As City travel to defending Premier League champions Chelsea, we look at some talking points ahead of the game...

1 Sergio blow

Arguably in the form of his life and with seven goals in 11 games against Chelsea, the loss of Sergio Aguero is a huge blow for the Blues on the eve of such a crucial game.

Aguero is integral to everything City do and he has started the season so well, his absence at Stamford Bridge will be keenly felt.

We’ll know more about his fitness and any injuries suffered in the accident he was involved in over the coming days, so fingers crossed he makes a speedy return.

BIG MISS: Sergio sidelined
BIG MISS: Sergio sidelined

 

2 Delph bonus

Fabian Delph looks set to resume his role at left-back against Chelsea.

The England midfielder seamlessly slotted into the wing-back role against Shakhtar Donetsk and pushed Kevin De Bruyne close for the man of the match award.

At Stamford Bridge, he is likely to be up against Willian and/or Eden Hazard at various times of the game so he will need to match the performance levels we saw in midweek if he is to help the Blues keep the defending Premier League champions quiet.

FAB DISPLAY: Fabian can ease the loss of Mendy
FAB DISPLAY: Fabian can ease the loss of Mendy

 

3 Sterling to get the nod?

With Aguero unavailable tomorrow, Raheem Sterling could be given the role as a striker either alongside Gabriel Jesus or on his own with Jesus on the right.

With six goals from five starts, the England winger is in superb form and his pace could trouble the Chelsea back line, which will be minus the influential David Luiz who will complete a three-match domestic ban on Saturday.

STERLING DISPLAY: Raheem has now scored six in five starts
STERLING DISPLAY: Raheem has now scored six in five starts

 

4 City’s seventh heaven

Though the Blues have won seven games in succession in all competitions, a win at Stamford Bridge will make it seven victories away from home in a row.

City have scored 21 goals in the last six games on the road – an incredible statistic – averaging 3.5 goals per game.

And with eight clean sheets in the past 11 matches, the Blues have tightened up at the back to great effect – Chelsea will severely test those stats on Saturday – but if another shut-out is achieved by Ederson and company, chances are a rare win in West London will be recorded for Pep Guardiola’s men.

 

5 Jinx over?

Between August 1994 and March 2009, City lost 17 games, drew two and won just one of 20 meetings with Chelsea.

It was an unfathomable jinx that has improved greatly over the last eight years with 10 wins from the last 20 matches against the Pensioners – but Stamford Bridge remains a ground that has delivered more disappointment than pleasure for the travelling Blues.

Hopefully, that won’t apply after the final whistle blows tomorrow...