Chelsea return to the Premier League this weekend, with their opening day being the toughest fixture of them all, Manchester City. There's no denying that it will be a tough fixture but the silver lining is that in his first competitive match in charge, Enzo Maresca will be at home. That said, this article will run through 5 predictions for Chelsea vs Man City.
Heading into this match, Chelsea are the underdogs. It might feel bizarre to hear that for a Chelsea match, particular at Stamford Bridge, but this is just the position the Blues find themselves in, particularly under new management.
Enzo Maresca might not be everybody's cup of tea but Chelsea fans will get behind him every step of the way. Hopefully, he will continue to build on the great foundations set by Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea vs Man City: 5 Predictions for the Premier League Opening Day
Malo Gusto will replace Reece James at right-back
Malo Gusto will come back into the Chelsea team in his preferred position, which will be a big boost for him personally. Recently, he has been mainly playing as a left-back but the injury to Reece James opens up a spot for Gusto in his favourable position, right-back.
Last season, Gusto started 19 Premier League games for Chelsea and assuming that Reece James picks up more injuries (not a bold prediction, let's be honest), Gusto could make even more appearances this season.
In his first Premier League start under Enzo Maresca, Malo Gusto will aim to impress the new boss. After all, he has magnificent growth potential and proved to be a good player for Chelsea last season.
Conor Gallagher will not be involved in the squad
Any Chelsea fans who were given false hope by Conor Gallagher returning to London will be handed a bitter reality check. He may be back with Chelsea but his heart is clearly elsewhere. As per Standard, Gallagher is still waiting to complete his move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid. So, it looks like he will not feature in this match, to any capacity.
Conor Gallagher was one of Chelsea's best players last season as he rightfully earned his call-up to the England squad for EURO 2024. However, he was always destined to leave the club and with one year remaining on his contract, allowing him to join Atletico Madrid was the most sensible option for Chelsea.
Pedro Neto will be handed his Chelsea debut
Unfortunately, such is the nature of Chelsea's frivolous spending, their signings are often taken with a pinch of salt. However, one player who certainly won't be overlooked is Pedro Neto.
One of the best wingers in the Premier League last season, Pedro Neto will look to continue his fine form for Chelsea. The only downside to Neto is that he is injury prone but whenever he's fit and ready to play, he should absolutely make the Chelsea starting lineup. It all begins this weekend, where he is set to be handed his Chelsea debut.
Enzo Maresca says that Pedro Neto is fit enough to play against Manchester City…
— ~ (@CFCdruw) August 16, 2024
Whether that is a start or off the bench remains to be seen. Positive news, though. pic.twitter.com/Fxj3aVGTZJ
Savinho will be handed his Man City debut
Keeping an eye on the opponents, there will be one Man City player who will be eager to make his league debut under Pep Guardiola. It is unlikely Savinho will start, but he will almost certainly make his Premier League debut from the bench.
Savinho was used as a substitute against Man United in the Community Shield and he is likely in mind for the Chelsea match. He's a promising player, filled with bursts of energy and one who can cause trouble for defenders. Therefore, the Chelsea back-line must be cautious.
Enzo Maresca will learn some valuable lessons
It would be unfair to predict a loss for Enzo Maresca in his first Premier League match in charge for Chelsea and he almost certainly shouldn't be judged for pre-season. However, Man City are the toughest opponents he can face in the top flight.
So, regardless of the result, Enzo Maresca will learn some valuable lessons which he can apply to other matches going forward. This can only benefit Chelsea.
What is your score prediction for Chelsea vs Man City?