Chelsea vs Man City LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today

Manchester City are in danger of failing to score in back-to-back league matches for the first time under Pep Guardiola.

City have failed to net in two of their five Premier League games this season - they last drew a blank in at least three of their opening six matches in 2006 under Stuart Pearce.

Defeat would leave City with their lowest points tally at this stage since 2013, when they earned 10 from their opening six fixtures but nonetheless eventually won the title.

Thomas Tuchel has rejected any personal battle with Pep Guardiola despite having the chance for a history-making fourth successive win over the Manchester City boss.

Chelsea manager Tuchel can become the first coach to inflict four defeats in a row on City supremo Guardiola, when the sides meet in Premier League action at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Romelu Lukaku is the only Chelsea player to net more than one top-flight goal this season, with the Londoners boasting a league-high 10 different scorers (excluding own goals).

Lukaku has five goals in 16 league and cup appearances versus Manchester City, but has failed to score in his last four games against them (all with Manchester United).

Chelsea have conceded one league goal this season, their lowest total at this stage since 2010, when - coincidentally - they lost their sixth match 1-0 to Manchester City.

They have kept 15 clean sheets in 24 Premier League games under Thomas Tuchel, more than any other side since the German took charge and the Blues are unbeaten in 91 top-flight home matches in which they led at half-time since a 5-3 loss against Arsenal in 2011 with 75 wins, and 16 draws.

There is very little to scratch at when discussing a premier football mind of our time, but if there is a dent in Pep Guardiola’s armour, it stems from overthinking and obsessing about combating a formidable opponent, which often results in Manchester City forsaking their surety.

It is an overwhelming compliment when the City boss considers you such a threat, which is the position Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea also occupy.

In three games spanning three competitions in little over a month last season, the west London side completed a hat-trick over Guardiola’s machine.

Thomas Tuchel was asked about Chelsea’s three game winning run over Manchester City and what it means. He said:

Chelsea could record four consecutive victories against Manchester City in all competitions for the first time since an eight-match sequence between 2005 and 2009.

City are vying to win back-to-back games at Stamford Bridge in the top flight, a feat they last achieved in 1955.

None of the last 12 league encounters have been drawn, with Chelsea winning five to City’s seven.

Pep Guardiola insisted Chelsea’s run of victories over Manchester City last season – capped by lifting the Champions League trophy – belongs in the past as he looked ahead to Saturday’s Premier League clash between the title contenders.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have lost their last three fixtures against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. The most recent and painful match came back in May when Kai Havertz led Chelsea to a 1-0 victory in the Champions League final and Guardiola has been reminiscing on that defeat.

"We lose but we played a great final," he said. "I had the feeling then and when I saw it again in these days that we played with courage and personality.

"We tried to do it but unfortunately in the long balls, the counter attacks and with the second balls they were better than us and they beat us."

As expected there are a bunch of changes made by both managers from their Carabao Cup third round ties.

Thomas Tuchel keeps Reece James, N’Golo Kante and Timo Werner in the starting line-up but replaces the other eight players. There’s a recall for Edouard Mendy after he overcame a hip injury, Romelu Lukaku starts up top and captain Cesar Azpilicueta is brought back in.

For Man City Pep Guardiola makes nine changes. Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden keep their places after impressing against Wycombe in midweek. Both players are returning after injury and today’s game will be their first big test. Gabriel Jesus is recalled to lead the line with Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish also involved.