door to Tottenham and the rest of the Premier League’s chasing pack. Chelsea’s shock home defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend has given their rivals renewed hope as Antonio Conte’s side prepare to face fourthplaced Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tonight. And De Bruyne believes that a second setback in five days will put the leaders under the kind of pressure they have not experienced until now. ‘I don’t think they will be shaken,’ said the City star. ‘They are professionals who know how to cope with a loss. It happens. ‘But they will try to win because if they lose and Tottenham win, then maybe they have a little bit of pressure that they haven’t had throughout the whole season until now. ‘Even if it’s very difficult (for City), it’s still possible mathematically. We will play Chelsea and try to win the game.’ De Bruyne’s shot off the bar against Chelsea at the Etihad in December was a pivotal moment in that match and, arguably, their season. Chelsea recovered to win 3-1 and City then dropped further behind when they lost their next league game at Leicester. Manager Pep Guardiola recalled: ‘We finished the game against Chelsea four points down and, I saw the game many times. ‘We were much, much better. We deserved to win. At that moment it was one point, then we go to Leicester without Sergio (Aguero). Another three and soon it’s ten points.’ Aguero was suspended after he was sent off for a reckless challenge on Chelsea’s David Luiz, and Fernandinho followed for pushing Cesc Fabregas in the ensuing melee. Guardiola is confident both players will keep their cool tonight. ‘What happened with Sergio and Fernandinho was our frustration,’ he added. ‘They are nice guys, and the way we play there is no doubt about that.’ Kick-off: 8pm Etihad Stadium. TV: LIVE BT Sport 1. Referee: Mike Dean.