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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Chelsea vs Man City tactics: Three ways Mauricio Pochettino can beat the Premier League champions

Chelsea host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday looking to follow up their dramatic win over Tottenham.

While Mauricio Pochettino's side managed a 4-1 win over their biggest rivals, questions remain given the circumstances in which it came.

For swathes of Monday's contest, the Blues struggled to break down a nine-man Spurs side and will undoubtedly get much more of a test against Pep Guardiola's champions.

Still, Man City have shown at least some weaknesses this season and Standard Sport's Nizaar Kinsella looks at three possible ways Chelsea can exploit them.

Cut service to Haaland

Erling Haaland is the ultimate test of any Premier League defence. He is the League's top scorer again, with 11 goals in 11 matches.

The best way to stop him is not to allow the ball to reach his feet.

Chances will end up in the net unless Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi are at their very best, with the rest of the team stopping the crosses, cutbacks and long balls he thrives on.

Be streetwise in midfield

Chelsea's now settled midfield trio of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher will likely face Bernardo Silva's energy, Mateo Kovacic's line-breaking passing ability and Rodri's grit.

The two midfields play a similar possession-based style, but Chelsea fall way behind in two particular areas: tactical fouls and stopping transitions. Chelsea need to learn the dirty side of the game if they are to compete.

Chelsea will need record signing Moises Caicedo to help stifle the Manchester City midfield (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Overcome giants at the back

It is a common misconception that City are a team full of small technicians. They are expected to start with a back four of Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker, with Rodri screening.

The League's best defensive record is underpinned by size, speed and strength. It will take some inventive thinking and wonderful skill to score past Ederson, who is used to claiming clean sheets.

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