Ahead of Man City’s crucial fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, what effect will each possible result have on the title race?

Manchester United are not used to being the butt of a joke, but after their dour 0-0 FA Cup draw against Cambridge United, Cheltenham Town fans have jumped at the chance to poke fun with a billboard.

Man City will pay the Costa if stars fail to step up in the absence of Yaya Toure in Saturday’s crucial top of the table clash with Chelsea, says Pellegrini.

The Dutchman raised eyebrows upon announcing he had three captains, but this weekend only Wayne Rooney will be available as Michael Carrick prepares for a month on the sidelines.

City hosted Championship side Middlesbrough at the Etihad on Saturday and it was Aitor Karanka’s men who grabbed a famous 2-0 victory.

Despite being watched by an average crowd of just less than 3,500 this season, Rochdale fans have turned out in force as the club prepare to take on top-flight opposition for the first time in 10 years.

With a crucial Premier League game against league leaders Chelsea just a week away, Manuel Pellegrini might have been tempted to rest some of his stars against Championship side Middlesbrough in the FA Cup fourth round.

The Premier League champions shelled out £30million on Ivorian forward Wilfried Bony as transfer deadline day approaches but here is MM’s take on other movement in the market.

A poll by bookmaker William Hill to identify the most ‘weather hardened fans’ gave United 23% of the vote – not surprisingly coming behind the Premier League’s two North-East sides Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Lampard was seen receiving treatment for a muscle injury before City took on Hamburg in an Abu Dhabi friendly but the 36-year-old asked his manager to let him play.

Bury manager David Flitcroft has urged the Premier League to support the professionalisation of referees in the Football League after criticising the standard of officiating.