Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has described Antonio Conte as "one of the best coaches in the world" ahead of his side's clash with Chelsea.
During the opening weeks of the season, Chelsea struggled for consistency but Conte has led the Blues to seven successive wins in the Premier League to move the club to the top of the standings.
Chelsea travel to the Etihad Stadium this weekend as they look to defend their one-point advantage over City, and Guardiola has admitted that he is looking forward to coming up against Conte for the first time in his managerial career.
The 45-year-old told reporters: "He is one of the best coaches in the world. It's the first time we are going to face each other. It's good to play against him.
"He made an exceptional job in Turin. He is a contender to win the Premier League from the beginning and now maybe more than before."
City would return to the top of the table with three points in the North-West.
Darren Plant
