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Stuart Pearce: This Chelsea star will be key in beating Manchester City
DIEGO COSTA will be key in helping Chelsea beat Manchester City this weekend, according to Stuart Pearce.
Manchester City vs Chelsea - Premier League match preview
Chelsea travel to the Etihad on Saturday (12.30pm) looking to extend their one-point lead over Manchester City in the title race.
Diego Costa has been one of Chelsea's stand-out performers to help the Blues to top of the Premier League, with 10 goals to his name in 13 appearances.
And former Man City defender Pearce believes the Spain international has the full package going into the top-of-the-table clash.
Diego Costa has been in red-hot form for Chelsea this season
When asked who the key man for Chelsea will be, Pearce said: "The unstoppable Costa, at this moment in time.
"For me, he's got everything. The only thing he hasn't got is the ability to go past somebody one-on-one like a [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo.
"Apart from that he's got a great work ethic for the team, he's got a great eye for a goal, he links play, his movement's clever.
"He's got everything, he is so key for Chelsea."
Diego Costa will be key for Antonio Conte's side at Manchester City
Pearce believes Chelsea have a good chance of remaining top at the turn of year, with West Brom, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Stoke all coming after City.
He added: "If you take Chelsea, seven victories on the bounce, their next games after this one after really key matches. Five games, all winnable.
"If they can get a result, whether it be a point or three, come New Year's Days they'll be top of the league."
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