Chelsea could be without Shevchenko and Essien for tonight’s game at City. Shevchenko damaged an ankle in a training ground challenge with Geremi, while Essien is feeling the effects of knee ligament damage suffered against Spurs on Sunday and is a major doubt [source]. Essien will have a late fitness test to decide if he’ll make the lineup.

Chelsea’s options are limited. Ferreira played a full 90 for the reserves last night so his absence will mean that Diarra is likely to remain at right-back, ruling him out of replacing Essien in midfield. Unless Mourinho frees him up by bringing in Geremi at full-back. The other option, which seems more likely, is to pair Kalou with Drogba and play a midfield of Makelele, Lampard, Robben and Ballack. Terry is now certain to return at centre-back alongside Carvalho.