Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who hasn’t played since the World Cup, is still out with a shoulder injury, so Kepa Arrizabalaga will again start.N’Golo Kante and Reece James are among those still sidelined with injury.
Manchester City will be without Ruben Dias, who has a hamstring problem, while Aymeric Laporte’s back issue will be assessed.Forward Julian Alvarez could feature for the first time since winning the World Cup with Argentina.
Head-to-head
Manchester City are aiming to win four consecutive matches against Chelsea for the first time.City have won seven of the 10 most recent Premier League meetings, losing the other three.
Chelsea have failed to score in their last three encounters in all competitions, losing each time.
The teams will meet again in the FA Cup third round at Etihad Stadium on Chelsea.
Chelsea have lost just one of their past 11 Premier League home games (W6, D4).
They have only failed to scored once in their last 23 league fixtures at Stamford Bridge.The Blues have lost five of their 16 Premier League matches this campaign, only one short of their final tally for last season.
Chelsea have scored 20 Premier League goals this season, one fewer than the division’s leading goalscorer, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
