Man City have been warned that Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel knows how to beat Pep Guardiola’s side.
Ex-Blues star Florent Malouda has predicted that his former side could easily win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, potentially cutting the Citizen’s gap at the top of the Premier League.
City won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, dominating the clash that was eventually won by a Gabriel Jesus 53rd minute strike.
Speaking to William Hill, Malouda said: “I can see Chelsea winning against Manchester City.”
“If they want to bridge the gap then they need to beat the best, and there’s nothing to lose now in this game. It’s an opportunity to go out and beat City and keep the title challenge alive.
“If you look at Tuchel’s record against Pep, it shows he has the right formula, and he knows how to beat City.
“I think they can beat them this weekend. To be honest, I can see it being a crazy game, and I’m going to say Chelsea can win 4-3.”
Manchester City have started their campaign strongly, sitting at the Premier League summit and easily qualifiying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
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Malouda was full of respect for City and still expects them to lift the title come the end of the season, however he believes the Chelsea teams of the 2000s and early 2010s was superior to Pep Guardiola’s mob.
“Our Chelsea team would beat this City team, as we had different qualities,” the Frenchman explained.
“If I compare this City team to Barcelona at its peak, we were the kind of team they didn’t like to play against, and of course I respect them, but I think we would have been able to do to them what we did to Barcelona at times.
“We would disturb them, be physical against them, and that would put doubt in their minds. I’ll admit that we parked the bus, and they didn’t like it. Maybe City would be the same against us.”
Malouda continued: “Looking at all of City’s performances, it will be difficult to stop them, but everything is possible.
“They have a strong squad, and they could play three strong teams. I don’t see many weaknesses, and I think they will win the Premier League this season.
“I hope they drop points, but it doesn’t look likely. I’m not so optimistic of Chelsea winning the title this season.
“There were instances when they were playing very well but weren’t killing the game and dropped points.
“That’s the difference with City as they go for the throat of teams every time.
“They don’t lose points and they are so efficient.”
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