Now, a sizable Yaya Touré-shaped hole gapes at the heart of Manuel Pellegrini's midfield - a void that has been rendered even more transparent by the poor form of Fernando.
The 27-year-old, brought in from FC Porto to strengthen City's midfield last summer, has failed to offer the solidity he was famed for in Portugal. The Brazilian has won just 37% of his duels this season, lower than any other City midfielder, and has been successful with only 24 of his 67 attempted tackles.
(Image via @Squawka)
It's no wonder the £12m signing is looking to Chelsea's Nemanja Matić for guidance. The Serbian's influence is often overshadowed by the respective creative feats of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, but Matić is the unflappable behemoth in Chelsea's engine room that makes them such a difficult team to break down.
Fernando and Matić were once rivals in Portugal, but the latter possesses the game-controlling qualities that the former lacks. Abrasiveness and uncertainty characterise the ex-Dragão, whilst composure and efficiency define the former Aguia.
"I played against Matic in Portugal several times and he is a really great player. He has so much quality," Fernando told Goal.com.
(Image via @WhoScored)
"There are not many players like him left now, I think, but he is one I try to look at and learn from as I try to improve the way I play that role. He has become incredibly important to Chelsea. I always try to watch these players."
Manchester City fans will be hoping the Brazilian impresses his idol on Saturday afternoon, but Frank Lampard could be handed a start against his former side for an extra dimension going forward.
(Lampard famously earned City a draw against his former club in September - image via @MCFC)
If Chelsea do manage to shield the Premier League title from Manchester for the first time since 2010, the sky blues may have their poor crossing to blame. Jesus Navas registered a total of 17 failed crosses in his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal 11 days ago and his struggles continued in City's FA Cup loss to Middlesbrough last weekend. However, Manuel Pellegrini is likely to persevere with the Spaniard tomorrow afternoon for his qualities on the counter attack.
José Mourinho could be without Diego Costa (suspension) and Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) in what would undoubtedly provide a confidence boost to an out-of-form Manchester City. The pair have been involved in 35% of Chelsea's goals this term and City's shaky defence that has conceded 11 goals in the last seven fixtures will be hoping for some relief.
Without two of his main goal threats, Mourinho could employ the backs-to-the-wall tactics that received so much criticism last season - but it would be a smart move from a manager whose side sit five points ahead at the top of the Premier League table.
I'm going for a 1-0 Chelsea win.
(A comparison of Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League this season - image via @Squawka)
- Chelsea (51) and City (45) are the league's top scorers
- Only Southampton (16) have conceded fewer goals than Chelsea (19)
- City (22) have the fourth best defensive record in the league
- City (310) have created more chances than any other side in the division
Potential line-ups
Chelsea
- Diego Costa is awaiting the results of his appeal and could be replaced by Loic Remy
- Cesc Fabregas will face a late fitness test despite training this week
- Eden Hazard could be Mourinho's main goal threat
Manchester City
- Frank Lampard's eye for goal may be preferred over the out-of-form Fernando
- James Milner's defensive qualities could be vital on the left flank
- Jesus Navas must improve his final ball if City are to clinch an important result
