Zabaleta fears Benitez factor

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta fears Chelsea could be at their most dangerous on Sunday.

The Argentinian believes the appointment of Rafael Benitez as interim manager after a week of turmoil at Stamford Bridge could spark the Londoners back into life.

That is something the champions and Barclays Premier League leaders are wary of ahead of their trip to west London on Sunday.

Zabaleta said: "It's a difficult moment for them, but they now have a new manager in Rafa Benitez.

"When they are in a moment like this, it might seem they are easier to play against, but a new manager can make old players fresh again.

"Benitez has experience in the Premier League so it will be a really tough game for us."

Chelsea began the month as Premier League leaders but have slipped to third after a run of four games without a win.

That sequence piled the pressure on manager Roberto Di Matteo and he was then axed by the club after defeat to Juventus on Tuesday seriously damaged their Champions League prospects.

City's own hopes of progressing in the elite European competition were ended on Wednesday when they drew 1–1 with Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.

Roberto Mancini's men will hope to put the disappointment behind them as they turn their attention back to their title defence, in which they remain unbeaten and well on course.

City moved to the top of the league for the first time this season with a 5–0 demolition of Aston Villa last weekend.

And Zabaleta said: "we are top and play the team that is third, so it is an important game for us.

“We need to keep working hard for our unbeaten record.

“If we can get three points at Stamford Bridge it would be great for us."