Chelsea vs Man City predicted line-ups: Team news and probable XIs
The game of the week on the opening weekend of the Premier League takes place at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea face defending champions Man City.
Predicted XIs:
Chelsea: Sanchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Badiashile, Gusto; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Nunes; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland.
No fewer than 21 points separated these two clubs last season, with both league meetings finishing level. The Etihad clash finished 1-1 in February, while this fixture finished 4-4 thanks to an injury-time equaliser for the hosts.
This clash of the two top-flight heavyweights will kick off at 16:30 on Sunday and will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League for UK viewers.
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Maresca needs a quick start
Enzo Maresca is the latest coach to try and bring success back to the Bridge, becoming the sixth Chelsea manager since January 2021.
Having helped Leicester to the Championship title, the Blues decided the Italian was the best person to succeed Mauricio Pochettino.
Maresca worked under Pep Guardiola when head of City’s Elite Development Squad for a year, but will now go head-to-head with the legendary Spaniard.
After this opening clash, the fixture list looks kind to Chelsea over the next month and that makes it even more important for Maresca that his team make a good start.
City have had a quiet summer in the transfer market, with the biggest deal seeing Julian Alvarez leave for Atletico Madrid.
Guardiola is looking to make it five Premier League titles in a row in what many believe could be his last season at the Etihad.
Sunday’s clash will also see Cole Palmer come up against his former club, as the England international looks to build on last season’s outstanding campaign.
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Chelsea vs Man City Team News
It’s been another busy summer on the transfer front for Chelsea, with no fewer than nine new signings made during the close season.
Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are two new faces that are expected to feature in Sunday’s opening game.
Nicolas Jackson looks to have recovered from an ankle injury, while long-term absentee Wesley Fofana is back in contention.
Chelsea though will be without Reece James, who is suspended after his red card at Brighton towards the end of last season.
City, meanwhile, could be without their midfield talisman for the trip to the capital, with Rodri having had an extended break following his Euro 2024 success with Spain.
Jack Grealish is an injury doubt having missed the Wembley win over Manchester United, while Oscar Bobb suffered a leg fracture in training this week.
Guardiola, though, is expected to welcome back Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones to the squad, after the England trio missed the Community Shield success.
