Manchester City will check on Vincent Kompany, Fabian Delph and John Stones ahead of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace (kick-off 12pm).
Victory for City in this match will see them equal the record winning run in one of Europe's top five leagues - Bayern Munich, managed by Pep Guardiola, won 19 consecutively in the 2013/14 season.
Much has been made of City's relentless attack that has plundered 61 goals in 20 league games, but Guardiola has been keen to point out his side's impressive defensive efforts, with Nicolas Otamendi singled out for specific praise.
"What counts is what we have to do against Crystal Palace and the four amazing strikers they have," Guardiola said when asked about City's chances of setting records throughout the remainder of the campaign.
"Everybody has spoken about a lot of players like Raheem [Sterling], Kevin [De Bruyne], Sergio [Aguero], they deserve it, but if I can point some attention to a player who deserves the respect is Nico [Otamendi]. He has been amazing - he is one of the hugest competitors I have ever seen in my life."
Defeat against Arsenal on Thursday ended Palace's eight match unbeaten run, but they remain one point above the relegation zone after improving tenfold under new boss Roy Hodsgon.
Team news
Kompany's calf injury is not as bad as feared while left-back Delph could return after a minor muscle problem. Centre-back Stones is now back in training after 11 games out with a hamstring injury and closing on a return.
The availability of David Silva, who has missed three of the last four games for personal reasons, is unclear while left-back Benjamin Mendy (knee) and midfielder Phil Foden (ankle) are out.
Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye is a doubt for Sunday's encounter after suffering a knock in the defeat by Arsenal.
Should the midfielder not be passed fit to start, he is expected to be replaced by James McArthur, who took his place as a substitute during Thursday's fixture.
Joel Ward has been struggling with a groin problem, but he could yet return to contention.
Opta stats
- Palace have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Man City, losing the other 10
- City have won their last two games against Crystal Palace by a 5-0 scoreline - only once in top-flight history has a team won three consecutive league games against an opponent by a 5+ goal margin (Manchester City vs Derby between February 1937 and January 1938)
- The Citizens have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine Premier League games against Crystal Palace
- If City win this game, they will have won their last eight games against Crystal Palace in all competitions. They've only had three longer winning runs against an opponent - 13 vs West Bromwich Albion (2012-current), 11 vs Newcastle (2009-2014) and nine vs Sunderland (2002-2009)
- City haven't ended a calendar year with a victory in the Premier League since 2013 - they lost 0-1 at Liverpool in 2016, drew 0-0 away at Leicester in 2015 and drew 2-2 at home to Burnley in 2014
Merson's prediction
I think Palace could definitely score, but Man City will definitely get more. It's as simple as that.
As strange as it sounds, Palace are the type of side who could hurt Man City, but there's no way, in a month of Sundays, they will keep City quiet at the other end.
If Zaha and Benteke turn up, playing at their best, you wouldn't be surprised if Palace actually score twice. But I can't see them keeping City at bay. I know City only beat Newcastle 1-0, but it could have been much more.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-5 (25/1 with Sky Bet)