Manchester City’s bid to qualify for the Champions League (20/21 Premier League Without Big Four) has taken a blow after star striker Emmanuel Adebayor was hit with a four-game ban for being sent off in the FA Cup defeat at Stoke on Wednesday night.

The Togo star was dismissed on 83 minutes after catching Potters centre-half Ryan Shawcross which has now ruled the former Arsenal ace out of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea (City 11/2 to win) as well as further Premier League games against Sunderland (a), Fulham (a) and Wigan (h).

Adebayor was suspended for four games rather than the usual three as it is the second time he has been found guilty of violent conduct this season following an infamous bust-up with former Gunners team-mate Robin van Persie.

City boss Roberto Mancini now has problems up front after Carlos Tevez’s recent absence because of personal problems plus the alleged clash with fiery Wales international Craig Bellamy.

Tevez has now returned from Argentina but it remains to be seen how fit the Argentina star is for tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off at Stamford Bridge where all eyes will be on Wayne Bridge as he comes up against John Terry.

The Blues (4/9 to win) will be without first-choice keeper Petr Cech because of a calf problem while Patrick Vieira completes a three-game ban for the visitors.

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