Carlo Ancelotti claims Manchester City's "lack of identity" is their greatest strength as they close in on another Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola's side put together a relentless run of 15 straight league wins to go clear at the top.
A third league triumph in four years will soon be secured - barring an incredible collapse.
City beat Everton at Goodison Park during their winning run and take them on in this weekend's FA Cup.
Guardiola has had to adapt this term with their defensive record the cornerstone of their success.
And Ancelotti believes their unpredictability is what makes them so impressive.
“I would like to talk about Manchester City. Manchester City are a fantastic team but they have no clear identity," he said.
“Sometimes they build up with three, sometimes with two, sometimes their right back goes to play as a holding midfielder.
“They have clear principles. That is the difference.
“Sometimes they don't play with a centre-forward, they play with a No 10 as a centre-forward, so the identity of Manchester City is not clear.
"If they had a clear identity you would be more able to manage their shape, but the fact is they change their shape.
“What doesn't change is their principles of keeping the ball, having possession and to show the quality they have. The principles never change.”
City won the FA Cup in 2019 - but that remains the only time Guardiola has won the competition.
Everton's last piece of silverware meanwhile can be dated back to their FA Cup success in 1995.
Ancelotti has the Toffees on the cusp of the top four, but consistency and their home form is hindering their ambitions.
