Predicted Chelsea XI to face Man City: Pochettino makes double call as Palmer & Sterling face former side

Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling will face their old club on Sunday afternoon when Chelsea host Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling has found a new level in a Chelsea shirt this season, while Palmer has made a positive start to life in west London following a £40 million summer transfer.

“Really pleased,” responded Man City boss Pep Guardiola when asked about Palmer’s start to life at Chelsea. “The reason why was that, he wanted game time.

“He has it so congratulations. He is a guy who came from the academy, he’s having success because it’s good for him and wish him the best. Congratulations for Chelsea and him.”

Palmer netted from the spot on Monday night during Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Spurs as they came from behind to beat the nine-men of Ange Postecoglou’s side in north London.

It is likely Pochettino will go unchanged on Sunday as they welcome the Premier League leaders to Stamford Bridge.

Christopher Nkunku is closing in on a return from injury, returning to training with his teammates this week at Cobham, and could be available for selection against Newcastle United after the international break later this month.

“We had some conversation and he said to me, ‘Coach, I want to be ready for after international break, Newcastle’. I asked him yesterday (Thursday) and he said ‘hmmm’, and I said ‘you are liar’. ‘No, no I am ready’.

“It is close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional.”

After Jackson’s hat-trick against Spurs, which Pochettino admitted he should have scored six goals, the Senegal international will be hoping to add to his tally this weekend in a bid to help his side to a huge result.

“I will not change my view about him,” insisted Pochettino on Jackson. “He’s still young, needs to improve. Scored three goals, okay, should have scored six, that is the idea.

“Of course this situation that happens when the result does not arrive, always it’s about being responsible but the most important is to keep calm and relaxed. He is a talented played and is going to improve with time. Nights like Monday help him not to be too much nervous and approach a game in a different way.”

Predicted Chelsea XI to face Man City: Sanchez, James, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Caicedo, Enzo, Gallagher, Sterling, Jackson, Palmer