When they last met, Enzo Fernandez had the last word. Chelsea evidently feel the midfielder who occupies the dual roles of vice-captain and rebel has talked too much since, and have suspended the World Cup winner for Sunday’s match against Manchester City. In January, however, it was Fernandez who delivered the 94th-minute equaliser at the Etihad Stadium. Calum McFarlane’s only point as a Premier League manager – perhaps ever, perhaps until Chelsea sack someone else again – came at the expense of Pep Guardiola.
Liam Rosenior will be the ninth Chelsea manager the Catalan has faced with City; and that is only counting Frank Lampard once, though Guardiola has encountered him in both stints in charge. Rosenior against Guardiola could be an FA Cup final rivalry, though Fernandez’s recent provocative words, praising the Englishman’s predecessor Enzo Maresca, may have struck a chord at City. The Italian was Guardiola’s assistant, although, despite suggestions that seemed to emanate from Maresca himself, it is hard to imagine him as the outstanding candidate to replace him whenever he does go.
