Hello and welcome to football.london's live coverage of Chelsea versus Manchester City from Stamford Bridge. The Blues will be looking to make it three wins in a row in all competitions but face a huge challenge against the Premier League champions in west London.
After a frankly chaotic game away at Tottenham earlier in the week, Chelsea should go into today's match with big confidence. However, in City, they face their toughest test of the season so far.
Pep Guardiola's team have won their last five matches in all competitions and will be looking to make it six on the bounce in west London in the last game before the two-week international break. Chelsea will be hoping to continue their progress under Mauricio Pochettino but will have to do so without six players.
Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku all remain sidelined for this afternoon's game. Chelsea's injury situation, though, ever so slowly, is getting better.
With all of this said, stay tuned to our live blog throughout the afternoon for all of the action from Stamford Bridge. Bobby Vincent and Scott Trotter will be on hand to provide you with everything you need for Chelsea vs Manchester City.
Key Events
Plenty of discussions
City trying to delay the penalty. Palmer waiting to step up. Jackson and Grealish get yellows.
Continues
Gusto continues and soon after puts in a good block. Kovacic heads on for the visitors. A decent applause for the Croatian with a murmur of discontent.
Huge miss
Sterling feeds Gusto who takes it on his left foot in the box and puts it over the bar.
Handball calls
Mudyrk causes some confusion at the back as Ederson comes out to clear. Nothng given.
Relentless
The game is back forth at the moment from one box to the other. Chelsea's crowd are responding.
So close
Palmer bundles his way into the box but sees his shot saved by Ederson. Big chance after working his way through a number of bodies.
Chelsea find their feet
The Blues are starting to have more control of the ball now with Gallagher having taken a more permanent position on the right as Palmer moves central.
Doku awarded a yellow for going down under a light challenge from James at the opposite end of the pitch.
Half-time ratings
Robert Sanchez 7
Reece James 7
Axel Disasi 7
Thiago Silva 7
Marc Cucurella 6
Moises Caicedo 6
Enzo Fernandez 7
Conor Gallagher 7
Cole Palmer 6
Raheem Sterling 8
Nicolas Jackson 6
