Not many football managers have had as many “students” as Pep Guardiola – Vincent Kompany, Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta, Enzo Maresca… And although the Spaniard must be proud that a number of his former players became successful managers, which is his merit at least to some extent, today he’ll face one of his boys with a genuine fear of defeat.Egyptian prince comes as the most expensive January signingThe “student’s” perspective, on the other hand, says that Maresca won’t have a better shot at beating the man who taught so many things, as both Man City and Guardiola are currently lost in a whirlpool of shocking defeats and poor displays intertwined with few victories.Man City 🆚 Chelsea, pure Premier League theatre 🎭 pic.twitter.com/6NKjnwOOje— Premier League (@premierleague) January 25, 2025 The Italian didn’t stand a chance in their first clash this season, as the Cityzens were close to their prime. But now, Chelsea are two points ahead of Manchester side and play with much more confidence than Pep’s crew, which suffered another crushing defeat in Paris three days ago, jeopardizing their Champions League survival.Ghanaian unity over London rivalry: Chelsea legend picks Arsenal player over himselfTonight’s game (20.30) will show if Maresca learned his lesson and whether he’ll be able to “throw a powerful punch” at his mentor. After all, every good and successful manager knows how to “smell blood” and exploit the rival’s vulnerability. Now, the Chelsea boss has to prove that Guardiola taught him well, and that’s what the Spaniard is probably most afraid of.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 23Saturday 18.00: (2.20) Bournemouth (3.50) Nott.Forest (3.45)18.00: (1.67) Brighton (3.70) Everton (5.50)18.00: (1.12) Liverpool (12.0) Ipswich (19.0)18.00: (7.50) Southampton (4.60) Newcastle (1.42)18.00: (7.00) Wolverhampton (4.30) Arsenal (1.48)20.30: (2.15) Man.City (3.70) Chelsea (3.45)Sunday 17.00: (2.10) Crystal Palace (3.45) Brentford (3.50)17.00: (1.50) Tottenham (5.25) Leicester (6.00)19.30: (1.58) Aston Villa (4.20) West Ham (6.50)22.00: (2.45) Fulham (3.50) Man.Utd. (3.05)***odds are subject to change***
