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Manchester City face Chelsea in a vital Premier League encounter this weekend.

After cutting the gap to Liverpool to two points prior to the Reds' clash with West Ham United on Monday evening, by virtue of their dominant 3-1 win over Arsenal, City will be out to keep up their momentum against Maurizio Sarri's inconsistent Blues.

On the chalkboard

City are perhaps the best possession-based team in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola's teams regularly strangle teams with possession, but every pass has a purpose.

The likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva always find their man and they are constantly looking forward, seeking to bypass the defensive line.

They had 59% possession against Arsenal and used it well, racking up 19 shots, 12 of which were on target, attempting 613 passes, with 87% accuracy.

Chelsea, by comparison, have struggled to implement Maurizio Sarri's gameplan thus far this season.

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A 5-0 win over Huddersfield Town was an excellent clap back to their critics, but their 4-0 loss to Bournemouth laid bare their recent failings.

In that game, they had 68% possession, attempting 716 passes, with 89% accuracy.

Whereas Chelsea continue to pass the ball, from side to side, with no point to their play, City do the opposite, forever passing forward, looking to get beyond the backline.

A lesson in possession

Guardiola can teach Sarri something about the art of keeping possession.

The Italian manager has yet to show Chelsea how to hurt teams with the ball, instead boring them into submission.

Or, as Bournemouth proved, they can merely wait, counter and hit four past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

This weekend, of course, may see Chelsea cede possession and attempt to break themselves, but they would be well advised to take notes from the way City play.

Whereas Chelsea are inactive on the ball, City are seductive, forever circling the ball, weaving patterns and besting their opponents through keep-ball.

Expect them to do the same this weekend - Chelsea fans must hope Sarri pays close attention.