Vincent Kompany: 'I can handle Diego Costa'

Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has claimed that the key to combating Diego Costa is rising above the Chelsea striker's underhand tactics.

The Belgian is scheduled to come up against the Spain international at Eastlands this afternoon as the two Premier League giants renew hostilities.

Costa has developed a reputation as one of the Premier League's finest hitmen since joining from Atletico Madrid last summer.

However, the 26-year-old has also courted criticism for his tenacious nature up front, but Kompany says that the key to keeping him quiet is ignoring his physical and verbal gestures.

"He has an edge to his game that makes him a player to be careful with," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"His record speaks for itself. It's all you need to know about him. He finds these pockets and is incredibly efficient and deadly.

"Sometimes don't get involved too much. Play the right amount of game with him and focus on what you have to do after that."

Costa's 20 Premier League goals last term helped the Blues to their fourth title.