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Manchester Evening News reported that Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has returned to training this week despite an injury that caused him to leave last Saturday’s Premier League match at Burnley.
After the game, Guardiola acknowledged that Chelsea’s multi-faceted attack and staunch defense will require special attention. Tottenham Hotspur made a valid attempt to stop Antonio Conte’s squad by jamming the center of the field, but City will, most likely, rely on sophisticated possession play to win.
With RaS potentially available, City have better hopes of “unlocking the secrets” of Chelsea. He would be instrumental to establishing an ideal style. If they needed to operate on the counter attack, Sterling's speed will be imperative.
He specializes in taking crosses into the box and has helped manifest some wonderful one-touch movements in the final third on a number of occasions.
In general, Raheem is an all-around positive feature of City’s starting XI in 2016 after waves of drama overshadowed his flashy style. Despite his progress under Guardiola, Burnley fans chanted that he “let his country down” as he exited Saturday’s game.
In response, Guardiola said, “He’s a really nice guy trying to do his job. I like the supporters who support their team. But it’s not my business.”
With regular boosts of confidence from a new manager, City’s number 7 promises to build on his current form. His quality is emboldened and we all itch to see more goals come off his toes. Chelsea provide an excellent opportunity to get three points for City with a bit of personal vindication for Sterling.