Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has admitted that it will be "very difficult" for his team to overcome Manchester City in Sunday's Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.

The reigning English champions have lost three of their last four Premier League matches to drop into fifth position in the table, and now face a clash with a City side that have won 13 of their 14 home league games this term.

Conte has said that Chelsea must 'try to work on City's weaknesses' on Sunday, but the Italian is expecting an extremely tough afternoon in Manchester.

"It's very difficult. We have to try find them, if there are, and to try work on these weaknesses. It's not simple. But we have to try and find the best way to face this game," Conte told reporters.

"I think the most important thing in every game is to have a tactical plan offensively and defensively. It will be very important not to lose the balance. In my mind if you want to win, you must have a great balance."

Chelsea have dropped points in half of their 14 Premier League away matches this season.