Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri revealed that the midfield battle will be the key in the match between his team against Manchester City which will be held at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday night.

Although both have sharp attackers, Maurizio Sarri feels victory will be achieved if his team can win the midfield duel. Fernandinho will be the key to Manchester City's midfield, while Jorginho is a vital player in the Chelsea midfield.

Sarri said: "It will be really very difficult to be in control of the match. The match is there (in midfield), more than in the strikers.

"They are able to play if you stop Fernandinho and also we're able to play if you stop Jorginho.

"We have options. Maybe they have more options than us because they have worked on this for three seasons.

"But I remember that in Naples it wasn't a big problem if there was a man on Jorginho, so I hope it will be the same here in the future."

Jorginho will be at the centre of the midfield battle and Guardiola had instructed City to try to sign the Italy international in the summer, only for Chelsea to land him for £57 million in their deal to also bring Sarri in from Napoli.

In the Premier League this season, No player has made more passes than Jorginho (who has 2,219), but Sarri is aware his side will find it difficult to keep the ball at the Etihad Stadium.

"I expect Guardiola's team want to always be in control of the match, always in possession of the ball and they're able to do it. So it's a very difficult match," Sarri said.

"We are used to having the ball and possession so on Sunday it will be very different.

"We will try to play our football, but if they are able to play their football, of course, you have to stay lower (deeper)."