Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson is expecting a draw when Manchester City face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said he doesn’t think the home side have a chance of winning the game, but they may be able to cause the Premier League champions a fair number of problems that could stop them from securing the three points:

“I was bullish last week when I said Chelsea were going to beat Tottenham. I said it because Chelsea like teams coming at them. I think there’ll be some outstanding battles all over the pitch. Chelsea will cause City problems and vice versa. But I still don’t see the Blues winning this one. I’d indeed be shocked if they won this one.”

“That’s only because Manchester City have so many game-changers on their side. They are spoilt for choice as always. I just don’t see how any team will finish above Manchester City this season. I’m hoping that Chelsea get a draw here.”

City will be disappointed if they don’t pick up a win

Merson has predicted a 1-1 draw, which would be a rather disappointing result for City. The Blues will be heading into the game off the back of a confidence-boosting victory against Tottenham on Monday night. They also should have beaten Arsenal at home last month but they gave away a two-goal lead in the derby.

However, Pochettino’s men have a poor home record this season. They have already lost to Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Brentford on their own turf, with their solitary league win coming against newly-promoted Luton Town.

City have the firepower to dismantle Chelsea at their best

Merson is right that manager Pep Guardiola is spoilt for choice in regards to his options in the final third. With Erling Haaland having recovered quickly from the ankle injury he sustained against Bournemouth as well, he will be available to start on Sunday.

When you consider that Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva are also in excellent form, there is a chance that City can take the game away from their opponents if they put in the type of performance we know they can produce.

Watch our pundits discuss the latest Manchester City and Manchester United news on Shots!TV here