“I try to do that” – Cole Palmer seeks Manchester City vengeance ahead of Chelsea clash

Cole Palmer has issued a warning to Manchester City ahead of returning to the Etihad Stadium with Chelsea this weekend.

The 21-year-old completed a £42.5 million move to Stamford Bridge on Deadline Day in September, quitting Manchester City despite scoring in both the FA Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup during the opening weeks of the campaign.

Palmer graduated from the City Football Academy and made 41 first-team appearances over five seasons for Pep Guardiola’s side, including making 25 showings during the Blues’ treble-winning campaign.

The Englishman scored just five goals for Manchester City, but has been on goalscoring form for Chelsea, with 16 direct goal involvements in 21 Premier League appearances.

Palmer has already made more starts for Chelsea then during the entirety of his career at the Etihad Stadium, and the forward also scored against City in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge in November.

Guardiola’s side haven’t lost to Chelsea since the Champions League Final in 2021, and a victory over the west London club on Saturday evening would give City the opportunity to potentially take control of the Premier League title race next week.

Wins over both Chelsea and Brentford would put the Blues in control of their own destiny, as City look to win a record-breaking fourth successive league title.

Palmer is relishing the opportunity to dent his former club’s title aspirations this weekend however, with the 21-year-old seeking vengeance.

Asked whether Saturday’s clash provides the chance to prove Manchester City wrong, Palmer told the Daily Mail: “I try to do that every game, so we’ll see. It will be a tough game.

“But I am looking forward to going back. It will be strange and weird, but I’m looking forward to it and the team is.”

Palmer won six trophies during his time at Manchester City, winning two Premier League titles alongside the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Super Cup.

The forward could win silverware with Chelsea later this month, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final.