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Riyad Mahrez v Ben Chilwell
There is little doubt that Riyad Mahrez is one of the deadliest attacking threats Chelsea will come up against on Saturday. The Algerian has been one of the stars of their magical UCL run so far and scored three goals in two games against PSG in the semi-final. He has been lethal on the counter, and his silky ability on the ball has given several defenders a run for their money.
The 30-year-old will line up on the right-hand side of the Cityzens' attack and is certainly set to be a handful for Ben Chilwell. Mahrez ran riot over PSG's left side during the previous game, and Chilwell cannot afford to give him any space whatsoever. With the Englishman and Antonio Rudiger playing on the left of defence, they have to be at their best not to allow Mahrez to get in behind them.
Another factor that will be important to consider is that Chilwell will be tasked with giving Chelsea width, potentially leaving a lot of space on the left. Rudiger will also have a massive role to play in nullifying the massive threat carried by City's star winger.
John Stones v Timo Werner
Timo Werner was one of Chelsea's most effective attackers against City in their FA Cup semi-final clash and, to a great degree, in their 2-1 Premier League win. The German put in a dogged display on both occasions and delivered assists for the winners in both games. This includes a stunning last-gasp winner at the Etihad Stadium.
His runs in behind with his blazing pace have caused the Cityzens a lot of issues, and on Wednesday, John Stones must be at his sharpest to stop him. Werner has a tendency to drift out wide, and that could see him come up against Stones.
The in-form Englishman is generally the one to bring the ball out of the back. Should he leave space in behind, Werner will be on hand to exploit it in a flash. Both Ruben Dias and Stones will have to keep an eye on Werner as neither are quick enough to catch him in full flow, as they found out earlier on.
In their biggest game of the season, the pair can make amends for their FA Cup semi-final loss at Wembley.
Kevin De Bruyne v Thiago Silva
One of the key features of City's set-ups in the UCL this season has been Guardiola's decision to opt against fielding a recognised striker. Kevin De Bruyne led their line in both legs against PSG and the Belgian has excelled in his false nine-esque role. He also scored the equaliser against PSG in the away leg. Considering the success this has brought his side, De Bruyne could be expected to reprise his role against Chelsea as well.
Should he do so, he could lock horns more often than not with arguably their most experienced player, Thiago Silva. The Brazilian is set to play his second UCL final in as many years and has been in top form this season, effortlessly settling into life in England.
Silva has been crucial to Chelsea as their central defender in a back three and could possibly be tasked with shutting De Bruyne down. However, this is no easy task as the City talisman has been in magnificent form and no active player in the UCL can better his tally of four assists.
Also read: 10 Best midfielders in the Premier League this season (2020-21)
