Juan Mata has said that Chelsea do not fear Premier League leaders Manchester City and that the title race is wide open.

Chelsea have enjoyed back-to-back victories against Newcastle and Valencia going in to tonight's clash with City at Stamford Bridge.

"City are the leaders and are playing well, so we have the ultimate respect for what they are doing," the 23-year-old said.

"But do we fear them? Not at all. At the moment City have a big lead but it is difficult to believe that they will keep winning every game like they have been so far.

"Even though we are now 10 points behind them, it's definitely not impossible for us to catch them. The title is not decided for another six months and if we can beat City it will give everyone a lot more confidence."

Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League with 28 points from 14 games.