Manchester City's Etihad Stadium to reach 3rd-highest capacity in Premier League

Manchester City has successfully increased the Etihad Stadium's capacity to 55,097, giving the stadium the third-highest capacity in the English Premier League, according to ESPNFC.

The club held a test event during an open training session Wednesday and passed safety standards, earning a safety certificate that allows Manchester City to increase its home capacity by just under 8000 seats. The increase in seating follows construction on the stadium's south side.

While only 5000 fans attended the open training session, nearly 10 times as many are expected Sunday, when Manuel Pellegrini's men take on Premier League champion Chelsea.

At 55,097, City will sit behind only behind Manchester United's Old Trafford (75,635) and Arsenal's Emirates Stadium (60,272) in capacity in the league.