For a change, Poch has a shot at having final say against Pep

THERE is no manager Mauricio Pochettino has faced more frequently in his career than Pep Guardiola, and tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester City will bring up 25 meetings between the old rivals.

- Dan Kilpatrick

Pochettino has always relished their comings together but rarely finished on top; he has won just four matches against the Catalan and lost 13, although his victories include Espanyol's memorable 2009 scalp over Guardiola's legendary Barcelona and Tottenham's win over City in the Champions League five years ago.

Both men are among the city of Barcelona's favourite sons, albeit from different sides of the aisle, but, although he has never said as much, Pochettino must feel that his rivalry with Guardiola has never been on an even footing.

When Guardiola was sweeping the board with his treble-winning Barca team, Pochettino was taking his first steps in management with Espanyol Women's side.

When Pochettino went to Southampton to make his name in English football, Guardiola was in charge of another of Europe's super-clubs in Bayern Munich.

And while Guardiola's first top job in the Premier League was with state backed City, where no expense was spared, Pochettino was building up a Spurs side on a shoestring as the club's resources were funneled towards a stadium build.