Cesc Fabregas has been included in Chelsea's starting XI in the Premier League for just the second time this season for Saturday's mouth-watering contest at Manchester City.

Spain international Fabregas has struggled to force his way into the first-team picture under Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge this season and has just 87 minutes of Premier League football to his name.

However, Nemanja Matic - who had played in every league game this season - is out of the trip to the Etihad Stadium to face third-placed City, with the midfielder unavailable after reportedly sustaining an injury in training on Friday.

Fabregas has not started in the league since September 24th when Chelsea were beaten 3-0 at his former club Arsenal, and Conte had named the same line-up in the past six league matches.

Manchester City, however, have seemingly attempted to match Conte's favoured 3-4-3 formation.

Pep Guardiola makes six changes to the team that beat Burnley 2-1 last weekend, and John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and Aleksandar Kolarov are set to line-up in a back three.

Manchester City team to face Chelsea: Claudio Bravo, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Aleksandar Kolarov, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Jesus Navas, Leroy Sane, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Aguero.

Chelsea team to face Manchester City: Thibaut Courtois, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Victor Moses, N'Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Marcos Alonso, Pedro, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard.