Where Chelsea-Manchester City clash will be won

Maurizio Sarri has identified the midfield as the main area of battle when Manchester City host Chelsea tonight.

Sarri has argued that the ball will more be played at the centre than it will in other areas and pointed out the impact Fernandinho may have on the game.

The Brazilian has been a major cog in Man City’s midfield and the effects were felt when he was ruled out due to injuries. Chelsea have Jorginho as their main man but Sarri has said that his team should be ready to have the Italian denied much of the ball by the Citizens. What is important, Sarri says, is for Chelsea to be able to play perfectly even if their main man is starved of the ball.

“It will be really very difficult to be in control of the match. The match is there (in midfield), more than in the strikers. They are able to play if you stop Fernandinho and also we’re able to play if you stop Jorginho. We have options. Maybe they have more options than us because they have worked on this for three seasons. But I remember that in Naples it wasn’t a big problem if there was a man on Jorginho, so I hope it will be the same here in the future.” Sarri toldĀ Sky Sports.

The former Napoli coach further admitted that he expects the home side to dictate possession as that has been the trademark of their style of play. And in that case, the coach has hinted that he will allow his players to sit deep to defend.

“I expect Guardiola’s team want to always be in control of the match, always in possession of the ball and they’re able to do it. So it’s a very difficult match. We are used to having the ball and possession so on Sunday it will be very different. We will try to play our football, but if they are able to play their football, of course, you have to stay lower (deeper).” Sarri concluded.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Chelsea v Arsenal – Stamford Bridge, London, Britain – August 18, 2018. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri celebrates after Marcos Alonso scored their third goal. Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Chelsea defeated Man City at Stamford Bridge on December 8, the defending champions first season loss. In that match, there were ugly scenes as Raheem Sterling was targeted by some Chelsea fans for racial chants. Four fans have been suspended so far by the Blues for those actions.

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