Manchester City vs Chelsea — 5 Key Battles to watch out for | Premier League 2020/21

Ruben Dias v Timo Werner

Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League

Timo Werner has endured a rather difficult campaign at Stamford Bridge, and while matters haven't drastically changed since Tuchel took over, they have most certainly improved. The striker played a huge role against Real Madrid on Wednesday and against Manchester City the last time they faced each other, constantly darting in behind and stretching their backline.

Should Werner reprise his central role against Manchester City, Ruben Dias will have his hands full with Chelsea's pacy attack once again.

22 - Timo Werner has been directly involved in 22 goals in all competitions this season (12 goals & 10 assists), the most of any Chelsea player. The previous Chelsea player to both score and assist 10+ goals in a season was Eden Hazard in 2018-19 (21G & 17A). Clutch. #CHERMA pic.twitter.com/dyTt86jL00

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 5, 2021

The Portuguese was sensational against Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe and will have have to be careful not to afford Werner too much space to run in behind. Dias is City's leader at the back and will look to make amends for being caught on the counter at Wembley.

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Kevin De Bruyne v N'Golo Kante

Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League

N'Golo Kante stole the show against Real Madrid across both legs of the semi-final tie, running the likes of Casemiro and Toni Kroos ragged in the middle. The French midfield star was awarded the Man of the Match award in both legs for his stunning displays and he will now lock horns with one of the best midfielders in world football, Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian has played a variety of roles for Guardiola's side and he will now be tasked with getting past Kante during their clash at the Etihad. De Bruyne had a relatively quiet game at Wembley but that could also be due to the fact that Manchester City were uncharacteristically sluggish as a unit. He will look to make amends with a memorable display to celebrate their crowning moment.

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Pep Guardiola v Thomas Tuchel

Manchester City v Chelsea: Emirates FA Cup Semi Final

Although a host of superstar names are set to be on display at the Etihad on Saturday, arguably the biggest battle of the evening will be that between two of the best tacticians in Europe, Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel. Their meeting at Wembley was a fascinating tactical battle and the German not only managed to disrupt the Catalan's system, but also created a number of noteworthy chances against them.

The game against Etihad could potentially be a rehearsal for their meeting in Istanbul for European glory, due to which both managers will look to get over their counterparts in preparation for the all-important UCL final.

🗣"I respect Thomas." Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola compares his philosophy with Thomas Tuchel's and admires the job he has done at Chelsea pic.twitter.com/hCP6aaDZhI

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 7, 2021

After getting the better of Guardiola at Wembley, will Tuchel manage to replicate Chelsea's magnificent display once again to postpone Manchester City's coronation? Only time will tell.

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