By LONDON — Chelsea will begin their 2024/25 Premier League campaign by hosting reigning champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, marking the competitive debut of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Maresca, who led Leicester City to the Championship title last season, replaced Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s head coach. The Italian faces an immediate challenge against his former employers in what will be a stern test of Chelsea’s readiness under new management.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, with kick-off at 16:30 BST (11:30 ET). Anthony Taylor will referee the fixture, with Michael Salisbury as VAR.
Chelsea’s pre-season form has been inconsistent, including a 4-2 defeat to Manchester City. The Blues have been active in the transfer market, with potential debuts for new signings Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Chelsea will be without captain Reece James, who is suspended for the first three matches of the season. However, the team welcomes back Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Cole Palmer from injuries and international duty.
Manchester City, aiming for their fifth consecutive Premier League title, have been relatively quiet in the transfer market. Their only major signing, Savio from Troyes, joins a squad that has dominated English football in recent years.
City manager Pep Guardiola may exercise caution with players returning from Euro 2024, including Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and Rodri. Jack Grealish is doubtful due to a muscle issue, while academy graduate Oscar Bobb is sidelined with a leg fracture.
Recent head-to-head records favor Manchester City, with three wins and two draws in their last five meetings. Their most recent encounter saw City secure a 1-0 victory in the FA Cup on April 20, 2024.
Chelsea’s expected lineup includes goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, defenders Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella. The midfield could feature Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, supporting an attack of Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Christopher Nkunku.
Manchester City are likely to field Ederson in goal, with a defense including Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol. Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic may start in midfield, behind an attack featuring Bernardo Silva, James McAtee, Jeremy Doku, and Erling Haaland.
Both teams enter the match following mixed pre-season results. Chelsea drew their last friendly 1-1 with Inter Milan, while Manchester City won the Community Shield on penalties against Manchester United.
The match marks the beginning of a Premier League season where Chelsea aim to improve on last season’s performance under new management, while Manchester City look to continue their domestic dominance. I’ve rewritten the article following Associated
