Eliaquim Mangala claims that Diego Costa does try to provoke his opponents – but insists it's irrelevant if Chelsea’s combative striker is allowed to play in Saturday’s title clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Costa will face a FA disciplinary hearing on Friday to contest a charge of violent conduct after it was alleged that he deliberately stamped on Emre Can in Chelsea’s Capital One Cup semi-final win over Liverpool in midweek. The Spain striker, who also clashed with Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard in a bad-tempered encounter, faces a three-game ban if found guilty – starting with the game against champions City.
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Eliaquim Mangala insists Diego Costa's availability is irrelevant to him
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Costa could miss Saturday's game through suspension for alleged stamp
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Spanish striker will learn fate at FA disciplinary hearing on Friday
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Mangala admits Manchester City will need to win to keep title dreams alive
Chelsea's @placeholder (right) almost comes to blows with Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard
We need to close the gap with @placeholder and the best way to do that is to get a win in Stamford Bridge.