Antonio Conte Talks Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Aguero Before Chelsea-Manchester City

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte refused to be drawn on recent links to Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and said he is no longer upset about Sergio Aguero's horror tackle on David Luiz from earlier in the season. 

The Blues meet Aguero's Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in the Premier League as they look to bounce back from Saturday's shock defeat to Crystal Palace.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season saw Chelsea win 3-1, while Aguero and Fernandinho were both sent off in a feisty encounter, and Conte said he understood why the Argentinian forward made the rash challenge on Luiz, per The Independent's Miguel Delaney:

Recent reports have suggested Sanchez has Chelsea at the top of his list of clubs he is eager to join, per Matt Law in the Telegraph:

Conte would not respond to the rumours, though, saying he did not want to disrespect his own players, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

Chelsea are still in complete control of the title race despite the 2-1 home defeat to Palace as they have a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League. 

They face a tough challenge against Pep Guardiola's City, and their lead to second-placed Tottenham Hotspur could be cut to just four points should they lose.

However, Conte showed no signs of any panic and insisted his side are still in a brilliant position with nine more matches to play in the season, per Delaney:

Wing-back Victor Moses was a key absentee through injury against the Eagles, and he could well be sidelined again.

Conte could not give a firm answer on whether the Nigerian would return to face City, per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery:

Pedro deputised in the wing-back role against Palace and may need to be called upon again.

Chelsea still have the quality to pick up all three points against City and prevent any chance of a late slump as they march towards the title.

The Stamford Bridge side have looked excellent for most of the season and will likely prove on Wednesday that their recent defeat was merely a blip.