Chelsea travel to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup third round.
Graham Potter takes his Chelsea side back on the road for a trip up north against current Premier League champions Manchester City for a cup tie in midweek.
The winners will progress into the fourth round which is set to be played a few days after the World Cup final in December, which Potter accepts is the outcome.
"We all know that's the situation. If that game comes, we can use it as preparation for the (first) Premier League game (back from World Cup).
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Chelsea will be without Kepa Arrizabalaga (foot), Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James (knee) and N'Golo Kante (hamstring), and Jorginho is also doubtful with a foot problem.
But young duo Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson are both in the squad and could feature on Wednesday night.
Pep Guardiola has yet to decide if Erling Haaland will start the game after his return at the weekend from a foot injury. Kalvin Phillips, though, will be back in the matchday squad.
Potter knows it will be a tough tie on Wednesday but warns his side will only stand a chance of winning if they are able to match the host's competitiveness.
Ahead of the game, he said: "We have to go to Man City and be competitive because they will be, to win the game, be as strong as we can.
"We will do our best, prepare the team. We have to go to try to win the game."
When is the match?
It will take place on Wednesday 9th November at 8pm (UK) time.
Where is the match?
The Carabao Cup tie will be held at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
How can I watch the match?
The fixture will be available to watch live on Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom.
For those in the United States, the game can be watched on ESPN+.
Topics: Manchester City, Chelsea, Carabao Cup, Football
Matthew Debono