Cricket Live
Football Live
The 2024/25 Premier League season gets underway with a thrilling clash as Chelsea, now under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca, take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Maresca, fresh from guiding Leicester City to the Championship title, faces a daunting challenge in his first competitive match with Chelsea, going up against his former club. Despite a turbulent pre-season, including a notable defeat to City, Maresca's new tactical approach will be scrutinized as Chelsea look to make a strong start. Meanwhile, Manchester City, aiming for their fifth consecutive league title, visit Stamford Bridge with a well-established squad and minimal changes, ready to test Chelsea’s resolve in what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, 18 August
Location: Stamford Bridge, London
Kick-off Time: 09:15 NST / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Michael Salisbury
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea, having endured a season plagued with injuries, are excited to see the return of key players such as Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Reece James during the pre-season. However, James will miss the first three games of the new season due to suspension following a second red card last term.
Among the new arrivals, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, and Tosin Adarabioyo could make their debuts against Manchester City. Maresca faces the challenge of integrating these new signings without overwhelming the team. Despite his busy summer with England at Euro 2024, Cole Palmer is expected to feature against his former club.
Chelsea Predicted Line-Up vs Manchester City (4-2-3-1) :
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Defenders: Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella
Midfielders: Caicedo, Lavia
Attacking Midfielders: Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk
Forward: Nkunku
Manchester City Team News
Pep Guardiola will carefully manage the return of key players such as Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Rodri. Rodri has only recently resumed training, while Nico O'Reilly and James McAtee have shown impressive form during pre-season, providing Guardiola with additional options. However, the City boss will be without academy star Oscar Bobb, who is sidelined with a fractured leg.
Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack after a stellar pre-season, including a hat-trick against Chelsea. Ederson will guard the goal following his appearance in the Community Shield. Jack Grealish, who missed last weekend's match at Wembley due to a muscle issue, is a doubtful starter.
Manchester City Predicted Line-Up vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1) :
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defenders: Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol
Midfielders: De Bruyne, Kovacic
Attacking Midfielders: Silva, McAtee, Doku
Forward: Haaland