Stamford Bridge is set to erupt as two of the Premier League’s titans clash in a mouth-watering encounter, as football fans get to see Chelsea vs Manchester City in the opening fixture of the season.
The Citizens, fresh from their pre-season games and victory in the Community Shield against Manchester United, will be looking to begin their season on a winning note in front of their home fans. Chelsea on the other hand has been disappointing throughout the pre-season games winning just one of their last six games under their new head coach, Enzo Maresca.
This is the fourth season in a row that Man City start their Premier League title defence away from home. They have not played an opening Premier League game at the Etihad since 2016/17. However, City have lost away to Tottenham while beating West Ham and Burnley within the last three campaigns as defending Champions.
The game is a battle of master vs apprentice as Maresca was one of Guardiola’s assistant coaches at Manchester City before the former went on to manage Leicester City where he led the Foxes to promotion back to the Premier League and also emerging Champions of the Championship.
Head to Head: Chelsea vs Manchester City
The last five meetings between both sides have favoured Manchester City over Chelsea, with the Cityzens taking the game three times with the last two times between both teams ending in a draw.Chelsea supporters can be hopeful going into the game having won 20 and drawn seven of their 32 previous Premier League season openers and lost just one of their last 15 Premier League games (W9 D5). However, the Blues will have to be wary of the Citizens attacking threats as they faced 46 shots across the two matches last season.
Chelsea Team News:
Chelsea have been busy this transfer window with some new names joining the squad which includes Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, who followed Maresca from Leicester. Pedro Neto is expected to start from the bench after joining from fellow Premier League side Wolves.
Thiago Silva has left, so there will be a different centre-back partnership with Badiashile, Disasi, Tosin and Fofana all available for selection. Reece James won’t be involved though, as he is suspended for the first three games of the new season after his red card at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Manchester City Team News:
The defending champions have been quiet in the transfer window, with only three players leaving so far and only winger Savinho coming in. The new man will eased in by Pep Guardiola with Oscar Bobb expected to keep his place on the right-hand side after his fantastic display in the Community Shield against Manchester United where he provided the assist for City’s late equaliser.
Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Rodri all missed the trip to Wembley as they are still resting following their outing with the Three Lions at Euro 2024, so we could see Rico Lewis and Jeremy Doku keep their places in the side.
Predictions:
We except an absolute dominance from Manchester City but the game looks most likely to end in a draw.
Read the Latest Sports News and Get Fresh updates on X and Facebook
