Chris Sutton predicts winner of Chelsea vs Manchester City during opening game week of new Premier League season

BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton has backed Manchester City to defeat Chelsea 2-1 in their upcoming Premier League clash. The two sides are set to face each other at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18.

The Blues will be aiming to get off to a good start under new manager Enzo Maresca. They looked shaky during pre-season, winning just one friendly from six games. They also suffered some heavy defeats, including a 4-1 loss to Celtic and a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

In contrast, the 2023-24 Premier League champions will look to extend their exceptional record against Chelsea despite losing Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid. Since the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, Manchester City are unbeaten in their last nine games against the Blues, winning seven and drawing two.

Moreover, the Cityzens also recently won the FA Community Shield, defeating Manchester United 7-6 on penalties. Despite several of City's stars returning late from holiday this summer, Sutton expects their record to continue. He wrote (via BBC Sport):

"Several of Manchester City's stars won't play at all, because they only returned to training this week, but the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Bernado Silva will be able to play more minutes after featuring as late substitutes in the Community Shield."

He added:

"I have no idea what to expect from Chelsea, and I don't even know what the club is trying to do anymore. Is their priority to build a team to win trophies, or is there some other business strategy going on? Chelsea have got some talented players and Cole Palmer will have a say again against his former club, but I still think City will find a way to win it."

Sutton's Prediction: 1-2

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Pedro Neto names 2 Chelsea players he cannot wait to play with ahead of Manchester City clash

New Chelsea signing Pedro Neto has named Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez as the two players he is looking forward to playing with this season.

Neto joined the Blues from Wolverhampton Wanderers, signing a seven-year deal on August 11 for a reported fee of £51.3 million. Despite his poor injury record for Wolves, the 24-year-old remains one of the most explosive wingers in the league and could make his debut against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Portugal international told the club's official X account:

“To be honest, I’m looking forward to playing with everyone. Of course we have here really good players. Palmer last season, he had an unbelievable season as well. We have loads of players. I’m looking forward to playing with loads of them, because we have a really talented team with good players. Enzo as well that was in Portugal playing.”

Enzo Fernandes has shown glimpses of promise in the Blues' midfield but is yet to fully get in his groove. In contrast, Cole Palmer was arguably their best player last season, garnering 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.