Manchester City vs Chelsea – Club Friendlies – Preview, Team News and Updates

2024-08-03 ScoreWaves Staff

Manchester City has been the dominant force of English football over the last six season. They have turned the Premier League title race into a mere formality, clinching the title four times in a row.

Now, they are gunning for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, a feat never achieved before in English football. To prepare for the long and arduous season ahead, the Citizens have traveled to the USA. However, City have struggled to find their rhythm, as they have yet to secure a win this preseason. Manchester City go up against fellow Premier League side, Chelsea, in their last game of the US Tour.

Manchester City vs Chelsea – Match Preview

Manchester City have endured a rough start to the preseason. City began their preseason with a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Scottish giants, Celtic. They followed that up with another defeat, this time against six-time European champions, AC Milan. After losing their second consecutive preseason game, City faced off against Barcelona.

The Citizens raced out of the traps, as Haaland came within millimeters millimeters of handing City the lead. But ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Barcelona going on to win the game on penalties. Manchester City now go up against Chelsea in their last preseason game before they face Manchester United in the Community Shield on 10th August.

New Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will encounter some familiar faces, as the Italian manager was once part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff at City. The Chelsea head coaching job comes with a lot of pressure to succeed. The Blues' new owners, Clear Lake Capital, have already fired four head coaches in a span of two seasons. Clash against City will be Maresca’s first big test as Chelsea boss.

Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea has gotten off to a rocky start, drawing in his first game against Wrexham. Chelsea followed that up with a worrying 4-1 defeat at the hands of Celtic. The Blues finally notched a victory by defeating Club America 3-0 on 1st August.

Manchester City vs Chelsea – Team News

Chelsea has been one of the most active clubs during this summer’s transfer window. They have already completed seven signings this summer, with players like Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo and Filip Jorgensen completing a move to Stamford Bridge.

Furthermore, Enzo Fernandez has returned back to the club, following Argentina’s triumphant Copa America campaign. However, key players like Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo will be unavailable for the game tonight.

On the other hand, Pep Guardiola will miss the services of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Rodri and Bernardo Silva for tonight’s game against Chelsea. Moreover, 24-year-old Julian Alvarez will also miss the tie, as he’s currently with the Argentinian national at the 2024 Olympics.

The sheer number of world-class players absent from Manchester City’s preseason tour is staggering, which might explain why they are winless so far. However, they still boast the likes of Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol in their ranks. Despite the absence of several key players, Pep Guardiola’s men will still play expansive football, which would surely entertain fans. But will the apprentice outshine his master on this occasion?