Diego Costa Charged By FA, May Miss Match Against City

Chelsea's Diego Costa has been a terrific goal scorer this season, propelling Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table. But Costa's antics on the field have been well documented, with his stomp to the leg of Liverpool's Emre Can resulting in a charge from the FA, one that could have major implications for for Saturday's match between City and Chelsea.

According to a statement by the FA, Costa has been charged for violent conduct in the 12th minute of yesterday's League Cup semifinal match with Liverpool. Costa put his studs right into the leg of Can, but was not penalized for the reckless play during the match itself.

Costa now faces a three match ban for his transgressions, a ban that would see him miss Saturday's match against City. Whether or not Costa accepts the charge against him, a ruling will be made in time for Saturday, one that may provide a huge boost to City heading into their most important match of the season to date.

Should Costa's ban indeed take effect in time for Saturday's showdown at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea would have to rely on Loic Remy or Didier Drogba up front, which would make life a little easier on a City defense that has certainly needed some help as of late.

Combine Chelsea's potential loss of Costa with City possibly getting Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony back in time for this clash of the Premier League titans, and it is safe to say that City's fortunes may have turned without them even stepping onto the field.