Chelsea v Manchester City: Sterling leads the line in Aguero´s absence

Raheem Sterling will lead the line for Manchester City in the absence of Sergio Aguero against Chelsea, who start with Eden Hazard playing as a false nine.

Pep Guardiola opted for a pacey attacking trio of Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez and Sterling, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday, while Gabriel Jesus had to settle for a place among the substitutes.

Maurizio Sarri dropped Alvaro Morata from the side that lost 2-1 to Wolves in midweek and opted for Hazard alongside Willian and Pedro in attack.

Chelsea go into the game desperate for three points after a disappointing result at Molineux that came in the away game after their 3-1 reverse against Tottenham.

City, meanwhile need a victory to reclaim top spot in the Premier League from Liverpool.

How we line-up at Stamford Bridge!

City XI | Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Delph, Fernandinho, Silva (C), Mahrez, Sane, Bernardo, Sterling

Subs | Muric, Danilo, Kompany, Gundogan, Otamendi, Jesus, Foden

Presented by @haysworldwide #mancity  #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/RRDODZnpQy

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 8, 2018