Raheem Sterling spent a significant seven-year period in Manchester from 2015 to 2022, while Cole Palmer, a product of the academy, departed in pursuit of regular playing time during the summer. The current Chelsea manager, Pochettino, has emphasized the importance of players’ dedication to the current team they represent, rather than dwelling on their past allegiances.

Ahead of the highly anticipated match tonight, the Chelsea boss has personally requested both former City stars to celebrate if they manage to score against their former club.

He expressed his belief that goal celebrations are an integral part of the game, stating that scoring a goal evokes an indescribable feeling of joy and accomplishment. Pochettino acknowledges that while players may have deep respect for their former clubs, once they don a different shirt and badge, it is essential to embrace their current team’s history and celebrate accordingly.

However, before they can revel in goal celebrations, Palmer and Sterling will have to overcome City’s formidable defense, which has conceded the second-fewest goals in the Premier League this season, only behind Arsenal. Nevertheless, Pochettino believes in Palmer’s capabilities, as the 21-year-old has impressively contributed ten goals and six assists in the league this season.

Interestingly, Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, has publicly admitted his oversight in letting Palmer leave the club during the summer transfer window. Guardiola acknowledged that if he had provided Palmer with the same minutes on the pitch as he did for Phil Foden, the talented Englishman would still be a part of the City squad. Guardiola accepts full responsibility for not affording Palmer the desired playing time and recognizes the consequences of his decision.