Chelsea starting XI confirmed ahead of Man City clash

The Pride of London are on hand live for the big game this Sunday, as the Chelsea starting XI is confirmed ahead of the Manchester City clash. Is it possible for the Blues to defeat the mighty Man City, and if so, how?

The Chelsea lineup versus Man City:

Robert Sanchez; Marc Cucurella, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Reece James; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Conor Gallagher; Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer; Nicolas Jackson.

The approach Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea should take at Stamford Bridge against Manchester City

Can Chelsea beat the Citizens? Yes, they certainly can, but that feat is never easy. A solid strategy and fluid stratagems are certainly necessary to get one over on Pep Guardiola and his merry men. More teams than you imagine have done so; smaller clubs than CFC like Leicester have beaten the iconic northern team at the Etihad and at the King Power Stadium in recent times. This season we have seen competent yet lesser sides like Wolverhampton Wanderers triumph over the better funded organisation.

Stifling Man City’s play is an old and obvious adage with respect to overcoming flowing and often beautifully performing sides such as the Blues’ next opponents. MCFC actually don’t like the opposition getting amongst them and ruffling their feathers; it has been shown before, as I alluded to earlier.

The main problem with that method is that the Sky Blues are so proficient at bypassing the attention of eager rivals by fluidly floating the ball elegantly from one corner of the pitch to another. All whilst setting up their typically cinematic but equally devastating and ruthless finishes.

One innovative and opportune game plan is to hit City early. At the stage when Guardiola loves to be in control and won’t be radical, the Citizens play around at the back a bit keenly. This is the time to increase the press and pin them into their own half with a view to taking the ball. Pochettino is a master at gauging these scenarios.