Mauricio Pochettino sends warning to Man City as Chelsea confirm six absentees for Premier League clash
Mauricio Pochettino will be without six first-team players for the visit of Manchester City but the Chelsea boss insists his side can compete with the best on their day.
An announcement on the club website confirmed on Friday that Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku will all be unavailable for Sunday's Premier League fixture. All are long-term absentees and Pochettino reported no new concerns.
Chelsea came away from Tottenham with an impressive 4-1 win on Monday night, helped in part by two red cards for Ange Postecoglou's side. Pochettino knows the challenge of facing last season's treble winners but insists his side are not underdogs.
"For me they are the best team, have the best coaching staff and the best coach/manager," Pochettino said of City. "We need to tell the truth - it is one of the best organisations in the world.
"We need to give credit to Manchester City, from the top to the bottom, they are doing it all really well. It is going to be a challenge and we want to compete. We know it is going to be tough. But we are going to try to compete at our best and our goal is to win the three points.
"Chelsea never have that feeling of being an underdog. The feeling is always 'you are Chelsea'. It is impossible, the history is there. But Monday [against Tottenham] showed we have talent and character to compete and to fight with the best clubs in England."
Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge will see City face off against one of their most promising academy products of recent years. Cole Palmer was a surprise deadline-day exit from the Etihad, joining Chelsea in a £42.5million deal.
The 21-year-old has been excellent since heading south, registering three goals and four assists in 10 appearances across all competitions. And Pochettino is hoping for another productive performance against a former side.
"He is a really clever guy that has had to adapt quickly. We are building the team at the minute and he showed character and personality to take the move.
"We are so happy with him but I think he will improve. It is a special chance for him to play his former team-mates."
