Manchester City host Chelsea in the first Premier League mega-clash of the season.

Manchester City host Chelsea in the first Premier League mega-clash of the season... but which side comes out on top as we rate their likely line-ups ahead of kick-off?

Manchester City host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon

Match will be an early indicator as to how the two teams will fare this year

City's £49m summer signing Raheem Sterling is set to start at the Etihad

Hosts began the season with victory, while champions Chelsea only drew

The fixture generator has thrown up this giant clash between Manchester City and Chelsea on only the second weekend of the season.

It is far too early to have a real impact on the title race, but neither of the champions of the previous two years will want to leave empty-handed.

The summer has been quiet for Jose Mourinho - frustratingly so, given his outburst last weekend - while Manuel Pellegrini has made the most high-profile signing of the window in Raheem Sterling.

Where does it leave them? Sportsmail takes a look at each of their likely starting line-ups to see who comes out on top.

GOALKEEPER

Joe Hart (Manchester City)

On his day, there are no better goalkeepers playing right now - but Hart’s lack of consistency places him in that level just below the world’s best. Which one will turn up against Chelsea?

Manchester City will be hoping that Joe Hart is at his commanding best in goal against Chelsea

Asmir Begovic (Chelsea) - 7.5

A huge blow not to have Thiabaut Courtois available for such a crunch match, but Begovic is an able deputy.

Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will face a stern test keeping the Manchester City attack at bay on Sunday

RIGHT BACK

Bacary Sagna (Manchester City) - 7.5

The 32-year-old’s best playing days are behind him and Eden Hazard will be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on Sagna out on Chelsea’s left flank.

Bacary Sagna (left) knows he is in for a tough afternoon in defence as he tries to contain Eden Hazard

Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) - 8

An uncharacteristically shaky match in Chelsea’s season opener against Swansea. The Serbian will be keen to make amends against City, so expect the usual warrior-like performance to return.

Branislav Ivanovic (left) had an uncharacteristically shaky match in Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Swansea

CENTRE BACK

Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) - 8

City’s captain is still the beating heart whose energy pumps through the rest of the team. Will be crucial in dealing with Diego Costa.

Vincent Kompany headed home Manchester City's third in their 3-0 win at West Brom on Monday night

Gary Cahill (Chelsea) - 8

Their vice-captain was part of the leanest defence in the league on the way to winning it last season. Despite having his critics, undoubtedly one of the league’s best centre backs.

Gary Cahill (left) was a key component of Chelsea's defence last season as they won the Premier League title

CENTRE BACK

Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City) - 7

Still unproven after moving to the club for £32million a year ago and struggling with the price tag. Teams even targeted him as a weak point in City’s defence last season. Talented, but unreliable.

John Terry (Chelsea) - 8

The 34-year-old is making every effort to prolong his career and even in the twilight of it there are still few better. If Sergio Aguero starts, his pace could cause Terry problems.

Yaya Toure (Manchester City) - 8

Demonstrated against West Bromwich Albion in their opening game of the season that he can still turn it on when some have questioned the 32-year-old’s legs for this campaign.

Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea) - 8.5

He will be vying with Silva for the title of pass master in central midfield. Last season’s assist king has the range and accuracy to match his counterpart.

David Silva (Manchester City) - 8.5

City are reliant on his intricate passing genius to unlock defences. Linked up superbly with Toure against West Brom.

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) - 9

Racing to be fit for the tie after playing in the Copa America and therefore missing City’s pre-season matches. Pellegrini will be hoping the Argentine who struck 26 Premier League goals last campaign will be ready.