Premier League leaders Chelsea host fourth place Manchester City on Wednesday (8pm kick-off) hoping to continue their pursuit towards the title.

Antonio Conte’s side suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday to see their lead at the top cut to seven points, what with Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham gettting the better of Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor.

Although the Blues are very much still in the driving seat, they cannot afford to drop more points against Pep Guardiola’s Citizens on Wednesday.

City slipped to fourth last weekend after drawing 2-2 at Arsenal on Sunday coupled with Liverpool beating Everton 3-1 on Saturday, and it means that they trail Chelsea by 11 points with just nine games of the season remaining.

However, they have only lost once in the league in 2017, and will take great confidence from their recent good run to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in their quest to blow the title race wide open going into the final few months of the season.

Nonetheless, Chelsea will go in as favourites on Wednesday night to get the three points, although Conte should shuffle things around following their loss at the weekend.

Thus, here are THREE Chelsea players who deserve a chance against City on Wednesday…

Kurt Zouma

There are slight fitness concerns surrounding centre-back David Luis ahead of City’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

The Brazilian international has had an issue with his knee since their prior meeting with City back in December following Sergio Aguero’s awful tackle, and manager Antonio Conte admitted in his pre-match press conference that his knee is ‘better’, but ‘for sure he needs to have good treatment’.

This could mean that Luiz may not be fully fit to face Guardiola’s men on Wednesday, and if Conte doesn’t want to take the risk, he may call upon Kurt Zouma to deputise.

The 22-year-old has yet to make a Premier League start since returning from a long-term injury in January, although has completed the 90 minutes in three of Chelsea’s four FA Cup ties so far.

He’s working his way back to full fitness, and Wednesday may see him make a first league start since February 2016.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Conte may be inclined to change things up following their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, with Nemanja Matic coming in for criticism from many Blues fans.

Thus, could Ruben Loftus-Cheek be given the nod in the centre of midfield?

The 21-year-old has been in and around the first team throughout the campaign, and has made four substitute appearances in the Premier League, although has yet to make a start.

He has performed well in their cup ventures this term when called upon, and although it would be a bold move, Conte could well turn to the England Under-21 international against City.

Willian

Last season’s Player of the Year Willian has made just 13 Premier League starts this term, with 12 other substitute appearances indicative of Pedro’s excellent form as part of a front three.

However, following Saturday’s defeat and their inability to turn chances into goals, Conte could call upon the Brazilian on Wednesday night.

The 28-year-old netted the crucial second goal in their 3-1 win over the Citizens back in December, and given that he scored on his last league start in the 2-1 success at Stoke, he may be worth a shot from the start against Guardiola’s side.