Manchester City‘s winning run came to an end at Sunderland on New Year’s Day and Pep Guardiola will be eager for his side to register a big three points against Chelsea this afternoon.
The goalless draw at the Stadium of Light ended a streak of eight successive victories that have seen City emerge from the pack to be the closest challengers to leaders Arsenal.
It has been a week of turmoil at Chelsea with the departure of boss Enzo Maresca – partly, if rumours are to be believed, due to him holding talks with City about replacing Guardiola in the summer.
Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane will take the team until a permanent successor for Maresca is appointed.