Jose Mourinho has played down the significance of his Chelsea side losing at Manchester City, insisting that such a scenario will not influence where the title goes.
The Premier League champions take on City at Eastlands this afternoon on the back of a lacklustre 2-2 draw with Swansea City in their 2015-16 opener last Saturday.
With Manuel Pellegrini's side beating West Bromwich Albion on Monday, a home victory would see the 2014 champions move five points clear of Mourinho's men.
"I see a big game...the champions against the former champions," the Portuguese boss told Sky Sports News.
"It's two candidates for the title but it is the second fixture of the season and there are 36 matches still to go after this.
"The reality is the winner gets three points and stops a direct opponent from getting three points.To win this game we have to defend very well, we have to keep a clean sheet."
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Shane Callaghan
