Bridge and Terry to start

Wayne Bridge and John Terry have been named to play from the start as Manchester City meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today.

Bridge released a statement earlier this week confirming he would not make himself available for England selection, claiming his position in the squad had become “untenable” and “potentially divisive” following Terry’s alleged affair with his former partner Vanessa Perroncel.

The duo, who were good friends when they played together at Chelsea, are set to be the centre of attention in today’s Premier League lunchtime kick-off.

Of particular interest is whether they would shake hands, as is the traditional pre-match formality in the top flight.

Chelsea: Hilario, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Malouda, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Joe Cole.

Subs: Turnbull, Paulo Ferreira, Kalou, Sturridge, Matic, Alex, Belletti.

Man City: Given, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Bridge, Zabaleta, De Jong, Barry, Bellamy, Tevez, Adam Johnson.

Subs: Taylor, Onuoha, Wright-Phillips, Santa Cruz, Sylvinho, Toure, Ibrahim.

Referee: Mike Dean.