Cole Palmer will return to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since leaving Manchester City this weekend.
City are truly hitting their stride now having won 11 games in a row but will be tested by the visiting Chelsea on Saturday.
Though Mauricio Pochettino’s side has struggled this season and sit down in 10th, they managed to grab a thrilling 4-4 draw with City at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer scored the last-gasp equaliser back in November and will be aiming to hurt his former side again.
However, Shaun Wright-Phillips doesn’t expect Palmer to be given a hostile reception from home fans on his return.
What reception will Cole Palmer get from Man City fans?
Speaking on City’s Match Day Live show, Wright-Phillips said: “I think he’ll get the same [nice reception he did when he returned with Chelsea].
“I don’t think there’s any grievance there between him and the fans. The fans seem like they respected what he did.
“I just think he’s taken it all by storm in many ways because you didn’t think he would go there and be the best player there.
“He’s gone there and took it in his stride and he’s made things happen for them.
“It will be difficult for him coming back here. He has to make sure he doesn’t get caught in that trap where he’s trying too hard.
“Because then that normally goes the other way, he just has to be himself. Hopefully, he tries too hard, though.”
Will Cole Palmer haunt Man City again?
Despite Wright-Phillips’ hopes, Palmer doesn’t come across as someone who will play the occasion rather than the game.
The 21-year-old is already displaying immense confidence and won’t be daunted by returning to City.
Palmer has been Chelsea’s best player by some distance this season and provided two crucial assists in the late win over Crystal Palace on Monday.
He already has 12 goals and nine assists in total to his name and will be hoping to add to that against City.
Luckily for City, the rest of the Chelsea team is continuing to struggle and haven’t improved since the 4-4.
With Pep Guardiola’s side hitting their relentless stride, they should win regardless of what Palmer does.
