Chelsea face one of the biggest tests of their run-in when Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a match with major implications at both ends of the Premier League’s top-six race.
For the hosts, it is a crucial chance to revive their push for Champions League qualification. For City, the stakes are equally high as Pep Guardiola’s side attempt to keep pace in the title race.
Team news: Chelsea hit by defensive absences
Chelsea’s preparations have been complicated by injuries and suspension.
Reece James, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah are all unavailable, leaving the Blues short of options in defence, while Enzo Fernandez is expected to miss out following an internal suspension.
That could force Chelsea into a back line featuring Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella, with Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo expected to anchor midfield.
Manchester City also have concerns at the back. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are both absent, meaning Guardiola may need to reshuffle his central defence for the trip to west London.
Form guide
Chelsea have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, a run that has left them outside the top four and under growing pressure to respond.
City, by contrast, arrive with the greater momentum and the knowledge that dropped points could prove costly in the title race.
The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw, underlining how little has separated the sides in recent meetings.
Key battle: Palmer against his former club
One of the standout storylines is Cole Palmer facing Manchester City once again.
The Chelsea playmaker has become the focal point of the Blues’ attacking threat, and with Fernandez unavailable even more responsibility is likely to fall on his shoulders.
His duel with City’s midfield screen could go a long way towards deciding whether Chelsea can turn home pressure into clear chances.