Chelsea vs Manchester City: Three key battles at Stamford Bridge

Although some believed that Maurizio Sarri had transformed Chelsea into a title dark horse, the former Napoli boss now faces his toughest test to date in west London.

It took the Italian 13 matches before he tasted his first Premier League defeat since moving to England, and the second followed swiftly after.

Failing to hold onto a first-half lead at Molineux on Wednesday, the 59-year-old left the Midlands on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline and has now picked up just one win in his last four domestic outings.

Sarri can expect his toughest Premier League test yet. He faced City, albeit in the Community Shield, in his first match in charge: a 2-0 victory for Guardiola’s side.

With Liverpool’s trip to the Vitality Stadium five hours before Pep Guardiola’s side will take to the pitch in SW6, the defending champions will be looking to make yet another statement in the capital.

Holding a two-point advantage at the top of the table, City are yet to be beaten domestically and some have argued they have surpassed their form of last season.

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Ahead of this weekend’s marquee matchup, what are the three key battles to keep an eye out for at Stamford Bridge:

 

Jorginho vs David Silva

If Chelsea do intend to stop a Manchester City side that has now scored 18 Premier League goals in their last five matches, a huge part of Sarri’s gameplan should be on how to keep David Silva quiet.

While Kevin De Bruyne’s injury-riddled start to the season may have had some worried about the Sky Blues’ title defence, Guardiola’s Spanish talisman has been arguably City’s standout performer so far.

Likely to once again line up alongside his namesake Bernardo Silva in City’s midfield trio, no attacking player has had more touches than the 32-year-old and he is undoubtedly the man who gets the visitors ticking.

Along with being a frequent provider for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, Silva has now registered three goals in his last four Premier League starts.

Only Willian (36) has created more chances than David Silva (33) in the Premier League so far this season.

He’s warming the bench today. pic.twitter.com/TditnAuY1m

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 1, 2018

Although it has been a week that has been dominated by the debate as to whether Jorginho or N’Golo Kante should be Chelsea’s deepest lying midfielder, Sarri has made it clear that his summer arrival and Napoli protege is the man for the role.

Since being given an unenviable welcome to life in England during Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to City in the Community Shield back in August, the 26-year-old has been a huge part of Sarri’s push for a Champions League return.

With no player in the Premier League having more touches or completing more passes this season, Sarri will be looking for his new £50million man to try and dictate the midfield battle.

Coming up against the side that he was on the verge of joining over the summer, Jorginho should see Saturday as an opportunity to nullify Silva’s creativity and show Guardiola what he missed out on.

 

Olivier Giroud vs Aymeric Laporte

Failing to capitalize on yet another opportunity in the Midlands on Wednesday, few at Stamford Bridge have any faith left in the misfiring Alvaro Morata.

With Sarri keen to rotate his striking duties with the recently crowned World Cup winner Olivier Giroud, the French international seems to be the man who will lead the line on Saturday.

After sitting out our midweek win at Watford, he could well be an important figure at Stamford Bridge.

Despite just netting one league goal this season, the former Arsenal man has now found the net in his last three matches against the defending champions.

Offering Chelsea a focal point and a man who can help relieve the pressure, no attacker has won more ariel duels than Giroud this year and he could be a huge part of Sarri’s tactics.

The inclusion of the 32-year-old could also be a tool in an attempt to get talisman Eden Hazard up and running again.

Struggling with his form since returning from injury last month, Chelsea’s attacking duo have shown signs of a real chemistry and Hazard has made it no secret that he prefers the company of Giroud.

SCOUT: All seven of Eden Hazard's #PL goals this season have come when Olivier Giroud has been on the pitch#CHEFUL #FPL pic.twitter.com/nD5GcEfNon

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) December 2, 2018

On Saturday, Giroud will likely be paired off against a man putting in an early shift for City’s Player of the Season.

Since arriving from Athletic Bilbao back in January, Aymeric Laporte has cemented his spot at the heart of the Sky Blues’ defence this season and is forming a very eye-catching partnership with John Stones.

With only Jorginho making more passes in the Premier League this season, the 24-year-old has now featured in all 15 of City’s matches this season, only Ederson and Fernandinho hold the same tally.

Along with having a physical presence standing at nearly 6’3′, Laporte has a growing reputation for snuffing out the danger.

No defender in Manchester has made more interceptions and he must be cautious of not allowing Giroud to drift behind him.

His ability to carry the ball forward and bring others into play is fundamental to Guardiola’s system – when up against teams sat deep in a packed block, Laporte becomes an additional play-maker, helping City dominate the pitch.

With Laporte’s presence helping him grab two Champions League goals this season, the battle between the two French heavyweights could be an important one from set pieces.

 

Marcos Alonso vs Raheem Sterling

With Guardiola confirming that top scorer Sergio Aguero is suffering with a groin injury, it looks like the bulk of City’s goalscoring burden could fall on the shoulders of Raheem Sterling.

Lauded by his boss over the past week, the England international is firmly on course to set a new personal best season and has been a critical part of City’s impressive start.

Operating off the right-hand side of the visitors’ attacking trio, Sterling is the Premier League’s joint leading English scorer, his eight goals, matching Spurs ace Harry Kane.

Quickly turning into one of City’s main providers, the 23-year-old has six assists this season, the most in the division.

In pole position to pick up November’s PFA Player of the Month, it has been Sterling’s tireless work rate that has made him a firm faviroute of Guardiola’s.

No attacking player in Sky Blue has made more successful tackles this season and the 47-cap England international will have to be at his relentless best on Saturday.

No player has scored more goals (8) or made more assists (6) in the PL this season than Raheem Sterling.

Most PL goal involvements in 2018-19:
14 – R. Sterling 🥇
12 – S. Aguero
11 – E. Hazard
11 – C. Wilson pic.twitter.com/YxMUhV2nHb

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 1, 2018

Up against Sterling this weekend will be one of Chelsea’s surprise packages this season, Marcos Alonso.

With Sarri’s arrival in west London, many expected that the Spaniard would be unable to adjust to life as an out and out left-back.

However, despite many feeling he was prone to a defensive mistake last season due to his obligations in the final third, only fellow full-back César Azpilicueta has made more tackles this campaign.

While Sarri has installed a new defensive mindset in the 27-year-old, that does not mean he is not always eager to join the attack.

Working behind Hazard, Alonso has produced three assists this campaign and has already made 54 crosses.

Renowned for his lethal delivery, Sterling must not allow Alonso the chance to produce service for Giroud.

Read More: See our Chelsea vs Manchester City predictions and betting tips.

 

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