Manchester City vs Chelsea: 3 factors that could decide the outcome of the game | Premier League 2018-19

#3 City’s vulnerability while defending set-pieces

David Luiz

City conceded a goal from the corner kick against Arsenal, and have let in the highest number of goals from the set-pieces among the big teams. Aymeric Laporte, Nicholas Otamendi and Kyle Walker are all big and strong, and also good in the air, but the defensive work of the City midfielders and forwards in the set-pieces leave much to be desired.

Raheem Sterling failed to mark Koscielny properly during the corner that led to Arsenal’s goal last Sunday. It has to be noted in this regard that Sterling is a good six inches shorter than Koscielny, and is not very strong in the air either. Chelsea must have noted those frailties on City’s part, and should plan accordingly.

Chelsea have a tall striker in Higuain, and some very good headers in the shape of Luiz and Rudiger. Therefore, they might fancy their chances of scoring from a free-kick or corner. It has to be remembered that Luiz did score with a header against City in their 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in December.

Guardiola might give special instructions to his players for marking the Chelsea players with the strongest headers in the set-pieces. The last thing he would want team to do is to concede a soft goal and lose vital points in a home match.