The Premier League returns this weekend with a blockbuster fixture as Manchester City go head-to-head with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Both sides will be eager to kickstart their new campaign with a win and an entertaining contest is expected between two of the league’s most storied clubs on Sunday.
Match Preview
Chelsea endured a largely disappointing 2023-24 season as they finished sixth in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino failed to revive the club’s fortunes and mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the campaign.
Enzo Maresca is now in charge after guiding Leicester City to promotion from the Championship.
With the resources at his disposal, Maresca will be expected to deliver a top-four finish this season.
Chelsea were unconvincing during pre-season, winning just one of their six friendlies.
Their defence looked particularly vulnerable in the heavy losses against Manchester City, Celtic and Real Madrid, and it is an area they need to address urgently.
Maresca will face his first big test on Sunday when his team welcome Pep Guardiola’s side to Stamford Bridge.
City will be brimming with confidence after their Community Shield victory against Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola has led his side to four consecutive Premier League trophies and will be aiming for another title in what could be his final season at the club.
He has easily the best squad in England, despite only bringing in 20-year-old Savinho from Troyes this summer.
Erling Braut Haaland looked at his dangerous best during pre-season, bagging a superb hat-trick in the 4-2 victory against Chelsea.
Rodri, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden have also returned and City will be at full strength this weekend.
Team News
Chelsea’s Reece James is out with a hamstring injury. There are also question marks over the availability of Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi and Omari Kellyman.
Jack Grealish is a doubt for Man City after he picked up a knock in training before the Community Shield.
Oscar Bobb is sidelined after fracturing a bone in his leg, but Savinho could be handed his debut on Sunday.
Chelsea vs Manchester City potential line-ups
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, W. Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Guiu.
Manchester City: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic; Savinho, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Doku; Haaland.
How to Watch?
Football fans can watch all the Premier League matches live on TV, including the Chelsea vs Manchester City game.
Chelsea vs Manchester City prediction
Man City will enter the away game as clear favourites. They were unconvincing during pre-season, but are expected to be at their best on Sunday.
Given the quality in City’s ranks, an away win is on the cards,
Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City.
