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Manchester City will host Chelsea tonight in what promises to be another epic fixture of Premier League football. Manchester City are second in the Premier League table, three points behind league leaders Liverpool, and Chelsea are 5th - 12 points behind Manchester City.
While Manchester City will look to continue their hunt for consecutive Premier League titles, Chelsea will be looking to get back into the top 4. Despite being 5th currently, Chelsea have proven to be a tough test for Pep Guardiola's champions as they defeated City 2-0 in December.
It is clear that this fixture is crucial not only to these two teams but to the entire top six in the league. A defeat for City may strengthen Liverpool's position at the top while a defeat for Chelsea will make Manchester United happy as they are hanging onto the fourth place, leading Chelsea by just one point.
When Chelsea face Manchester City, the game usually has no short of entertainment - from champagne football to goals, late twists and fights to drama. Moreover, these two teams will face each other in the Carabao Cup final too, and will look to boost their confidence ahead of that match.
Without further ado, let us evaluate three players who have the potential to shape the result of the tie.
#1 Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is Chelsea's beating heart under the tutelage of Maurizio Sarri. The 28-year-old Belgian has carried his sensational World Cup form into the domestic season and has looked unstoppable at times.
Hazard has scored 12 goals and racked up 10 assists for Chelsea this season. His ability to dismantle the opposition's rearguard with his dribbling and vision makes him the biggest threat on the pitch against any opponent.
The Belgian was one of the players who helped break down City's defense when they met in December. He will look to amplify his efforts in the final third with bigger support in the form of Gonzalo Higuain.
Manchester City defenders are familiar with the extraterrestrial abilities of the Belgian winger, and will face a tough test stopping him tonight.
#2. Sergio Aguero
With 14 goals in the Premier League this season, Sergio Aguero needs no introduction. The Argentine sharp-shooter has led Manchester City to consistent success since ever his arrival to England.
Aguero was one of the players who missed the clash against Chelsea in December. His absence was significant as City looked toothless in the final third, unable to find a suitable replacement, as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the Stamford Bridge.
Aguero is a force to reckon with even aside from his goals; he has provided 6 assists in the league this season. He generally steps up against big teams, and his hat-trick against Arsenal was a testament to his world class caliber.
#3 Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the most crucial player in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. His injury was a huge blow to Guardiola, and his long break from football was clearly hampering the dominance of Manchester City.
De Bruyne has started in only four Premier League games this season but has already managed to score one goal. Along with Aguero, he was one of the players who missed out in the first clash between Manchester City and Chelsea, which resulted in a Chelsea win.
If City are to win tonight, De Bruyne will surely have to play a pivotal role in the final third. He is one of the biggest threats to Chelsea, if not the biggest.
His ability to find spaces at will and pick out his teammates makes him one of the most dangerous attackers on the pitch. Chelsea defenders will be wary of giving too much space to the Belgian.
