As if the return of the League wasn’t enough to get excited about – Chelsea’s first League game (at the Bridge) welcomes the reigning champions of England! Chelsea will want to ensure they get off to the best possible start…and depending on how you view this, it could be a blessing or a curse…whilst for Pep Guardiola it will no doubt be more of the same.
To Win (90 mins)
Chelsea 29/10
Draw 28/10
Manchester City 8/10
Chelsea
As much as this might come as a surprise to many, Chelsea managed to take two points from their two games with City last season amidst all their tumultuous season. When you add that to the fact that they have won 20 times and drawn seven times on their previous 32 league opening weekends – it begins to look, well, a little less blue for the lads from London.
Cole Palmer will no doubt be the focus for Chelsea once again this season, and what a season he managed to have last year. The former Manchester City youngster absolutely solidified himself as a talisman for his club, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists – that is an involvement that outdoes any other premier league player from last season!
If Chelsea are to live on a prayer, it’s definitely one that sees Cole Palmer at the forefront.
Manchester City
Whilst Chelsea might accept my earlier observances of their record against City last year, it should be taken within context. Chelsea was well and truly in survival mode, defending attack after City attack. Interestingly, it was City who managed to register the greatest number of shots on an opponent’s goal during the season per game – you get the feeling that this is to continue in London on Sunday…
This is the fourth season in a row that City have had to begin their title defence away from home, they will certainly be used to it and…albeit the last time they started away in London, they came up short, losing to a spirited Tottenham outfit.
Pep Guardiola has conceded that his side have been somewhat quiet in the window, seeing a few departures and only bringing in Savinho. Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Rodri didn’t make the trip to Wembley, and their introduction will be welcomed. Nevertheless, I suspect Oscar Bobb maintains his place and Rico Lewis could get another start here.
Predicted Lineup:
Chelsea: Sanchez, Cucurella, Badiashile, Disasi, Gusto, Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall, Fernandez, Nkunku, Jackson, Palmer.
Manchester City: Ederson, Gvardiol, Akanji, Dias, Lewis, De Bruyne, Rodri, Foden, Doku, Bobb, Haaland.
Prediction: Manchester City (8/10)
I wouldn’t read too much into their preseason results or the Community Shield result last time out, but City will once again be a force to be reckoned with. The quality they have – and indeed the depth that quality reaches, coupled with the belief and style of their play suggests there is only one winner here…8/10 is a gift.