Chelsea v Manchester City: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Last season's Stamford Bridge clash between Chelsea and Manchester City ended 4-4 and there should be more drama on Sunday when Enzo Maresca's Blues host the Premier League champions.

Chelsea v Manchester City betting tips and predictions

Chelsea or draw double chance - 10/11

Manchester City kick off their pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title at Stamford Bridge, where they were involved in one of the most thrilling games of the 2023/24 season.

Former City player Cole Palmer converted a 95th-minute penalty to secure a 4-4 draw for Chelsea in November and the Blues are worth backing to avoid an opening-weekend defeat.

The Citizens remain the team to beat in the Premier League but they also dropped points at home to Chelsea, needing an 83rd-minute equaliser from Rodri in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

The brilliant Spain midfielder is unavailable on Sunday as he recovers from his summer exertions at the Euros and City always look more vulnerable without Rodri dictating things in the middle of the park.

They were fortunate to beat Chelsea 1-0 in April's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, where striker Nicolas Jackson missed a host of chances for the Blues.

Facing City in the opening game of the season may benefit Chelsea, who could unleash last season's star performer Palmer.

Mauricio Pochettino's departure was a surprise given that his side won 10 of their last 12 home league matches including victories over Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham.

Chelsea thrashed Everton 6-0 and West Ham 5-0 at Stamford Bridge late last season and they can trouble a City side who tend to start the campaign slowly.

The Citizens won only two of their 10 matches against top-six clubs last term, also going down 2-1 against eighth-placed Manchester United in the FA Cup final, so they should be opposed in west London. 

Josko Gvardiol over 1.5 shots - 9/4

The extraordinary turnover of players at Chelsea in recent transfer windows means Maresca will need time to work out his strongest 11.

Robert Sanchez is expected to start the season as first-choice goalkeeper and he will be wary of the threat of City stars Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.

Attack-minded left-back Josko Gvardiol is another danger, both from open play and at set-piece situations, and the Croatia international is worth backing to have two or more shots at Stamford Bridge. 

He racked up 21 attempts in 13 league appearances in 2024, scored a stunner against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, and had a shot in last weekend's Community Shield meeting with Manchester United.

Romeo Lavia to be booked - 2/1

It is easy for players to get lost in Chelsea's vast squad and injuries restricted Romeo Lavia to just 32 minutes of Premier League action last season.

However, the Belgian midfielder – still only 20-years-old – has impressed Maresca in pre-season and will be aiming to establish himself in his second season at the club.

Lavia was signed by City at the age of 16 and made his senior debut for the Citizens in an EFL Cup tie against Wycombe.

He was booked in that game and looks a big price to receive a card on Sunday, when he will be desperate to make an impact against his former club.

Lavia is a combative midfielder and his first full Premier League campaign, for Southampton in 2022/23, yielded nine bookings in just 26 starts.

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Chelsea v Manchester City odds

Chelsea - 29/10
Draw - 14/5
Manchester City - 17/20

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.