Premier League LIVE- Chelsea vs Man City: Both teams eye Top 4 spot in the clash of heavyweights; Watch Live Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar @10 PM

Premier League LIVE- Chelsea vs Man City: Two giants of the English game kick-off 2021 with a bang on Sunday afternoon as Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge for a mouth-watering showdown.

Both teams have accrued 26 points heading into their first match of the New Year, although the visitors do have two games in hand and have enjoyed a far better spell of form than their weekend opponents.

Chelsea’s last match of 2020 saw the Blues held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa, while a coronavirus-hit Manchester City last took to the pitch on Boxing Day in their comfortable victory over Newcastle United.

Premier League LIVE- Chelsea vs Man City: Chelsea vs Manchester City Head to head Premier League results

Chelsea wins: 26

Man City wins: 13

Draws: 7

Last meeting: Chelsea 2-1 Man City (25/06/20)

Lampard rang the changes for the visit of Villa after a poor showing against Arsenal, but shuffling the pack did not pay dividends last time out and he will certainly revert to full-strength here.

However, doubts remain over the fitness of Hakim Ziyech – who has returned to full training but may not be risked from the off – while Reece James is definitely out with a hamstring problem.

Cesar Azpilicueta is therefore in line to make his 400th appearance for the club with James sidelined, while Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are expected to make way for Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma.

Mateo Kovacic should also return to the midfield in place of Jorginho, while Giroud’s goal against Villa is unlikely to see him retain his spot in the starting lineup ahead of Tammy Abraham.

Premier League LIVE- Chelsea vs Man City: MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City did not reveal the identities of the other three players who tested positive for coronavirus alongside Walker and Jesus, but Ederson seemingly confirmed on social media that he is self-isolating and will not be available here.

Zack Steffen is therefore set for a baptism of fire on his Premier League debut, while Eric Garcia – who is supposedly close to sealing a switch to Barcelona – is also unavailable as he nurses a leg injury.

Ilkay Gundogan took a blow to the ankle against Newcastle, but the midfielder expressed optimism over his chances of playing in the proposed meeting with Everton, so he should be fine to line up alongside Rodri in the heart of midfield.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea’s nemesis Aguero can last the full 90 minutes but he should certainly start this one, although Torres is waiting in the wings and ready to be called upon.