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#3 Olivier Giroud vs John Stones
Chelsea's exploits in the transfer market last year outshone Manchester City and the rest of the Premier League elite but are yet to yield concrete results. The Blues are yet to get the best out of the German duo of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz and might opt to stick with the old guard against a powerful Manchester City outfit.
Giroud has already scored nine goals for Chelsea this season and his presence in the penalty area has arguably been more effective than Timo Werner's link-up play. The French hitman is likely to get the nod against Manchester City and will have to get the better of a resurgent John Stones.
The English centre-back has usurped Aymeric Laporte in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City line-up and has been impressive alongside Ruben Dias in the Premier League. John Stones will have to deal with Giroud's imposing frame in the penalty area and cannot afford to slip up in this match.
#2 Sergio Aguero vs Thiago Silva
Sergio Aguero is a modern-day legend at Manchester City and is a favourite at the Etihad Stadium. The Argentine striker has inspired several memorable moments over the past decade in the Premier League and will be called upon to deliver yet another special performance against Chelsea this weekend.
With Gabriel Jesus recuperating from the coronavirus, the onus will be on Sergio Aguero to overcome his injury struggles and deliver against Chelsea. The Blues rested veteran defender Thiago Silva during the week and will want the former PSG star to nullify his South American counterpart at Stamford Bridge.
Thiago Silva brings plenty of European experience to the fore and has a positive impact on Chelsea's defensive stability this season. With Sergio Aguero looking to regain his scoring touch for Manchester City, however, the Brazilian defender will have to be at his best.
#1 Kevin De Bruyne vs N'golo Kante
Kevin De Bruyne is widely regarded as one of the best players in the Premier League at the moment. The Belgian midfielder has not been at his productive best this season, however, and will want to impress against a talented Chelsea outfit.
De Bruyne knows how to pick his moments and will serve as Manchester City's chief attacking threat going into this match. The prodigious midfielder is known for his surging runs through the midfield and will have to get past the indomitable N'golo Kante to dismantle Chelsea's vulnerable defence.
Manchester City and Chelsea have strong midfield line-ups spearheaded by two of the most reliable stars in the Premier League's recent history. N'golo Kante and Kevin De Bruyne have faced each other on several occasions in the past and will view this game as an excellent opportunity to stamp their authority on the Premier League title race.
Also Read: 10 best forwards in the Premier League this year (2020)
