Manchester city have successfully staged a test event as part of regulations to raise the capacity of the Etihad in order to accommodate more fans. The club is now set to possess the third biggest stadium in the English Premier League with capacity of 55,097.

City stars including Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Yaya Toure and new signing Raheem Sterling took part in an open training session for both men’s and women’s teams on Wednesday in front of 5,000 people, which saw the club granted the safety certificate required to raise the capacity for the weekend’s clash with Chelsea.

The Etihad has undergone a large redevelopment project over the past year, which has included an addition to the South Stand of the stadium. With 55,097 fans now allowed at the stadium, City would set a new attendance record and move third on the list behind Manchester United’s Old Trafford (75,635) and Arsenal’s Emirates (60,272).

Newcastle’s St James’ Park will be knocked down to fourth with a capacity of 52,338, while Bournemouth’s Dean Court remains the lowest with 11,700.