(4-2-3-1) Cole Palmer drops to bench”, Possible Chelsea XI vs Manchester city as Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca set to revenge last season lost to Manchester city

Enzo Maresca is set for a challenging start to his Premier League career as Chelsea’s new manager. His first task? Going up against his former boss, the highly experienced Pep Guardiola of Manchester City. Maresca, who helped guide Leicester City back to the Premier League before joining Chelsea, was chosen to lead the Blues after Mauricio Pochettino’s brief tenure with the club ended. Despite his previous success, Maresca’s pre-season at Chelsea has been underwhelming, leaving fans impatient and skeptical. Guardiola, however, has advised patience, suggesting that Maresca needs time to make his mark. Yet, in the high-pressure environment of modern football, time is a luxury rarely afforded.

This weekend’s match at Stamford Bridge may not define Maresca’s entire tenure in London, but it could significantly influence its trajectory. Facing Guardiola’s City team, even without their key midfielder Rodri, will be a formidable challenge for Chelsea. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the 2024/25 season.

Key to this match will be several crucial battles on the field:

**1. Erling Haaland vs. Chelsea’s Defense:**
Erling Haaland, City’s prolific striker, is coming off an exceptional season where he claimed the Golden Boot. In pre-season, he already demonstrated his threat against Chelsea, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory. Haaland’s ability to exploit Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities will be critical. Although Chelsea may try to counter with an aggressive defensive line, this tactic could backfire if they fail to maintain pressure higher up the pitch. Without adequate midfield protection, Haaland could easily find himself in one-on-one situations, where he is almost unstoppable.

**2. Christopher Nkunku’s Role:**
Christopher Nkunku, who had a frustrating debut season plagued by injuries, is now fit and ready to contribute. Maresca might use Nkunku either as a false nine or a number ten, allowing him to operate in the space between City’s midfield and defense. With Rodri absent, Guardiola’s midfield will lack its usual solidity, potentially giving Nkunku and his teammates an opportunity to exploit gaps. Mateo Kovacic or Rico Lewis might fill in for Rodri, but neither can fully replicate the Spaniard’s defensive prowess, leaving City vulnerable to Nkunku’s clever positioning and creativity.

**3. Chelsea’s Midfield vs. City’s Playmakers:**
The composition of Chelsea’s midfield will be crucial in determining their ability to disrupt City’s rhythm. Maresca has several options, including Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Romeo Lavia. Whoever takes the field will need to neutralize the threat posed by City’s creative players like Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne, known for his precision in the right inside channel, could have a significant impact if Chelsea fails to apply consistent pressure. The midfield battle will be about controlling these spaces and preventing City from dictating the game.

**4. City’s Attacking Dynamics:**
City’s ability to dominate in the half-spaces and stretch defenses is well-known, with players like Foden and De Bruyne excelling in these roles. Chelsea’s struggles in pre-season, particularly with ball pressure, could be a weakness that City will look to exploit. If Chelsea allows City’s playmakers to operate freely, the Blues could find themselves overwhelmed and chasing shadows for much of the game. De Bruyne, who could be approaching the final chapter of his Manchester City career, will be eager to make a strong start to the new season, and Chelsea will need to be at their very best to keep him quiet.

As the 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off, Maresca’s Chelsea will need to show resilience, tactical discipline, and a bit of creativity if they are to secure a positive result against the reigning champions. While this opening match won’t determine the entire season, it will certainly provide a glimpse into what lies ahead for Maresca and his Chelsea side.