The Premier League 2024-25 season kicks off with a highly anticipated showdown as Chelsea and Manchester City square off at Stamford Bridge. This fixture is set to be the season's first major clash, capturing the attention of football fans worldwide. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression at the beginning of the season. Manchester City, aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title, will be looking to hit the ground running. Meanwhile, Chelsea is determined to find their footing after a challenging previous season, which led to the departure of Mauricio Pochettino and the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the new head coach.
Enzo Maresca, who previously served as an assistant under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and played a key role in Leicester City's promotion last season, will now face his former mentor in a compelling battle between teacher and protege. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match, making it a must-watch encounter.
Chelsea, having struggled with consistency last season, is under pressure to start the new campaign strongly. With Manchester United and Liverpool both securing victories in their opening matches, the onus is on Chelsea and City to deliver a performance that will set the tone for their respective seasons.
The upcoming match will mark the 177th meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City. Chelsea currently leads the head-to-head record with 69 wins compared to City's 65. The last two Premier League encounters between these teams have been particularly dramatic, with the first match ending in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, followed by a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
In terms of team news, Manchester City will be missing key players Oscar Bobb and Rodri. Bobb, who suffered a fractured leg during training, is expected to be sidelined for around three months. Rodri, who recently won Euro 2024 with Spain, is not yet fully fit and will not be available for the trip to London.
Chelsea will also face challenges, as they will be without Conor Gallagher. Gallagher's future with the club remains uncertain, and he has been training separately from the first team.
The Chelsea vs Manchester City match is set to take place on August 18, Sunday, at 9 PM IST. Fans can watch the game live on Star Sports Select channels or stream it on the Hotstar app. As the season's first blockbuster clash approaches, anticipation is high for a thrilling encounter between two of the Premier League's elite teams.
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