New Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez begins his term at Stamford Bridge with a mouth-watering clash against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.

It's a tough test for the former Liverpool boss, who replaced Roberto Di Matteo on Wednesday, as he attempts to win over a host of supporters who have yet to give the Spaniard their backing.

Chelsea sit third in the league table, while City currently top the standings following their 5-0 rout over Aston Villa last weekend.

Benitez is likely to opt for Fernando Torres, with who he reunited this week following both of their stints at Anfield, up front, while Eden Hazard and Juan Mata are expected to provide support from the wide areas.

Roberto Mancini is likely to place Sergio Aguero up top, while Joleon Lescott could return to the fray in defence and Carlos Tevez could once again be handed a spot on the bench.

Recent form:

Chelsea: WLDDL

Man City: WWDWW

Possible lineups:

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Hazard, Oscar, Mata; Torres

Man City: Hart; Maicon, Nastasic, Lescott, Zabaleta; Toure, Garcia; Silva, Nasri, Tevez; Aguero

Sports Mole says: 1-2