Premier League rivalries: John Terry, Wayne Bridge's animosity underlines City vs Chelsea

With the international break drawing to a close, everyone's attention will now turn to the Premier League. After an action-packed Matchday 12 that witnessed league leaders Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the table at the expense of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola's men will now take on third-placed Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, November 23 (11:00 pm IST). As Manchester City gear up to face Chelsea this weekend, there will be a slight undertone of a controversy gone by. Back in 2010, when Chelsea hosted Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea captain John Terry's former teammate Wayne Bridge refused to shake hands with the Chelsea captain. The reason? An extramarital affair between John Terry and Wayne Bridge's former girlfriend.

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John Terry and Wayne Bridge's bitter rivalry

Following the affair, John Terry was stripped of his England captaincy. In turn, Wayne Bridge chose to withdraw from the England squad for the 2010 World Cup scheduled to be held in South Africa. Interestingly, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) offered to mediate the differences between the two. Both John Terry and Wayne Bridge, however, refused to participate in the mediation. Earlier this year, John Terry and Wayne Bridge were both in attendance in February 2019 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United beat Chelsea in the FA Cup.

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Controversy aside, Chelsea will fancy their chances as they visit the Etihad Stadium this weekend. After 12 games, the Premier League table is starting to take some shape. However, Manchester City will not be too content with their fourth-place position in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola's side succumbed to a 3-1 loss to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in their last Premier League game. They now find themselves trailing the league leaders by nine points. Chelsea, meanwhile, trail Liverpool by eight points and sit behind Leicester City on goal difference. 

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Frank Lampard will have another taste of facing the 'Big Six' in the Premier League after suffering defeats against Manchester United and Liverpool earlier this season. Chelsea have been defensively disappointing this season. They've conceded 17 goals already this season - as much as sixth-placed Arsenal. Manchester City, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their loss against Liverpool and look to regain some ground in the title race. 

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