Chelsea and Manchester City will face each other in a mouthwatering clash this Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Both teams are regarded as title contenders this season, with the Blues having a slight edge over City after a superb start to the season.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are top of the Premier League, level on points with Liverpool and Manchester United, while Pep Guardiola’s men are three points behind the top three. Saturday’s game will be a crucial one in the context of the title race. The Blues may go into the game as favourites as they have won their last three encounters against City, the last one being the all-important Champions League final.
With both sides stacked with quality, there could be some key clashes in the game. Let’s take a look at 3 key battles to watch out for in the game between Chelsea and Manchester City:
N’Golo Kante vs Kevin de Bruyne
Chelsea had a quiet first half against Tottenham last week, but Tuchel made a change at half-time which made a big difference to the outcome. The German tactician brought on N’Golo Kante, who shored up the midfield, put pressure on Spurs, and moved the ball quickly. The Frenchman is a key part of this Chelsea team and against a superb attacking team like Manchester City, he will surely start.
He could be up against City’s own midfield genius in Kevin de Bruyne. The Belgian is yet to make a Premier League start this season, but could be in line to get the nod against Chelsea. He has started in the Champions League and League Cup so far this season and his energy and exceptional passing will be of great importance to Guardiola’s side.
Romelu Lukaku vs Ruben Dias
Manchester City could be without two of their key centre-backs – John Stones and Aymeric Laporte – for the game against Chelsea. Though the duo has been pictured in training, after missing out due to injuries recently and with games against PSG and Liverpool coming up, Pep might not risk an aggravation.
This could be a big boost for the Blues attack, ably led by Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has been superb for Chelsea on his return to Stamford Bridge and has already racked up three goals in four games.
He will be up against a superb defender in Ruben Dias, whose speed and strength will be tested against the Chelsea striker. Lukaku has, at times, been criticised for not performing against the big teams; this will be the perfect opportunity for him to quieten those critics.
Jack Grealish vs Cesar Azpilicueta
Manchester City’s own big-money signing, Jack Grealish, has done well so far and even though he’s accounted for just one goal and assist in the league so far, his attacking play in the final third has been exemplary.
The former Aston Villa attacker has been lively and settled into his new side quickly. He could make the difference for his side with a bit of magic, that he’s very well capable of.
The Englishman will face the dogged and determined figure of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta. It will be an interesting battle as Grealish has several tricks up his sleeve, but Azpilicueta has vast experience, even though he may lack some pace. Grealish could really trouble the Chelsea backline if he gets in between Azpilicueta and the centre-backs.
Tuchel might decide to play Reece James in the right wing-back role which will pose a different sort of challenge to Jack Grealish tomorrow.