Enzo Maresca will have a specific, detailed tactical plan for Sunday's fixture against Manchester City — and understanding what that plan looks like reveals how Chelsea can get a result. Chelsea's likely approach: Press City's first build-up: Maresca's teams press with structure rather than chaos. When City's goalkeeper distributes short, Chelsea's front three will apply coordinated pressure with specific press triggers — forcing Walker or Akanji into long balls rather than letting Rodri receive in space. Double-mark Rodri: the key to any game against City is limiting Rodri's influence. Chelsea will likely assign one midfielder to track Rodri's movements and limit his time on the ball, while the second pivot covers the spaces he vacates. Limit Foden and Silva's half-space movements: these two players are most dangerous when they receive facing goal in the half-spaces. Chelsea's midfield must track them aggressively and prevent those moments of facing-up. Exploit City's high defensive line: if Haaland plays, Chelsea's runners in behind — particularly from wide positions — can use the space behind City's back four when they push high. Transition moments: when Chelsea win the ball in midfield, the immediate vertical pass to Palmer or Nkunku in behind is the weapon of choice. City's press is effective — the counter to it is speed of transition. 📅 Sun 12 Apr, 07:30 UTC | Stamford Bridge 🏆 GW30 | Chelsea's Blueprint