Welcome to the Evening Standard's Premier League match build-up for Manchester City vs Chelsea LIVE.
While Jose Mourinho's managerial return is the big talking point this week, the highlight on the pitch is likely to be at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola's champions host Frank Lampard's high-flying Blues later today.
Man City's 3-1 defeat at Liverpool before the international break has left Guardiola's side trailing Jurgen Klopp's pacesetters by nine points after just 12 games, and the champions can ill-afford another setback against Chelsea this weekend - especially with the visitors above them in the table.
Lampard has exceeded expectations in his debut season in the Stamford Bridge dugout, and while a title challenge may prove beyond Chelsea this term, a top-four finish is now looking a strong possibility.
But while Guardiola and Lampard will be looking up the table and dreaming of glory, competition for the top four is fierce - and the return of Jose Mourinho means Tottenham will surely enter the conversation at some point...
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