EPL: Man City, Chelsea To Play Prelude Of Champions League

Manchester City and Chelsea will meet on Saturday in the English Premier League to play out a prelude to Europe's Elite competition final, the Champions League later in May.

City can wrap up a fifth Premier League title in 10 years with victory, cementing their place as the dominant force in English football over the past decade since money began flowing in from Abu Dhabi to build a dynasty on the field.

Chelsea's transformation under Thomas Tuchel has taken them to a third Champions League final since their own transformational takeover when Roman Abramovich bought the Blues in 2003.

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However, the Blues are still paying for a slow start to the season under Frank Lampard with their place in next season's Champions League far from guaranteed.

Tuchel's men are fourth in the Premier League, three points clear of surprise top-four challengers West Ham.

But should City seal the title in style and lay down a marker for Istanbul, Tottenham and Liverpool are also not out of the running for the top four.

READ ALSO: Man City Almost Crowned EPL Champions With Crystal's Defeat

Chelsea ended City's quest for a quadruple of trophies when they last met just three weeks ago in the FA Cup semifinals

However, that 1-0 win at Wembley was against a shadow City side as Pep Guardiola prioritised progressing in the Champions League.

A key to both clubs' success has been their strength in depth and both managers could make several changes this weekend after the exertions of seeing off Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in midweek.

FULHAM, WEST BROM ON THE BRINK

The battle to beat the drop is far less competitive and could be decided this weekend if Fulham and West Brom fail to win.

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce admitted his side need a "magic miracle and some fairy dust" to avoid the drop as they are 10 points adrift of safety with just 12 left to play for.

READ ALSO: Fulham's Survival Instincts Sting Liverpool's Top 4 Chase

Allardyce has never previously been relegated from the Premier League in spells with Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Everton, but the great escape has been beyond him at the Baggies.

West Brom's fate could be sealed at Arsenal on Sunday, while Fulham host Burnley on Monday.