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Well, we're here folks: the big one. So big, in fact, that this match will apparently set a new broadcasting record. According to the official site, an estimated amount of 650 million homes in 175 countries will have access to this match. This also includes a new record of 26 Premier League rights holders being present at the match to beam it all around the world. As many may recall, the derby of all derbies in April of 2012 (the 1-0 win over United en route to the title) set the previous record... and that was a 'mere' 19 total rights holders at that one. Simply staggering.
Anyways, as such, the match will be found live virtually everywhere. In the UK it's on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Go Extra. Stateside it's on NBC ('the' NBC, not NBCSN. That's right, we're a big deal.) and Premier League Live Extra. And in Australia it's on Fox Sports 4 Australia. Full global listings found here.
On to the lineups:
TEAM NEWS @MCFC: Hart, Sagna, Kompany (C), Demichelis, Clichy, Navas, Fernando, Fernandinho, Milner, Silva, Aguero #chelseavcity
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) January 31, 2015
Team to face Man City (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Ramires, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Remy. #CFCvMCFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 31, 2015
SUBS NEWS @MCFC: Caballero, Zabaleta, Boyata, Kolarov, Lampard, Jovetic, Dzeko #chelseavcity
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) January 31, 2015
Only one real oddity of note. And that's Sagna in for Zaba. Perhaps Zaba's poor record against Hazard is the reason for this? Otherwise the lineup is not too surprising, and the bench is strong.
Chelsea's lineup is what one would expect with their injuries and suspensions, except for Kurt Zouma stepping in for Gary Cahill. This is a bold move by Mourinho who typically rolls out the same starting XI so long as the 'campaign' is rolling along smoothly. Let's hope it backfires. Loic Remy gets the start over Didier Drogba, too.
Thoughts on the match? How are we feeling about Navas? Late Lampard winner? Comment away...