FA Cup: 3 ways Manchester City can engineer Chelsea revenge

2. Sort Out Central Midfield

The other main area that cost City in the last game was their central midfield. Whilst Chelsea performed a good tactical job on Yaya Toure by crowding the midfielder out, this was made all the more easier by the fact that Toure was alongside regular centre back Martin Demichelis in midfield. Demichelis – whose selection in itself was a slap in the face to the likes of Jack Rodwell, Javi Garcia and James Milner – performed poorly and will surely not be asked to reprise his role again.

The Argentine was shown up as the out of position centre back that he was during the game, with his difficulties in the position exacerbated by the athletic attributes of the youthful Chelsea attack that he faced. Whilst he has played in midfield on occasion before, he is not the man to do so against a side that can counter attack as swiftly as Chelsea. The screenshot above came just before a Ramires chance prior to the opening goal and shows Chelsea’s midfield pouring forward with Demichelis trailing in their wake.

Demichelis Tackles

He attempted 15 tackles during the game, completing just five of them, and was comprehensively given the runaround by Chelsea’s youthful physical midfield.

It was no surprise to see Demichelis replaced by James Milner for last weekend’s game with Norwich City and the England man should be given the chance to continue in the position tomorrow.

Milner Take Ons V Norwich

Physically able to cope better with the likes of Willian and Nemaja Matic in midfield, Milner provides a better threat going forward. Whilst he is sometimes a target for derision on the international stage, and has in many ways become a victim of his own versatility, it is important to remember that Milner took the league by storm in central midfield for Aston Villa and is an able deputy for Fernandino. He completed five take ons in attacking areas against Norwich and can help support Toure against Chelsea.

Chelsea isolated Toure last time the sides met, largely due to Demichelis taking up deep positions far apart from his partner.

Most of his passes took place within City’s half during that game, in stark contrast to Milner against Norwich. While you would expect a deeper pass map against a team such as Norwich, the difference should not be so stark. City had almost 60% of the ball against Chelsea and were camped in their half for much of the game as Chelsea soaked up pressure and hit them on the break. Milner provides a better presence going forward to hurt Chelsea and is also better equipped to go stride for stride with their midfield in a defensive sense.