Chief football writer Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge

"The world will be watching Stamford Bridge today. There are 26 television crews and commentary teams from around the globe here at Chelsea, eclipsing the Premier League record of 19 when Manchester City played Manchester United back in 2012."

This is how the table will look if Chelsea win...

...and this is how it will look if Manchester City win...

Image source, Man City

...a draw and the gap will remain at five points.

What will it be come the end of 90 minutes?

Exclusive: It would be a tragedy for the Premier League if Chelsea opened an eight-point gap. Come on Manchester City! (from a Liverpool supporter)

Joshua Kwanya: Missing Cesc Fabregas in this one is a big blow.

Kahill: That Chelsea bench though... Ruben Loftus-Cheek to score the winner!

Join the debate by using #bbcfootball, external on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page, external or Google+ page., external

Ben Smith
BBC Sport

"A record 26 broadcasters at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea v Manchester City. Estimated global audience: 650m."

How big is this game? Well Kazakhstan TV have apparently sent a commentary team for this one. Global.

Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Chelsea aren't exactly tearing up trees just now.

"Their League Cup semi-final win over Liverpool was hard won, laced with a little good fortune, and came at a cost; Branislav Ivanovic, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis were among the wounded and Diego Costa is on the FA's naughty step.

"Taking five points from their last four league games has been careless from City, undoing the good work of December and allowing Chelsea to reopen a gap at the top.

"If Chelsea win and extend that advantage to eight points, no doubt there'll be a school of thought intent on handing Jose Mourinho the title already."

So is this to be the game that will define the title race?

Manuel Pellegrini does not think so, with the Manchester City boss saying pre-match: "Neither one of the teams can be sure that the winner is the champion as there are 45 more points to play for after today."

True enough, but if Chelsea win then an eight-point deficit will be difficult to grind down...

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 live: "Frank Lampard has been an incredible player. The goals he has scored have been unbelievable and the fact he can still have an influence is great.

"No one can replace Frank Lampard's goals at Chelsea"

Frank Lampard makes his first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving the club in the summer when Manchester City visit on Saturday. Will he still be a Blues hero come the final whistle?

Image source, PA

Although, not every Chelsea fan feels quite the same as those in the previous entry...

The teams are being read out over the speakers and Frank Lampard's name gets a cheer from the home fans who are inside Stamford Bridge at the moment. A group of Chelsea fans also stretch out a banner with the words "Frank Lampard, forever in our hearts". Aww, that's nice.

I wonder if the sentiment will remain if he scores today? Lampard averages a Premier League goal every 79 minutes so far this season - better than Sergio Aguero or Diego Costa.

Fancy him to bag a late winner?

Former Wales striker John Hartson

"If Chelsea win today they will be eight points clear with 15 games to go. That would put them in a really strong position. They would have to lose three out of their remaining games, to give Manchester City any chance of catching them. Can you see Chelsea doing that? I'm not so sure. City have to avoid defeat today at the very least."

Chelsea are top, Manchester City are second. But if only we had a handy graphic to show exactly what their respective league records are and how they stand against each other... Oh wait, hang on... Ta da!

Image source, Getty Images

Chief football writer Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge

"The Premier League game of the season so far - and Chelsea will feel they would take a giant stride towards the title if they get the win that would give them an eight-point lead over Manchester City.

"Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has opted for Loic Remy instead of Didier Drogba in attack in place of suspended leading scorer Diego Costa, who is serving a three-match ban for stamping on Liverpool's Emre Can in the Capital One Cup semi-final in midweek.

"Some surprise at the Manchester City line-up, which sees Bacary Sagna start and Pablo Zabaleta on the bench."

Image source, Getty Images

"I have said since before the season started that Chelsea are the best team in the Premier League and I expect them to prove it on Saturday." Not my words, but the words of BBC columnist Robbie Savage. Here are some more of his thoughts on today's game...

"It is not a game Chelsea need to win, because they are already five points clear, but I think Mourinho will want to make a statement by beating City. For me, the result is more important for Pellegrini because his predecessor Roberto Mancini was sacked after a trophyless season in 2012-13.

"City are already out of both domestic cups and if they lose this weekend, as I expect them to, then the title race is effectively over. That would mean Pellegrini might have to win the Champions League to keep his job."

Image source, Getty Images

Now I like David Silva... and I like Eden Hazard. But which one is better? There's only one to decide it... a video analysis by BBC football analyst Pat Nevin.

And if it's still level after that, a fight!

Gambeano Snitch: Kurt Zouma over Gary Cahill? I fancy Sergio Aguero to bag a couple today.

James Watt: As a Chelsea fan, looking at our bench we look weak. The only game changer is Drogba. Are Schurrle and Salah on their way out?

Join the debate by using #bbcfootball, external on Twitter, text us on 81111 (UK only), or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page, external or Google+ page., external

Chief football writer Phil McNulty at Stamford Bridge

No "welcome back" from Jose Mourinho for Frank Lampard as he returns to Chelsea with Manchester City today. Some very short and sweet programme notes end with a rather emotional: "I love this game, I love these players and I love this club. Come on Chelsea!

John Terry does not forget his old team-mate, however, saying: "Welcome back to Frank Lampard today, a Chelsea legend and a huge part of our history. In terms of consistency him, Petr (Cech), Dids (Drogba) are up there as the best I've played with at this club - he was brilliant for us, year after year, over the 13 seasons he had at Chelsea."

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Everton assistant manager Steve Round on BBC Radio 5 live: "Yaya Toure's a powerful and direct player and that's what gets Manchester City the wins.

"I saw Yaya against Sunderland a few weeks ago and he scored a wonderful goal. Having him missing is a massive blow for City. It's like there are two of him on the pitch at times!"

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 live: "Yaya Toure is a massive threat so he's going to be incredibly difficult to replace for City in this game.

"And looking further ahead, who would they replace him with if he was to leave? There's nobody else out there."