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Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge for a feisty season opener and we expect fireworks.
Enzo Maresca, a student of the school of Pep Guardiola will be looking to put an abysmal pre-season preparation behind him as the Blues take on champions Manchester City on Sunday.
Ahead of kick-off, we look at how the big game could unfold and three reasons why the hosts might cause an upset.
I don't know - Maresca's uncertainty before Chelsea take on Man City
Recent Results Give Chelsea Hope
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Chelsea were only one of four teams to avoid defeat against Manchester City last season, home or away, and that confidence should allow them head into this clash believing they can pull off an upset.
Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling have both developed a knack for scoring against City and the champions are far from impregnable at the back. This should be an open contest.
Rodri's Fitness: A Major Concern for City
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Rodri played 50 games for Man City last season before going off to EURO 2024 and playing another 7 games for Spain en route to the trophy.
There is no doubt, he is City’s most important player, and his absence would constitute a huge blow.
He missed the entire pre-season and will have only had 3 days of full training before this clash meaning he is unlikely to be at full speed, and Guardiola’s men have struggled without their main man.
Chelsea's exciting new lineup: Can Neto, Palmer, Omorodion lead Blues to success?
The Underdog Advantage
Chelsea are under less pressure. No one expects them to win, especially with nine new faces in the squad. A defeat wouldn't be the end of the world, and being the underdogs could work in their favour.
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It's essentially a free hit for Maresca's men, while City are under pressure to start their title defense strongly.
Will Chelsea take advantage of this and cause an opening-day upset? Only time will tell.
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