Manchester City are set to face Chelsea in their opening game of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Man City will be confident going into the game, having beaten arch-rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield a few days ago.
The defending Premier League champions will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 18.
Here’s how Man City Core expects Manchester City to lineup against Chelsea;
Goalkeeper
Ederson
Despite persistent rumours of the Brazilian moving to the Saudi Pro League, Ederson has confirmed that he will be staying at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola has made it clear that the 30-year-old is his first-choice goalkeeper and will start him against Chelsea.
Defenders
Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol
Having been involved in the UEFA Euros final, Kyle Walker has been given an extended vacation. While he is expected to return to training soon, he won’t be ready to start against Chelsea. With Rico Lewis in good form, Walker won’t be missed too much.
Lewis, Akanji, Dias and Gvardiol all started against United in the Community Shield and will likely be the backline deployed by Guardiola in London.
Midfielders
Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva
Kovacic has had an excellent pre-season so far and looks certain to start against his former team. Like Walker, Rodri has been given an extended vacation so while he will not start the game, he may come on as a substitute in the second half.
De Bruyne and Silva came on as substitutes in the Manchester United game and will be expected to partner Kovacic in the midfield against Chelsea.
Forwards
Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku
With Phil Foden now back from his vacation, Guardiola is expected to start him in the front three alongside Haaland and Doku. Oscar Bobb was in line to start after a strong pre-season, but his recent injury means he will miss the beginning of the season, forcing Pep Guardiola to adjust his plans.
Man City predicted lineup vs Chelsea: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic, B Silva; Foden, Haaland, Doku.
