Manchester City: Unleash Dzeko, Choose Nastasic And Look To Play Wide vs Chelsea

Manchester City host Chelsea today in a much anticipated, top of the table clash at the Etihad. Arsenal reclaimed top spot on Sunday afternoon with a solid 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, but should the hosts claim all three points tonight then they will return to the summit. It won’t be an easy game though, obviously, so how can Manuel Pellegrini go about beating the Blues, who are managed by Jose Mourinho?

Firstly I would look to play the wide game. City, with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho in the middle, are bound to boss the centre of midfield, and I would look to stretch what is likely to be a three-man midfield of Chelsea. Jesus Navas and David Silva will probably be on the wings, and they have the pace and creativity to really hurt the Chelsea defence.

I would also unleash Edin Dzeko, who has scored seven goals in just 11 starts and six substitute appearances in the Premier League, and another two in five in the Champions League. With Sergio Aguero still ruled out through injury, the Bosnian has the potential to continue his partnership with the skilful Spaniard Negredo.

City look a cut above the rest in terms of the tempo, style and impact that they have played with so far, but their backline has looked shaky on occasions. For that reason I would reinstall Matija Nastasic at centre-back, who  I prefer to over Martin Demichelis.

He is a quicker player and looks more composed on the ball, so for me I would stick him in at centre-back next to Vincent Kompany.