The Enzo Maresca era at Chelsea begins with the toughest test possible as the Blues welcome Premier League champions Manchester City to Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
The Italian, who guided Leicester City to the Championship title last season, has replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout and will face his former employers on his competitive Chelsea debut. However, a torrid pre-season campaign – which included a 4-2 defeat to Man City – shows patience will be key as Maresca ushers in a new football philosophy in west London.
Some things don’t change, though. Chelsea have been as frantic as ever in the transfer market, spending big and snapping up the world’s brightest talent. Their squad is overflowing heading into the 2024/25 season.
Man City have been comparatively quiet in the market, signing only Savio from sister club Troyes. The Cityzens hardly need to make sweeping changes to a winning formula as they aim for a fifth successive Premier League title in what could be Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge. An opening trip to Chelsea won’t faze the City machine.
Here is Football Flame guide to Chelsea vs Man City.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man City
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man City (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Nkunku.
Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Silva, McAtee, Doku; Haaland
Chelsea vs Man City score prediction
Chelsea are at the beginning of a new chapter and there are bound to be plenty of bumps along the road, with Sunday perhaps being one. Not many will be expecting the Blues to win this weekend – not even most Chelsea supporters – but a positive and determined performance could significantly lift morale at Stamford Bridge.
Man City, even with a number of potential absentees, will be strong favourites in the capital and for good reason. Despite a patchy record against Chelsea last season – including a 4-4 draw on the road – the champions could well punish the Blues when they inevitably try and play risky football in their own half.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Man City
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