Following comprehensive victories at Aston Villa in the FA Cup and Crystal Palace in the top flight, the Blues travel to the defending Premier League champions looking for a third away win on the bounce.

City naturally pose a stern test for Pochettino's side on their own turf, but Chelsea can take confidence and belief from the 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge between the two clubs in November.

Pochettino was asked ahead of our trip to the Etihad what lessons he and his players learned during that game, and also how they could hurt City on their own patch.

'I think the lesson is that we are going to face a very, very good team,' said Pochettino. 'They are one of the best in the world.

'But at the same time, you need to be brave and try to force them to defend, to run back, and to their own goal. If we go there and wait to see what is going to happen, they are a team that can dominate and make you suffer.

'The most important thing is we realise the need to attack. After this, we need to be able to run and work together. There are some tactical questions we need to be aware of, but the most important thing is to be brave and challenge them.'

Our two previous games have demonstrated the Blues can carry a threat when away from the home comforts of Stamford Bridge.

Three goals were scored at Aston Villa. Another three were struck at Selhurst Park. Enzo Fernandez was on the scoresheet in both matches and Pochettino believes the Argentine's upturn in form is due to the 23-year-old's growing fitness levels.

'I don't believe that he is playing much deeper [on the pitch],' Pochettino replied when asked whether Fernandez's role has changed.

'We've always known he is a player with the capacity to use his quality in our build-up, but also that he could arrive in the opposition box with the ability to score.

'He now has the capacity to move, to run. He is improving a lot. That is why now we can see him building up, but also scoring goals like in the last minute against Palace, where he ran 70 or 60 metres.

'He is improving a lot. It is all about time. He is a player with the capacity to play box-to-box but also score goals with the technique that he has.'

One player who didn't feature in our win against Palace on Monday was Mykhailo Mudryk, who remained on the bench.

It was the same story for the winger at Villa Park but Pochettino has highlighted why such a spell out of the side can prove beneficial in a young player's development.

'It is part of his evolution,' said Pochettino. 'Sometimes young guys need to feel the pain of not playing. Otherwise, it is always so easy.

'I think if you don't have this, it is difficult to mature, grow, and realise what you need to do to improve.

'The most important thing is the way they manage this type of situation. It is up to the player to reach the level we think they have. But, of course, it is also a massive challenge for the coaching staff.'