Richard
Dunne hailed Chelsea's resurgence under Thomas Tuchel but warned both of
their recent wins over Manchester City have come against understrength
sides.
Chelsea put City's Premier League title celebrations on hold with a 2-1
success at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, four weeks after ending their
quadruple hopes with victory in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Pep Guardiola made nine changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's
match, with Kevin De Bruyne dropping out of the matchday squad, and Dunne is
backing a full-strength Manchester City to prevail when the teams meet again
in the Champions League final on May 29.
The Times' Paul Hirst thinks Pep Guardiola is unlikely to start Sergio
Aguero in the Champions League final after his performance against Chelsea
The former City defender told Sky Sports News: "The way Chelsea have
performed since Tuchel came in has been brilliant.
"They've looked really solid and dangerous. They look like a side that is
certainly going to challenge for the Premier League next season, but also
have sights on winning big trophies this year.
"City have found it difficult to find a way past them but they've not quite
put out their best XI to face them yet.
"Come the Champions League final, you'll see all the players you'd expect to
see in the Man City starting line-up. It'll be a different occasion.
"I still believe that when City put out their best XI, they're the best side
in Europe."
Despite Saturday's setback, Manchester City remain on course for a third
Premier League title in four seasons and Dunne says a maiden Champions
League could spark a period of European dominance.
"It's a huge opportunity," said Dunne, who made 352 appearances for City.
"We all know Manchester City is a big club and they have performed amazingly
over the past 10 years. They've won leagues, FA Cups and League Cups,
getting this Champions League would really put them on the map in Europe.
"People look at the history of clubs and Manchester City have a recent
history that's really impressive. They need to start building that European
pedigree. If they can get a Champions League title they'll be on their way.
"They have the squad, the set-up, everything to potentially be a dominating
team in European competition for a while to come.
"Chelsea have had their way twice. On the night City will be ready, prepared
and they'll win the game. Not comfortably but hopefully they'll win."
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