Terry rested but Chelsea are confident of upset at Manchester City

Roberto Di Matteo, the caretaker manager, had no doubt yesterday that Chelsea could go toe-to-toe with City.

Roberto Di Matteo says Chelsea's squad is strong enough to win at Manchester City - even without their captain John Terry.

The final pre-match press conference Andre Villas-Boas held before being dismissed as the Chelsea manager saw the Portuguese brand City's playing pool "a lot better" than his own.

But Di Matteo, the caretaker manager, had no doubt yesterday that Chelsea could go toe-to-toe with City.

Di Matteo said Terry would miss the game after over-exerting himself in the two games he has played since knee surgery.

Asked if he believed Chelsea were capable of taking on City, Di Matteo said: "Yes, I do. I think we have a very good team and squad, a very strong one, and we've shown it over the years. The table shows that they [City] have won more games this season than we have. But, I think we are very competitive."

Meanwhile Chelsea have kicked Jacob Mellis out of the club after the midfielder admitted setting off a smoke grenade at their training ground on March 2.

The club confirmed they and the 21 year old had "parted company" following a full investigation into the incident.