Chelsea aim to make it 12 wins in a row against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The league leaders last dropped points to the Black Cats in 2001.
Midfielder Frank Lampard, out since August, is sidelined for another two to three weeks after picking up a groin injury in training, while defender Alex is ruled out with a knee injury.
Forward Nicolas Anelka should return after missing Wednesday's win over Fulham, while Michael Essien is suspended.
Striker Asamoah Gyan should lead Sunderland's attack with England front-man Darren Bent sidelined by a hamstring injury.
The stats do not get any better for the visitors. Chelsea have won 28 and lost just one of their last 31 league matches at home and beat Sunderland 7-2 in last season's fixture.
Arsenal could have defender Kieran Gibbs available for Sunday's match with Everton at Goodison Park after the left-back began training this week following a knee injury.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said he would settle for fourth place this season despite the millions the club's owners have spent trying to turn the club into title challengers.
"If the Premier League finished tomorrow, I am happy," Mancini told reporters on Friday as he prepared his side for Saturday's clash with Birmingham City.
"Our target is to get to the Champions League. But the season is very long. It is important for us to stay near the top and we can change our target."
Tottenham Hotspur are showing the strain of competing in the Champions League and keeping in touch with the top four in the Premier League ahead of Saturday's home match against Blackburn Rovers with injuries piling up.
