TV pundit Michael Owen has warned Chelsea that they will be facing a wounded animal when they come up against Manchester City on Saturday.

The former England striker thinks Pep Guardiola would have been left stewing during the international break, following the 3-1 loss to Liverpool, and he is predicting a strong performance from the home side this weekend:

“After their defeat at Anfield in their previous game City cannot afford to drop points, especially at the Etihad, if they are to put pressure on Liverpool in their quest for a hat-trick of titles.”

“Chelsea have improved under Frank Lampard and their exciting young side are confident and talented. But beware a wounded Pep Guardiola and his side – it will have been a long international break for the City boss.”

It is an intriguing matchup. Under manager Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s young side have performed very well, having lost just two league matches so far this season.

They have, though, also conceded quite a few goals in big games. They drew 4-4 at home with Ajax earlier this month and City will be looking to pick holes in a shaky backline.

Of course, the Citizens have had problems in defence themselves in recent weeks, but the big game mentality that the side have exhibited on numerous occasions in recent years could be the difference in this encounter.