Manchester City and Chelsea go head to head at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening as both clubs look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

After suffering a 3-1 defeat to the Merseyside giants before the international break, Pep Guardiola will acknowledge that his team cannot afford a fourth setback at this stage of the campaign.

As for Chelsea, six successive victories for Frank Lampard's team have moved the Blues one point ahead of the defending champions in the top-flight standings.

Here, Sports Mole selects its strongest combined XI from both squads, using only players available for this weekend's encounter.

With Ederson having seemingly recovered from a muscle injury and Kepa Arrizabalaga having remained inconsistent during his second year at Stamford Bridge, it is only logical that we select the Brazilian stopper between the sticks.

While the full-back positions throw up a tougher choice, Kyle Walker and Emerson Palmieri have produced the better all-round performances on the right and left respectively, resulting in Cesar Azpilicueta and Benjamin Mendy missing out on a place in this team.

Having returned from injury, John Stones is our first choice in the centre of the backline, with Kurt Zouma's greater experience and physical presence earning him a spot in the side over Fikayo Tomori.

Jorginho has been a revelation for Chelsea this season and gets the nod over Rodri, although there is no place for N'Golo Kante, largely due to his lack of match sharpness.

Ilkay Gundogan has been preferred to the World Cup winner, with Kevin De Bruyne the first name on our teamsheet on the right-hand side of a midfield three.

The selection of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero is also a no-brainer, leaving a solitary role vacant in one of the wide positions.

As a result of his recent goal glut, Christian Pulisic is selected over the likes of Willian, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Riyad Mahrez.