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While City aims to close the gap with Liverpool at the top, Chelsea is hoping to improve their chances of securing a top-seven finish. City has been on a remarkable winning streak, winning their last 11 matches across all competitions, including a recent 3-1 victory over Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Their focus now shifts back to the Premier League title race, where they trail Liverpool by two points. City has been formidable at home, unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League games at the Etihad and winning six of their last eight home meetings with Chelsea.
However, City's defense has been porous, conceding in 11 of their last 13 Premier League games. They'll need to tighten up against a Chelsea side that has shown attacking prowess, scoring eight goals in their last three matches.
Chelsea's season has been marked by inconsistency, but they're still within reach of European football next season. Despite their mid-table position, they're only two points behind seventh-placed Newcastle United and seven points behind sixth-placed Manchester United, both of whom they are yet to play at home.
Chelsea's recent form has shown flashes of brilliance, with important wins over Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. However, they face a tough challenge against City, against whom they haven't won in their last seven meetings. Additionally, Chelsea has struggled defensively against City, conceding in 18 of their last 19 Premier League encounters.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester City will be without defender Josko Gvardiol for two to three weeks due to an ankle ligament injury. Ahead of kickoff, Jack Grealish (muscle), Bernardo Silva (ankle), Mateo Kovacic (knee), and Sergio Gomez (unspecified) will undergo assessments to determine their availability.In Gvardiol's absence, Nathan Ake is expected to continue on the left side of defense. Ruben Dias could partner either John Stones or Manuel Akanji at center-back, with the possibility of Akanji moving into midfield alongside Rodri.
In the attacking lineup, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden are competing for a start on the left wing if Grealish is unable to play. Julian Alvarez hopes to return to the starting XI after being rested, but faces competition from Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, if fit. They would play behind Erling Haaland, who scored twice against Chelsea earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea awaits Thiago Silva's fitness assessment after he sustained a groin injury against Palace. Levi Colwill could return to partner Axel Disasi at center-back.
Benoit Badiashile is sidelined with a groin issue, and Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu are also nursing injuries.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino may opt to use Cole Palmer as a false nine or move him back to the right flank. This decision is yet to be confirmed. Alternatively, Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku could lead the line, with Nkunku coming off a hat-trick performance for RB Leipzig in his last visit to the Etihad.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Fernandez, Caicedo; Palmer, Gallagher, Jackson; Nkunku
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 4-2 Chelsea
Yet, it's hard to bet against Manchester City, who are in formidable form as they chase the title. With a strong home record at the Etihad and a wealth of in-form forwards, City is favored to secure their seventh consecutive Premier League win.
