Chelsea begin life under Enzo Maresca with a difficult test against reigning champions, Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are beginning life under Maresca following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit this summer.
Man City meanwhile will look to start their title defence on a positive note.
Team News
Rece James is a doubt for Chelsea after he skipped their final pre-season friendly with a hamstring injury.
Dorde Petrovic and Omari Kellyman (both knock) are doubts but Conor Gallagher (personal) won’t be part of the squad.
Man City could welcome winger, Jack Grealish back into contention, after he missed their FA Community Shield victory over Manchester United with a knock.
Rodri (fitness) and Oscar Bobb (leg) are both ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Chelsea host Man City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 18 August at 4:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Chelsea are winless in their last six league matches against Man City (D2, L4).
- Man City have lost one of their last five league visits to Chelsea (W3, D1, L1).
- Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and City’s Rodri scored in both league meetings last season.
- Noni Madueke scored in three of his last four appearances for Chelsea in pre-season.
- Man City lost one of their seven league visits to London-based opposition last season (W5, D1, L1).
Prediction
With just one win in pre-season and yet more bizarre off-pitch business on top of a new manager, Chelsea just seem to be lurking from one challenge to another without any stability or momentum coming into a tough opener like this.
Dorde Petrovic though deserves a mention because he did a great job to battle his way to the first-choice goalkeeping spot, yet now looks on the outside again which I think is unfair after how impressive he was in second-half of last season.
Man City meanwhile were lucky to win the Community Shield via penalties against Man Utd, but I do expect them to be at their swashbuckling best that we know given their form away to London-based opposition.
Chelsea however do look like they have serious firepower but their defending in pre-season though do leave questions, especially with a ruthless City team capable of punishing any vulnerabilities to take the win.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City
Result: Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City
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