In an unfortunate turn of events, Chelsea will have to face reigning champions Manchester City in their opening Premier League game of the 2024-25 season without their captain, Reece James. James is sidelined with a hamstring injury, compounded by his suspension following a red card against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Blues’ previous season.
As a result, Malo Gusto is expected to fill in at right-back while Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell vie for the left-back position. In defense, Levi Colwill may be paired with Wesley Fofana, who missed the entire previous season due to injury. This partnership could see Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and new signing Tosin Adarabioyo on the bench.
Despite the arrival of Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, Robert Sanchez is predicted to start as Enzo Maresca’s first-choice goalkeeper after a strong showing in preseason. Top scorer from the previous season, Cole Palmer, who also happens to be a former Manchester City player, is likely to feature on either flank with Pedro Neto, Raheem Sterling, Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke competing for a spot in attack.
Marc Guiu, an eighteen-year-old striker signed from Barcelona this summer, showcased his talent in preseason but may have to settle for a place on the bench this weekend. Instead, Christopher Nkunku could be leading the line for Chelsea.
Nicolas Jackson, recently recovered from an ankle issue, is set to make a substitute appearance after getting minutes in the last weekend of preseason.
Chelsea’s possible starting lineup against Manchester City might include Sanchez; Gusto, W. Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Nkunku, Palmer.
Click here for Manchester City’s potential lineup for the upcoming game.
