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#3 Mark Mason Mount out of the game
With N'Golo Kante and Jorginho set to be stationed in front of a three-man backline, Mason Mount is set to function as the link between midfield and attack. The Englishman is arguably Chelsea's most important player and has popped up with defining contributions in big moments this season.
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If Mount gets time and space on the ball to weave his magic, the likes of Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic could be on the end of some delightful passes behind the Manchester City defense. Much like Kante, the Cityzens will have to be on their toes to keep Mount out of the game and win the midfield battle.
#2 Ederson to act as a sweeper-keeper with a higher starting position
Ederson is arguably the best sweeper-keeper world football has seen since Manuel Neuer. However, against an attacker with devastating pace like Timo Werner who has a knack for running in behind opposition defenders, Ederson would be well advised to adopt a higher starting position inside his box.
Manchester City play a relatively high defensive line, so Werner is likely to have space to run into. If the Brazilian goalkeeper adopts a higher starting position, he'd be in a better position to come forward and deal with the danger, much like he's done so over the course of his Premier League career.
Christian Pulisic might also be given a start against Werner and he is another player who is lightning quick, so the Manchester City goalkeeper will have to be at his brilliant best to emerge victorious on the night.
#1 Start Fernandinho ahead of Rodri
In what could well be his last game as a Manchester City player, Fernandinho should get the nod ahead of Rodri to anchor the midfield. The Brazilian's experience and big-game pedigree could come in handy for the Cityzens, while his robustness and tenacity are also better suited to face N'Golo Kante in the Chelsea midfield.
Fernandinho showed his class against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals as he kept things ticking in central midfield and broke up play expertly. Rodri comes with a better passing range and is technically gifted on the ball, but Fernandinho is the man Guardiola is likely to turn to on the grandest stage later today.
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