Title holders Manchester City kick off their bid for an unprecedented fifth Premier League title in a row as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Pep Guardiola’s side began their season in the perfect fashion with a win over local rivals Manchester United in the Community Shield, though they have since lost Oscar Bobb to injury and finalised the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid. Though they are hardly short in quality or numbers, but this match arrives before Guardiola has had a chance to bolster his squad.
For Chelsea, new manager Enzo Maresca would probably had preferred an easier opponent in his first competitive match in charge, but it is a good opportunity for the Italian to test his side, having added Pedro Neto in the summer to build on a new style of play.
Follow all the latest score and match updates from Chelsea v Manchester City below.
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
Chelsea, meanwhile, will begin a new era under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, and it is very much a baptism of fire for the Italian, whose side struggled in pre-season.
The Blues have made some big-name additions again in the transfer window, notably Pedro Neto from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester.
While nothing will be decided for either side in this match, a positive start in such a big game could set the tone for the season ahead.
Lawrence Ostlere18 August 2024 10:45
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Chelsea vs Manchester City in the penultimate match of gameweek one of the 2024/25 Premier League!
The Blues head into the match with plenty of hope under new manager Enzo Maresca, while City enter looking to lay down an early marker for Arsenal and Liverpool and remind any doubters of their credentials as favourites.
And we’ll have all the build-up and live updates as they come in.
Lawrence Ostlere18 August 2024 10:25
