February 24th, 2013

Colin Murray introduces highlights of the day's two Premier League fixtures: the top-of-the-table meeting between Manchester City and Chelsea, and Newcastle's game with fellow strugglers Southampton. Samir Nasri's late winner for Manchester City in last season's corresponding fixture against Chelsea kept them firmly in the title race and they were in need of a repeat of that result today. The two sides contested a drab goalless draw earlier in the season, memorable only for the hostile reception from Chelsea's supporters toward the club's new manager Rafa Benitez. Chelsea's subsequent exit from all cup competitions has hardly appeased the fans, and the deposed European champions cannot afford to falter in their quest for Champions League qualification. In the day's other game, Newcastle and Southampton were looking for the three points that would help them move away from relegation danger.