However, the five changes made by the boss mean he is fielding one of the strongest teams available.
In come Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling, while Silva, Zinchenko and Otamendi drop to the bench.
Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo have knocks and Sergio Aguero has undergone knee surgery after hobbling off against Burnley.
Youngsters Tommy Doyle, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Cole Palmer are also on he bench this evening.
Starting XI:
Ederson, Walker, Mendy, Laporte, Fernandinho (c), Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Mahrez, Sterling
Subs: Carson, Jesus, Zinchenko, Sane, D Silva, Otamendi, Doyle, Harwood-Bellis, Palmer
Chelsea line up:
Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rüdiger, Alonso, Barkley, Kanté, Mount, Willian, Giroud, Pulisic
Substitutes: Jorginho, Abraham, Pedro,Loftus-Cheek,Caballero, Zouma, Kovacic, James, Gilmour
Team analysis:
It’s fair to say that professional pride means that City would like to delay confirmation of Liverpool’s coronation for as long as possible.
Anything but a win for Pep’s men and Liverpool will not be able to be caught.
What is clear from tonight’s side is that City want to remain Premier League champions for as long as possible.
Victory for City will mean the Merseysiders having to wait for a little while longer and, with Pep’s men hosting Jurgen Klopp’s side the game after this, perhaps even longer.
There is still work to be done to confirm a Champions League berth and the runners-up spot and Chelsea represent the toughest challenge yet since the Premier League restart.
Sitting in fourth, this is a huge game for Frank Lampard’s men, with Manchester United and Wolves breathing down their next in a bid to take the fourth Champions League spot.
City haven’t rested any of our big game players – David Silva’s absence is no surprise after playing 90 minutes against Burnley and Gabriel Jesus is now our only recognised striker.
Chelsea also name a strong XI.
Lampard’s side gave City a tough examination in the first meeting at the Etihad and could do the same again this evening.
Stats and facts
City have won five of the past seven meetings in all competitions, drawing one and losing one.
Chelsea have only managed one clean sheet in the last 11 Premier League encounters between the clubs.
Chelsea only lost one of their past seven Premier League matches, winning three and drawing three and are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League home fixtures against reigning Premier League champions.
City have won six of their seven most recent matches in all competitions but have lost two of the last four Premier League away games.
City have won 18 of their past 20 midweek Premier League fixtures.
Kevin de Bruyne has been involved in a Premier League-high 25 goals this season, with nine goals and 16 assists.
Pep Guardiola has only won one of his five away games as a manager versus Chelsea, drawing one and losing three.
Where to watch
The game is being screened live on BT Sport in the UK.
Check out our global TV listings for other channels you can see the game.
