Chelsea vs Manchester City: As the new Premier League season kicks off, Manchester City’s performance is predictable. They are a well-oiled machine, with a small but tested squad. But their opponents, Chelsea, are a different story. Chelsea’s team is a puzzle, with new manager Enzo Maresca set to pick his first competitive line-up this Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Fans are curious, and so are the experts.
Chelsea has spent big again this summer. Around $205.10 million has been spent on new players. They signed winger Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City, and goalkeeper Filip Jorgenson from Villarreal. This adds to the list of around 40 players signed since Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly took over in 2022. The total spending now stands at a whopping $1.43 billion.
Last season, Chelsea’s former manager, Mauricio Pochettino, struggled to manage this huge squad. However, by the end of the season, he found some form. But then, he was replaced by Maresca. Chelsea fans hope for a quicker turnaround this time.
Former Chelsea player, now BBC pundit, Pat Nevin, gave his thoughts. “It’s a guess, but I think Chelsea might sneak into fourth place,” he told the BBC. “Last season was unpredictable, and this one could be the same.”
Manchester City will be a tough test for Chelsea. City, who are chasing their fifth successive English title, have been quiet in the transfer window. Their squad is small, just 27 players, but they are proven winners. Last season, this fixture ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw. Chelsea then lost 4-1 to Newcastle United, highlighting their inconsistency.
While Manchester City waits until Sunday to begin, their neighbors, Manchester United, kick off the season on Friday against Fulham. United’s surprise FA Cup win over City kept Erik Ten Hag in his job, but he knows he needs a fast start this season to avoid more speculation about his future.
Arsenal, seen as City’s main rivals this season, start at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. New signing Ricardo Calafiori is expected to make his debut in defense.
The opening weekend is also a debut for several other managers. Liverpool’s Arne Slot faces a big task, leading the club into the post-Jurgen Klopp era, starting away at promoted Ipswich Town. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Fabian Huerzeler begins his tenure against Everton, while all eyes will be on West Ham United’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, as his team hosts Aston Villa. Villa finished fourth last season.
Finally, Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fifth last season, start their second season under Ange Postecoglou away at promoted Leicester City on Monday.
This weekend will give us the first clues about what lies ahead in this unpredictable Premier League season. All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge as Chelsea tries to solve their puzzle against a well-prepared Manchester City.
