English players who featured for England in Euros also unlikely to start in season opener
Chelsea vs Manchester City
Competition: F.A. Premier League
Date: 4.30pm, Sunday 18th August 2024
Venue: Stamford Bridge, West London
Referee: Anthony Taylor Assistants: G Beswick, A Nunn Fourth Official: D England VAR: M Salisbury
Odds: Chelsea 3/1, Draw 3/1, City 4/5
Tickets: Sold out
TV: Sky Sports
Chelsea
Manager: Enzo Maresca
Squad (from): Kepa, Sanchez, Jorgensen, Disasi, Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Colwill, Chilwell, Gusto, Fofana, Fernandez, Mudryk, Ugochukwu, Chukwuemeka, Palmer, Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo, Lavia, Sterlng, Lukaku, Madueke, Jackson, Nkunku, Broja, Neto, Fofana
Injured: James
Doubtful: Petrovic, Kellyman, Gallagher
Suspended: None
Form guide:
Manchester City
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Squad (from): Ederson, Ortega, Carson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Ake, Cancelo, Gvardiol, Akanji, Lewis, Kovacic, Grealish, De Bruyne, Silva, O'Reilly, Nunes, Foden, McAtee, Haaland, Doku, Savinho
Injured: Bobb, Rodri
Doubtful: Grealish
Suspended: None
Form guide: D
City are without Oscar Bobb and Odri for the trip to Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the season. Bobb suffered a fractured leg in training, whilst Rodri only returned on Wednesday following his exertions at the European Championships. The English contingent, including Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden, are also unlikely to start after being given an extended break by manager Pep Guardiola.
“We prioritise the rest, absolutely,” said the manager at Friday's press conference.
“I would love to give even more time, but it is what it is.
“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 better physical condition, they have to be ready.
“I don’t know what will happen. Everyone knows we are not in the best conditions but it doesn’t matter, the desire and trying to do well and here control absolutely everything of luck.
“The vibes of the team is strong and all together doing what you have to do.
“I don’t think there are a lot of teams who right now are perfect. I am pretty sure I learned from my experience in many years that the season is so long.
“It is important that the players are ready mentally especially and for that they need rest.”
City's last game against at Stamford Bridge was a thrilling 4-4 draw, with goals from Erling Haaland (2), Manuel Akanji and Rodri. Overall City have won 67 of the 178 games played against the Blues, with 41 draws and 71 defeats.
Predicted line-up: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, De Bruyne, Doku, Savinho, Haaland
Score prediction: Chelsea 2 City 2