Chelsea play Manchester City on Sunday in their first game of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
The Blues spent much of their pre-season in the United States, participating in five games up and down the country.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat Club America (3-0), drew with Wrexham (2-2) and lost to Celtic (4-1), Manchester City (4-2) and Real Madrid (2-1).
They then returned to Stamford Bridge to face Inter Milan last weekend, where a late equaliser from Lesley Ugochukwu saw the game finish 1-1.
It is safe to say that Chelsea’s preparations for the new campaign have been far from ideal but there remains reason for optimism.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team drew twice with City last season, despite an overall poor campaign, so there is no reason why Maresca’s side cannot do the same.
The Chelsea Chronicle tells you everything you need to know about the Blues’ Premier League opener, such as the kick-off time, how to watch and team news.
Chelsea vs Man City Kick-Off Time
Chelsea vs Man City will kick off at 4:30 pm (BST) on Sunday, August 18th at Stamford Bridge.
It is the penultimate fixture of the opening Premier League weekend, with Leicester City vs Tottenham on Monday night.
How to watch Chelsea vs Man City
Chelsea vs Manchester City will be televised in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
The broadcast will begin at 4 pm, after the conclusion of Brentford vs Crystal Palace. Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the match live on the Sky Go app.
Chelsea vs Man City Team News
Enzo Maresca’s team selection against Inter Milan gives us a good idea of how the Blues will line up against Man City on Sunday.
The 44-year-old opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Sanchez in goal and a centre-back pairing of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill.
Maresca appeared to have settled on Reece James and Malo Gusto as the two inverted full-backs before the former suffered an injury, though he is suspended for Sunday’s game anyway. Marc Cucurella should replace the captain.
South American duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are likely to play together in central midfield, with in-form Christopher Nkunku as the ‘number 10’.
Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson should both start, with one of Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke or new signing Pedro Neto likely to round out the front three.
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