Chelsea could well have extended their lead even further

Chelsea play Queens Park Rangers at home in a 3pm Saturday kick off and should Jose Mourinho’s men get all three points, they will widen the gap between themselves and City to nine points.

Then the pressure is really on Pellegrini and his men – and they simply would not be able to afford to lose the derby.

That could well lead to players buckling under pressure or City having to chase a winner and leaving space at the back for United to exploit.