How Manchester City could line up against Chelsea

Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a match manager Pep Guardiola has described as a "final".

The champions returned to the summit of the Premier League table with a midweek win over Everton, although the destiny of the title remains out of their hands having played a game more than Liverpool.

Any slip-up against Chelsea - who have already beaten City once this season - would hand the Reds an even bigger advantage in the title race, so only a win will do for the hosts.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Guardiola could line his side up for the contest.

Out: Vincent Kompany (muscle), Claudio Bravo (Achilles) Doubtful: Benjamin Mendy (knee)

> Click here for the latest Man City injury and suspension news

Man City remain hopeful that Benjamin Mendy could be fit to return this weekend after missing the last four games due to his knee flaring up following his comeback from a lengthy injury.

The Frenchman may not be thrown straight into the starting XI for such a big game, though, particularly as Aymeric Laporte has impressed at left-back in the past two games, picking up an assist and a goal in those matches.

Nicolas Otamendi could therefore start once again, while the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling will be hopeful of recalls to the side after being rested against Everton in midweek.

Bernardo Silva has established himself as one of Guardiola's most trusted players, but he played the full 90 minutes against both Arsenal and Everton and therefore may be rested for this one.

Sergio Aguero is expected to lead the line once again, despite Gabriel Jesus coming off the bench to make sure of the points at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

> Click here to see how Chelsea could line up for this fixture