The Blues head to Wembley low in confidence, with boss Sarri under immense pressure.
Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Monday, though they did progress to the last-16 of the Europa League in midweek.
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City can earn the first of a potential quadruple today with Guardiola’s side clear favourites.
Indeed, City thrashed Chelsea just two weeks ago but Sarri can avoid a repeat of that by using these three tactics.
Sit deep
It may sound negative, but Chelsea know they can’t afford to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City.
They need to get men behind the ball otherwise the Blues run the risk of another thrashing at the hands of City.
It was just two weeks ago that Chelsea were humbled at the Etihad with City winning 6-0.
The hosts were 4-0 up inside 25 minutes that day as Chelsea left themselves wide open at the back.
The longer Sarri’s side can keep it goalless at Wembley today, the more chance they have – just like at Stamford Bridge back in December.
City were frustrated in the first half then, and paid the price for not taking their chances.
An early goal for City today could see the floodgates open (again), with Chelsea then being forced to attack.
Sarri is better off focusing on defending first, and trying to frustrate Guardiola and his fluent team again.
Get Kante back in his preferred position
One way Chelsea can be stronger defensively is by getting N’Golo Kante back as the holding midfielder.
Jorginho has been preferred in that role having followed Sarri from Napoli in the summer, but he has struggled to impress.
Kante has twice been named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, with the Frenchman having two Premier League titles to his name.
He has failed to have as big an influence on the Blues this season, despite shining as Chelsea beat Manchester City earlier in the campaign.
And if the Italian wants his team to be stronger at the back, then he could do worse than moving Kante a bit deeper.
Utilise set-pieces
If Manchester City do have a weakness, it may be from set-pieces.
Chelsea have a number of taller players, with the likes of David Luiz and Gonzalo Higuain strong in the air.
The Blues won’t get many chances, so they need to make the most of the ones they do.
Any corners or free-kicks around the box will be crucial, with the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian capable of putting in a deadly delivery.
Chelsea have scored just six goals from set-pieces this season, though one of them did come from Luiz in the 2-0 win over City back in December.