It's like a scene from Holby City out there. Three men are down at the moment with various ailments. They're all alright. On we go...

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Bret

Cesc Fabregas has seen plenty of the ball in these opening stages, having more touches and passes than any of his Chelsea team-mates.

But the Blues have not found an opening yet.

I'm all for defenders playing out from the back, but John Stones drives me mad. And I'm not even a Man City fan. Sometimes, if in doubt, get it out!

Not there! Not against him. John Stones tries to play his way out of trouble - we've heard that one before - but gets his pocket picked by Diego Costa. The ball falls at Pedro's feet, but he can't test Claudio Bravo. Let off there.

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Chris Waddle
Ex-England winger, BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

Gary Cahill knows nothing about where that football is. David Silva completes does him with skill, Cahill goes to ground and the ball makes contact with his arm. We've seen them given...

Penalty? Manchester City think so.

David Silva skips inside Gary Cahill, leaving the Chelsea defender on his backside in the box. The ball hits his arm as he flounders on the floor.

Anthony Taylor is having none of it.

Told you Hazard was alright. He looks sprightly enough as he plays a neat one-two with Diego Costa, smacking a shot against a Manchester City body.

High-tempo start, end-to-end, no chances yet though.

Good news, Chelsea fans. Eden Hazard looks fine. After a bit of treatment, a good dollop of the magic sponge, he's back on his feet.

Chris Waddle
Ex-England winger, BBC Radio 5 live at Etihad Stadium

Image source, Reuters

There are two very good coaches patrolling the touchline today. If either of their systems misfire then they have the capacity to change things very quickly.

I expect Chelsea, as the away side, to start cautiously. They'll play counter-attacking football today, because already Man City are pushing up.

Gabriel Paine: Surprised by Guardiola decision to play Navas. Aside from his pace, have never seen him have much of an impact for City.

Mohammed Ahmed: Man City to win convincingly & comfortably. Pep to show rest of the Premier League how to stop this well oiled Chelsea machine.

"Let him know you're there early doors." The sort of chat your Sunday League manager used to give when he wanted you to nobble the opposition's star man.

Eden Hazard has just been on the receiving end. Early worry for Chelsea as their main man goes down after being clattered by Fernandinho.

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Man City: Bravo, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov, Jesus Navas, Gundogan, Fernandinho, Sane, Silva, De Bruyne, Aguero. Subs: Sagna, Zabaleta, Fernando, Caballero, Clichy, Toure, Iheanacho. 

Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Moses, Fabregas, Kante, Alonso, Pedro, Costa, Hazard. Subs: Begovic, Ivanovic, Oscar, Willian, Batshuayi, Chalobah, Aina. 

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

A huge roar greets the referee's whistle after the minute's silence. Then, seconds later Anthony Taylor peeps his whistle again and the game is ON.

A quick reminder of the teams? Of course.

Before kick-off, there will be a minute's silence as the Etihad Stadium pays tribute to the 71 people killed in a plane crash that devastated Brazilian football team Chapecoense.

Of course, it is particularly poignant with a number of Brazilian players representing both sides today.

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BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, AP

Sam Wallace, Chief Football Writer at the Daily Telegraph: "Look at the quality of these players; De Bruyne, Costa, Silva, Pedro. Two thrilling front lines. 

"You'd expect City, as is Pep Guardiola's approach at home, to try and make the running early on. 

"These two clubs represent the big money in English football. If Chelsea win the league this year, then there's an inarguable case that it'll make them the club of the last decade. But of course the likes of City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool would have something to say about that!"

Trevor Sinclair
Ex-Man City & West Ham winger on Football Focus

Fabregas being brought in for Matic is a key one. It's a big and brave move from Conte. This is a key game. Mentally and psychologically, if City can beat Chelsea, it will get them closer to them and it could change the outcome. 

Before the season started, I said that Chelsea would win the league and that City would come second. I'm not really swaying from that. 

More handshakes are being dished out in the Etihad tunnel than a Freemasons' monthly meeting. 

Yaya exchanges pleasantries with ex-Barca colleague Pedro, Oscar has a friendly chat with fellow Brazilian Fernandinho.

Here they come...

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte speaking to Sky Sports: "Until now it is fantastic to win seven in a row. We know today this game wil be very difficult because I think we will face the best team in this league with a great coach.

"I want to continue this run but we know we will have to fight a lot today. 

"Manchester City's idea is always the same. It is a good team with a good idea of football and we need to pay close attention today.

"Matic is suffering a little muscular problem. For this reason I change it. Cesc is in good shape and can show his value. I trust him and I hope he and all the team do well."

Image source, Reuters