Chelsea v Manchester City: Match Preview, Tips & Odds

Stephen Welch / 10:50 AM GMT • 18th August, 2024

3 minutes

We’ll offer the latest team news, match insights and exclusive betting tips as well as the best pre-match odds

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City begin their title defence on Sunday as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the second of two Premier League fixtures taking place throughout the afternoon. As we look ahead to arguably the biggest Premier League game of the entire weekend, here at betting.bet we’ll offer the latest team news, match insights and exclusive betting tips as well as the best pre-match odds from online football betting partners at bet365.

Team News

Enzo Maresca has some real decisions to make ahead of his first Premier League fixture as Chelsea boss. Robert Sanchez is set to start the season as Chelsea number one whilst Tosin Adarabioyo is set to make his competitive debut for the Blues.

Reece James is absent through injury on Sunday which is likely to see Malo Gusto start at right back. Conor Gallagher misses out with a move away from Chelsea still extremely likely. The England international joins the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah in being ostracised from the Chelsea first team.

Christopher Nkunku has played as a number 10 for the majority of pre-season but he’s set to move further forward in place of Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea. Last season’s Player of the Year, Cole Palmer will slot in the number 10 role against his former club. Noni Madueke is expected to be given the nod over summer signing Pedro Neto on the right hand side.

Manchester City have been handed a late blow with talented youngster Oscar Bobb sustaining a fractured leg in training during the week. Bobb’s injury coupled with Julian Alvarez’s summer move to Atletico Madrid is likely to see Phil Foden deployed on the right on Sunday.

Rodri is unlikely to feature on Sunday having returned late from international duty. The Spanish international was given an extended rest after winning Euro 2024 and is yet to complete a single training session.

Chelsea v Manchester City: Head-to-Head

The corresponding fixture last season produced an all-time classic as the two side shared an eight-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge. Erling Haaland opened the scoring before goals from Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling turned the game on its head. Manuel Akanji and a second for Haaland tipped the tie back in Manchester City’s favour before Nicolas Jackson made in 3-3 midway through the second half. Rodri looked to have won the game for Manchester City four minutes from time but former Manchester City Academy star Cole Palmer made it 4-4 with a 95th minute penalty.

Chelsea’s last win against Manchester City came in the UEFA Champions League final back in May 2021. Nine subsequent matches have priced seven Manchester City wins and two draws.

Betting Tips

Manchester City are the bookies’ favourites to win another Premier League title and should kick off their season with all three points against a Chelsea side still very much in a state of transition. The visitors look good value for the win at 9/10.

Erling Haaland is the odds-on favourite to win this season’s Premier League Golden Boot and the Manchester City forward will be raring to go after a summer without any international football. Haaland will be hugely popular in the goalscorer markets and even at odds of 21/20 he offers excellent value to score at any time. Alternatively, you can boost your odds by backing Haaland to score first or to score two or more at 7/2 and 5/1 respectively.

For Chelsea, Christopher Nkunku has enjoyed an encouraging pre-season after an injury-hit first season in England. The France international will feature prominently for Chelsea in the coming season and is worth consideration at 12/5 to score on Sunday.

Match Odds