How Manchester City could line up against Chelsea

Manchester City will be aiming to win their third successive Premier League game for the first time this season when they travel to Chelsea for their first fixture of 2021.

The Citizens eased to a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in their most recent game on Boxing Day, but a proposed midweek clash with Everton had to be postponed following a number of coronavirus cases at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Sunday's game is expected to go ahead as planned, and City will endeavour to improve on their eighth-placed standing as they face a Chelsea side who also boast 26 points at this stage of the season.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Man City could line up for their clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Out: Eric Garcia (muscle), Ederson (coronavirus), Kyle Walker (coronavirus), Gabriel Jesus (coronavirus) Doubtful: Ilkay Gundogan (ankle)

> Click here for Manchester City's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that five COVID-positive players will miss out here. Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus are still self-isolating as they recover from coronavirus, while Ederson seemingly revealed on social media that he is also quarantined in the wake of City's outbreak, but the identities of the other two players have not been disclosed.

As a result, Zack Steffen could be handed his Premier League debut in between the sticks at Stamford Bridge, while Joao Cancelo - who is thought to be fit and well despite rumours that he had also contracted COVID-19 - will deputise for Walker.

John Stones's revival has kept Aymeric Laporte out of the team in recent weeks and he is set to partner Ruben Dias in the heart of Pep Guardiola's defence once more, while Benjamin Mendy should return to the fold after being benched against Newcastle.

Ilkay Gundogan reassured supporters that he was OK after taking a couple of blows to the ankle on Boxing Day, so the German should be given the green light to line up alongside Rodri in the Citizens' midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne has not enjoyed the most prolific of festive periods but he will be desperate to show his former club what they are missing this weekend, meaning that Phil Foden will likely be restricted to another substitute appearance if he does take to the field.

Sergio Aguero has struggled with injury all season, but the Argentine's record against Chelsea speaks for itself and he will endeavour to strike for the 16th time against the Blues on Sunday with Jesus sidelined.

Aguero's probable return means that Ferran Torres will likely drop out despite his goal against Newcastle, although the Spaniard will be battling Riyad Mahrez for a spot on the right flank, while Raheem Sterling is set to complete Guardiola's XI on the left-hand side.