'We have to take points from Chelsea,' Pep says ahead of Sunday's opener.

2024-09-15

Chelsea and Manchester City clash at Stamford Bridge this Sunday in an eagerly awaited face-off, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between the Blues and the reigning Premier League champions.

Chelsea

The battle between the blues will take centre stage this weekend as Chelsea face defending champions Manchester City in what could be described as the most anticipated fixture of Match Day 1.

The Blues made an unprecedented number of signings in the summer transfer window, with the squad now numbering as many as 43 players.

As expected, Chelsea ranked as the highest spenders in this summer transfer window in the Premier League, forking out as much as £156.3 million.

With €60 million assigned for the arrival of Pedro Neto from Wolves, Enzo Maresca will be eager to get his side off to a fine start after year-on-year struggles, with Chelsea failing to harness the potential of their key signings.

After steering Leicester City back to the Premier League, 44-year-old Maresca was brought in to see to Chelsea’s woes.

A mixed result in pre-season fails to inspire much confidence, with the Blues losing to Celtic and Real Madrid in club friendlies. Chelsea also lost 4-2 to Sunday’s opponents when both sides met earlier this month in a club friendly.

On Sunday, they will be keen to escape consecutive defeats at the hands of City when they welcome the Sky Blues to Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea are winless in their last six fixtures against Manchester City [0W, 2D, 4L].

Enzo Maresca is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 with Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Cole Palmer in attack. Reece James, who is also injured, is suspended for Sunday’s opener.

Manchester City

Defending champions, Manchester City, return, having become the only side to pick up a Premier League title four times in a row. They will be looking to do the unthinkable by picking up a fifth Premier League title this season, after their first silverware in the form of a Community Shield, despite fielding a weaker side against Manchester United.

Surprisingly, City let go of Julián Álvarez after a mouthwatering offer of €75 million from Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Savinho joined the club for €25 million. Having won 12 of their last 13 opening games, City will be looking to pick up another opening-day win here.

'I demand the best from Sunday against Chelsea. We know we have to take points as soon as possible, and when the players are fitter and in better physical condition, they have to be ready,’ Pep said in a pre-match press conference.

A 4—2—3—1 with Erling Haaland in attack is expected against Chelsea. City will be without Oscar Bobb, who picked up a leg injury after putting on an outstanding performance against Manchester United last weekend. Rodri is another source of worry for City, while Jack Grealish remains in doubt.