Manchester City will entertain Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium today as the League toppers go head-to-head with the reigning champions.
The Citizens emerged victorious at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season on their trip to north London. After Defeating Antonio Conte’s side again, they will only require a maximum 12 more points to be crowned champions for a fifth time. Given City have dropped nine points all season and lost only once in the league under Guardiola, the odds are against Chelsea.
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Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Manchester United last time out allowed Tottenham to leapfrog the reigning champions, and Spurs beat Huddersfield yesterday to go five points clear of the champions in fourth.Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte admires rather than envies Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City boss builds a team for lasting success.
Team news:-
Kyle Walker will be assessed ahead of the home meeting with Chelsea after being forced off with a knock in the 3-0 win over Arsenal.
The England full-back limped out of Thursday's 3-0 win at Arsenal and is now a doubt for the visit of the reigning champions.
Raheem Sterling could also be absent as he overcomes a muscular problem, with Fernandinho (hamstring) and Benjamin Mendy (knee) definitely out and Fabian Delph banned.
Chelsea must do without defender David Luiz and midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, although new signing Ross Barkley returns to contention after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Predicted line-ups:-
Manchester City starting XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Otamendi, Danilo; Gundogan, Silva; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Sane; Aguero
Chelsea starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; Moses, Kante, Drinkwater, Alonso; Willian, Morata, Hazard