Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that midfielder Frank Lampard will be involved against his former club on Sunday afternoon.
The 36-year-old has played just 45 minutes for the Premier League champions, but Pellegrini could include him from the start on Chelsea's visit to the Etihad Stadium.
Defender Pablo Zabaleta will return after his suspension in the Champions League, Jesus Navas could get the nod over Samir Nasri, while Sergio Aguero is likely to replace Edin Dzeko in attack.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho admitted at his pre-match press conference that striker Diego Costa is struggling with a hamstring problem but that the Spain international would be recalled to the starting lineup.
The return of Costa is likely to be one of a number of changes made by Mourinho, with Cesar Azpilicueta likely to replace Filipe Luis and Andre Schurrle in contention to partner Ramires and Eden Hazard in an attacking-midfield three behind Costa.
Chelsea currently hold a 100% record in the Premier League with their one blemish coming against Schalke 04 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Recent form
Manchester City: WWLDL
Chelsea: WWWWD
Possible starting lineups
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Clichy; Fernandinho, Lampard; Navas, Silva, Toure; Aguero
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle, Ramires, Hazard; Costa
Sports Mole says: 1-1
Darren Plant
