Manchester City vs Chelsea live: Pep Guardiola's men bid to knock in-form Blues off the top

Follow all the action from the Etihad Stadium as City and Chelsea go head-to-head

Manchester City welcome Antonio Conte's Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium in what should be one of the stand-out fixtures of the season so far.

The two sides are separated by a single point, with the Blues sitting pretty at the top of the league on 31 points and City a single point behind on 30.

Victory will hand either side a massive boost in their title campaigns as the two continue to set the pace for the rest of the league.

Pep Guardiola's men have the opportunity to overtake their London rivals, but to do so would require breaking down Chelsea's seemingly impenetrable defence.

Conte's defence has conceded just one goal in their last seven games as the side continues to thrive under the coach's new formation.

But with the home advantage, City will know that today is their opportunity to strike and stake their claim for that top spot.

Follow all the action below...

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Saturday's fixtures:

Manchester City 12.30 Chelsea

Crystal Palace 15.00 Southampton

Stoke 15.00 Burnley

Sunderland 15.00 Leicester

Tottenham 15.00 Swansea

West Brom 15.00 Watford

West Ham 17.30 Arsenal

[3 December 2016 11:50 · Joe Miles]

Chelsea have lost six of their last eight games away to Man City, but will today be their day to break the curse of this raucous rivalry for the visitors?

The attacking side selected by Guardiola will be sure to cause the Chelsea defence a few issues, but the visitors will be hoping to continue their fine run of form and bag the three points today.

This is one you do not want to miss - so stay tuned for live minute-by-minute updates of the action. 

[3 December 2016 11:58 · Joe Miles]

Player to keep an eye on today...

Victor Moses.

Following a run of tremendous performances from the Nigerian powerhouse, his pace and strength will be crucial at the back today for the visitors. 

His courageous displays of late are somewhat inspirational for Chelsea and not only can he defend like a trooper, but going forward he is able to showing his attacking prowess, also. His late winner last week against Tottenham marks his third goal of this campaign so far - with many more to come no doubt. 

Under the argus-eyes of Conte, the Nigerian international has became a key element to the Chelsea side and will be vital today. I personally wouldn't want to be coming up against him...

[3 December 2016 12:08 · Joe Miles]

Here's how it's looking from inside the Etihad.

Nerves will be starting to take their toll for the players as the ground begins to fill. Under 30 minutes until kick-off now. 

[3 December 2016 12:12 · Joe Miles]

The players warm-up in a black t-shirt in memory of the 19 Chapecoense players and coaching staff that lost their life in the tragic plane crash earlier this week. Respect. 

There will be a minute of silence prior to kick-off. 

[3 December 2016 12:24 · Joe Miles]

The raucous attacking rivalry... Aguero v Costa.

With 10 goals per piece so far this campaign, these two guys will be hugely influential for their clubs today. 

In terms of head-to-head statistics, Costa has created 22 chances, whereas the Man City striker has only created 12. However, Aguero has had 41 shots on goal, whereas the Spaniard has only had 30. 

They are very different strikers in terms of how they play and how they impact the game, but it's equally effective. With Costa's new 'calm headed' approach to the game under the watchful of Conte, he will be hoping to stay composed but will the pressure of such a fixture lead to trembling tempers? We'll see. 

[3 December 2016 12:26 · Joe Miles]

The players march out on to the Etihad pitch - we are just minutes from kick-off now.

Chelsea are currently table toppers, but a win today will rocket the home side to number one.

It's all to play for. 

[3 December 2016 12:30 · Joe Miles]

And we're off...

The home side kick-off to begin proceedings. Game on!

[3 December 2016 12:32 · Joe Miles]

2 MINS

Hazard goes to ground following an early clash with Fernandinho. He is receiving treatment on the pitch. This is not a good start for the travelling fans.

[3 December 2016 12:33 · Joe Miles]

3 MINS

Hazard goes to ground following a tough clash with Fernandinho. This doesn't look good for the Chelsea side, but they will be hoping he just requires a bit of on pitch treatment.

Hazard is back up on his feet and will play on.

[3 December 2016 12:35 · Joe Miles]

4 MINS

Hazards promising run comes to anticlimactic end as he beats his man with some tantalising footwork, but his pass into space is collected by a Man City shirt. The Belgian looks like he could cause a few problems today.