Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has suggested that Sunday's clash with Chelsea is already a must-win game for the Premier League champions.

Chelsea's perfect start to the new campaign has earned them a five-point advantage over City, who currently sit fifth in the table, and Fernandinho is adamant that Manuel Pellegrini's side must not lose further ground on their title rivals.

"In the Premier League the most important thing is not to give the team at the top of the table reasons to keep winning game after game," the Brazilian told reporters.

"We don't want a big space between us. We have to win because there are five points difference between us and Chelsea. We have to shorten it.

"Against Chelsea we have to win, to keep working and keep going until we are top of the table."

Man City lost both of their league games to Chelsea last season.