Branislav Ivanovic has insisted that Chelsea are ready for the showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium tonight.

Jose Mourinho's men travel to Eastlands knowing that defeat would leave them with a six-point deficit to recover from if they are to win the Premier League this term.

"This is the biggest challenge for us this season but I think we are ready for it," the defender told Sky Sports News.

"When you want to win the title, you never win it in the one game, so you have to play hard all season long.

"But for us it's a massive game and the crucial game for us this season is this one against Man City."

Tonight's encounter is scheduled to kick off at 8pm.