Chelsea vs Man Metropolis: Preview, predictions and lineups

The Enzo Maresca period at Chelsea begins with the hardest take a look at attainable because the Blues welcome Premier League champions Manchester Metropolis to Stamford Bridge this Sunday.

The Italian, who guided Leicester Metropolis to the Championship title final season, has changed Mauricio Pochettino within the dugout and can face his former employers on his aggressive Chelsea debut. Nonetheless, a torrid pre-season marketing campaign – which included a 4-2 defeat to Man Metropolis – reveals persistence will likely be key as Maresca ushers in a brand new soccer philosophy in west London.

Some issues do not change, although. Chelsea have been as frantic as ever within the switch market, spending huge and snapping up the world’s brightest expertise. Their squad is overflowing heading into the 2024/25 season.

Man Metropolis have been comparatively quiet available in the market, signing solely Savio from sister membership Troyes. The Cityzens hardly must make sweeping modifications to a successful components as they goal for a fifth successive Premier League title in what may very well be Pep Guardiola’s last season in cost. A gap journey to Chelsea will not faze the Metropolis machine.

Right here is 90min’s information to Chelsea vs Man Metropolis.

Chelsea vs Man Metropolis H2H Report (Final 5 Video games)

Present type (all competitions)

After numerous harm points final season, Chelsea have been relieved to welcome again Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Reece James throughout pre-season. Nonetheless, the latter is suspended for the opening three video games of the 2024/25 season after getting his second pink card of the marketing campaign through the penultimate recreation of final time period.

Chelsea have a complete host of summer time signings who might make debuts towards Man Metropolis, together with the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor, Pedro Neto and Tosin Adarabioyo. Maresca must be cautious to not throw too a lot of them into the beginning XI, although.

Regardless of a busy summer time of motion with England at Euro 2024, Cole Palmer must be handed a begin towards his outdated facet this weekend.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Man Metropolis (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Nkunku.

Guardiola will likely be cautious of speeding the likes of Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and Rodri again into the beginning lineup, with the latter solely returning to coaching on Wednesday. The spectacular pre-season shows of Nico O’Reilly and James McAtee gives the Metropolis boss choices, however star academy graduate Oscar Bobb is out for a number of months after fracturing a bone in his leg.

Erling Haaland will lead the road having scored a hat-trick in pre-season towards Chelsea and Ederson will likely be between the sticks after that includes within the Group Defend. Nonetheless, Jack Grealish is an harm doubt after lacking final weekend’s journey to Wembley with a muscle problem.

Man Metropolis predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Silva, McAtee, Doku; Haaland.

Chelsea are at first of a brand new chapter and there are certain to be loads of bumps alongside the street, with Sunday maybe being one. Not many will likely be anticipating the Blues to win this weekend – not even most Chelsea supporters – however a optimistic and decided efficiency might considerably raise morale at Stamford Bridge.

Man Metropolis, even with numerous potential absentees, will likely be robust favourites within the capital and for good motive. Regardless of a patchy document towards Chelsea final season – together with a 4-4 draw on the street – the champions might properly punish the Blues once they inevitably try to play dangerous soccer in their very own half.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Man Metropolis

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