Man City XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed lineup, team news, Covid, injuries for Premier League game today

Chelsea take to the Etihad this afternoon for a huge Premier League title showdown with Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side can all but end any distant hope Thomas Tuchel’s team still have of catching them atop England’s elite division and, while there have been Covid issues in the City camp, the strength of their XI against Swindon in the FA Cup would suggest there are plenty of stellar options available.

Riyad Mahrez, though, is away on international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva all played in the FA Cup romp and, while Cole Palmer impressed, the youngster does not feature in the squad. Along with Nathan Ake, he is not match fit for this game.

Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo; Sterling, Foden, Grealish.

Subs: Steffen, Dias, Gundogan, Jesus, Fernandinho, Mbete, McAtee, Lavia, Wilson-Esbrand.

Kick-off time: 12.30pm GMT, Saturday January 15, 2022.

TV channel: BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.

Referee: Craig Pawson