Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has praised the impact that Thomas Tuchel has had at Chelsea, but tipped his old club to win their latest encounter.
The sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and the Blues have won the last three matches between the two, most memorably in last season’s Champions League final.
Despite their recent dominance in this fixture, former City defender Richards believes Pep Guardiola’s side will have the edge going into Saturday's crunch lunchtime kick-off in the capital.
“Everything Tuchel is touching at the moment is turning to gold.” Richards told Sky Sports.
“I watched them against Spurs and at times, they looked so powerful, so strong, fast and great in every area so, I think it will be a tough one but I think City will be ready for that game.”
Richards also tipped Chelsea forward Timo Werner to flourish in west London but not as an out-and-out striker. The 25-year-old joined Chelsea last summer from RB Leipzig but has struggled to replicate the sensational form he showed in Germany.
Richards added: “I think Werner is more of a wide forward anyway, especially on that left hand side cutting inside.
“I think he can make it at Chelsea I don’t think he will be the No.9 but he makes some intelligent runs.
“I think when you look at forwards with the sort of goals that (Mohamed) Salah and (Sadio) Mane are scoring, everyone is expecting anyone who plays in that position to get those numbers but I think given time he will come good.
“I don’t think he’ll make it as a No.9 but in wide positions, I think he can do a good job.”
