Game Week 1 Predictions: The Master and his apprentice will serve us goals at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea begins Maresca era against champions Man City. Can the Blues compete with Pep’s side? Key match preview, team news, and predictions.

It's the master against his apprentice on Sunday at the Stamford Bridge Stadium as Pep Guardiola takes on his former assistant Enzo Maresca, who will carry the day? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

 Chelsea vs. Manchester City

Stamford Bridge Stadium

4:30pm

The Blues will file out for the first time in the league under their new manager, Enzo Maresca, at Stamford Bridge, and what a way to start a new era! It’s against the champions, Manchester City.

The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last season. You must wonder why they did it because the Argentine was beginning to understand his first eleven. He strung wins together at the tail end of last season, but we understand there were differences in transfer policies, so he had to go.

The reigning champions are back at it again. The Cityzens have won the last four titles on the bounce, and, as things stand, they’re the favorites for the current season; it remains theirs to lose, and you can’t judge them by their first few games.

Pep Guardiola has tried his best to deflect pressure from his side; he keeps saying they’re not ready and they don’t have the motivation to keep going, but you won’t be surprised if they end up with an unprecedented fifth straight EPL title.

You must respect Pep Guardiola; his philosophy is what everyone now aspires to. Arsenal clearly plays like Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta seeking four center backs across the defense, playing out from the back, and inverting full-backs. Look across leagues; everyone wants to play like Pep.

Bring it home. Chelsea has gone for another of Pep Guardiola’s disciples. Maresca spent years as Guardiola’s assistant; it’s a testament to the greatness of the Spanish gaffer. Now that it’s time for Maresca’s chapter at Stamford Bridge, what do we expect?

Leicester City won promotion as the Championship League winners under Maresca; that was enough for Chelsea to bank on him. Will he be able to bring the winning mentality to Chelsea? Time will tell, and it starts with a game against his former boss, his benefactor, Pep Guardiola.

Chelsea faces challenges due to their overabundance of players, raising questions about how Maresca will manage them all. Players such as Ben Chilwell and Romelu Lukaku have received directives to seek other opportunities, while we anticipate a significant number of players to go on loan.

Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri will not be available for the trip to Stamford Bridge due to fatigue; he isn’t well rested after the Euros conquest. Erling Haaland is expected to lead the line, while Phil Foden will like to pick up where he stopped last season.

Chelsea will look different; we don’t know what to expect, but we expect them to compete and give the champions a run for their money. Last season, it ended in stalemates at home and away between these two; are we expecting such drama again?

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals