Match Preview for Chelsea vs Manchester City: Forecasts, Wagers, and Analysis

SUNDAY'S ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHUP sees Chelsea squaring off against Man City. Despite losing just once in their last 15 league games, the Blues brought on Enzo Maresca as coach. City, who've won four straight league titles, saw both clashes against Chelsea last season end in draws.

Chelsea's Recent Form

Last season, Chelsea finished sixth, losing just once in their final 15 matches. They qualified for the UEFA Conference League with five consecutive victories. At home, they've won 10 out of their last 12 EPL home games. In their last 13 league matches, Chelsea scored 2+ goals in 12 of them. A 2-0 win over Tottenham was even more impressive given they had 14 injuries.

Recent preseason games have been tough on Chelsea, seeing lots of goals conceded. Before a 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest, they had a 5-0 home victory over West Ham (with 4.22 xG). They followed this up with a 2-1 win at Brighton and a 2-1 home victory versus Bournemouth on the final day.

Team News and Motivation

Several players from last season are being offloaded or are out of favor in Trevor Chalobah, Axel Disasi, and Conor Gallagher. Thiago Silva has left the club. New additions to Chelsea's squad may not start in this match, with Robert Sanchez and Romeo Lavia potential starters. Pedro Neto, signed from Wolves, is working on his fitness, while Reece James is suspended.

Maresca favors a possession-heavy game with inverted fullbacks. He might employ a more pragmatic approach against Man City, given their previous encounter in a 4-2 preseason defeat.

Man City's Recent Form

Man City has won 18 of their last 21 Premier League fixtures, with three draws and 57 points. They secured their fourth-straight league title on the final day by beating Tottenham 2-0 away and West Ham 3-1 in round 38. A 2-1 defeat versus Man Utd in the FA Cup final was a setback, as they had 74% possession and 19 shots. Preseason has shown some inconsistent results, but they led 4-0 vs Chelsea in a 4-2 win in Ohio.

Team News and Motivation

City might not rush Rodri, John Stones, Kyle Walker, or Phil Foden, given their Euros participation. All four are expected to be on the bench, at best. Oscar Bobb is set to play on the right wing, with Rico Lewis at fullback. Mateo Kovacic could anchor midfield, and James McAtee is pushing to play further forward.

City will aim to dominate and win at Stamford Bridge, with Pep Guardiola focusing on possession in the heat. Maresca, as a former assistant, will have a keen understanding of Guardiola's tactics, making this an intriguing matchup.

Key Stats

Chelsea have lost just one of their last 15 league matches, and 10 of these home games in 12 at home.
In the last 13 league matches, Chelsea scored 2+ goals in 12 games.
Cole Palmer scored 27 goals for Chelsea last season.
Man City won 18 out of their last 21 league games, with 3 draws.
Man City kept 4 clean sheets in their last 6 league matches.

With Enzo Maresca as coach, Chelsea aims to build on their impressive recent form, having lost just once in their last 15 league games and finishing last season with five consecutive victories.
In Sunday's English Premier League matchup, Chelsea and Man City will face off, with the former having scored 2+ goals in 12 of their last 13 league matches at home.
Man City, four-time consecutive league title holders, will be motivated to maintain their dominance, having won 18 of their last 21 league fixtures and keeping 4 clean sheets in their last 6 matches.
Given their history of draws against City, who saw both clashes end in stalemates last season, and Man City's recent 4-2 preseason victory, betting predictions for Sunday's fixture could be potentially exciting, given the understanding of tactics between Maresca and Pep Guardiola.