Chelsea vs Man City: Preview, predictions and lineup

Enzo Maresca's time at Chelsea begins with his toughest test yet as the Blues host Premier League champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Italian, who led Leicester City to the Championship title last season, has replaced Mauricio Pochettino on the pitch and will face his former employers in his first game against Chelsea. However, a difficult pre-season campaign – which included a 4-2 defeat by Man City – suggests patience will be key as Maresca introduces a new philosophy of football in west London.

Some things don't change, though. Chelsea have been as busy as ever in the transfer market, spending big and snapping up the world's brightest talent. Their squad is overflowing for the 2024/25 season.

Man City have been relatively quiet in the market, only signing Savio from sister club Troyes. The Cityzens do not need to make any drastic changes to their winning ways as they aim to claim a fifth consecutive Premier League title in what could be Pep Guardiola's last season in charge. Opening a trip to Chelsea will not disrupt the City machine.

Here it is 90 min Chelsea vs Man City guide.

Chelsea vs Man City H2H Record (Last Five Matches)

Current form (all competitions)

After many injury problems last season, Chelsea have been relieved to welcome Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Reece James in the pre-season. However, the latter has been suspended for the first three games of the 2024/25 season after picking up his second red card of the campaign in last quarter's penalty shoot-out.

Chelsea have plenty of summer signings to play against Man City, including the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto and Tosin Adarabioyo. Maresca should be careful not to throw too many into the starting XI, though.

Despite a busy summer with England at Euro 2024, Cole Palmer should be given a start against his old club this weekend.

Chelsea predicted to face Man City (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Mr.

Guardiola will be wary of rushing the likes of Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and Rodri back into the starting line-up, with the latter returning to training on Wednesday. Impressive pre-season displays from Nico O'Reilly and James McAtee provide options for the City manager, but academy graduate Oscar Bobb is out for several months after breaking a bone in his leg.

Erling Haaland will lead the line that scored a hat-trick in pre-season against Chelsea and Ederson will be between the sticks after playing in the Community Shield. However, Jack Grealish is an injury doubt after missing last weekend's trip to Wembley with a hamstring problem.

Man City predicted to face Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Guardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Silva, McAtee, Doku; Haaland.

Chelsea are at the start of a new chapter and there will be many bumps in the road, possibly one on Sunday. Not many will be expecting the Blues to win this weekend – not many Chelsea fans – but a good and determined performance could lift the spirits at Stamford Bridge.

Man City, despite their potential crowd, will be strong favorites in the capital and for good reason. Despite a poor record against Chelsea last season – including a 4-4 away draw – the champions can punish the Blues if they do try to play dangerous football in their half.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Man City

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