Maresca expects Man City to be in title hunt

Enzo Maresca believes Manchester City will bounce back into Premier League title contention while insisting it is “just reality” that Chelsea are not genuine challengers for the crown.

Chelsea go into Thursday’s west London derby at home to Fulham second in the table and just four points adrift of leaders Liverpool, having played one game more than the Merseysiders.

By contrast City are now 12 points off the summit following a woeful run of nine defeats in 12 matches in all competitions.]

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But Maresca, who worked alongside City boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, said: “Manchester City at the end will be there. They are in a moment that has never happened before.”