‘Big challenge’: Pep Guardiola admits two Chelsea players are always very difficult to come up against

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Pep Guardiola has claimed to The Guardian that Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Silva are both difficult players to come up against.

The Spaniard brings his Manchester City side to Stamford Bridge tonight with the goal of closing the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

The Blues meanwhile will be looking for a massive victory that will turn around their fortunes under manager Graham Potter.

They currently sit 10^th in the league, although do have a couple of games in hand on most of the sides above them.

So far since Christmas, Potter has elected to go for a back four, with Koulibaly and Silva paired together in the middle for both games.

The Senegal international looked like he struggled particularly against Nottingham Forest, although it is likely both start tonight.

Guardiola praises Koulibaly and Silva

Guardiola has claimed that he is excited to see the battle of Erling Haaland and the two Chelsea defenders.

He said: “I like it, the extra limit. Not just him, everyone. His behaviour – you always have to use [the head]. But play with this passion. That is necessary. I prefer that than to be flat. Strikers have to handle tough, tough central defenders. It’s necessary.

“Tomorrow [at Chelsea] he’ll have a battle with [Kalidou] Koulibaly and Thiago Silva. It’s always a big challenge and that’s why the Premier League is so special.”

The Blues will need to be at their very best if they are to stop City tonight. The champions are a wounded animal following their draw with Everton last time out.

A win would however be a statement from the Blues under Potter, with them yet to find their feet in the Premier League despite a number of big victories in Europe already.