Chelsea will open their journey in the 2024-2025 Premier League by hosting defending champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Sunday (18/8) at 21.00 IST. Chelsea wants to start with a positive result and end their winless streak against City.
Chelsea have a poor record against Man City. In their last six Premier League meetings, the Blues have failed to pick up three points with two draws and four defeats.
Now, under new coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are trying to change their fortunes. Maresca is no stranger to Man City. He was once Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach at City.
Here are 11 interesting facts ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
- Chelsea are winless in nine meetings in all competitions since their 1-0 win in the Champions League final in 2021 (D2 L7).
- Manchester City have won three and drawn one of their last four visits to Stamford Bridge.
- Both matches last season ended in draws, with eight goals scored.
- The Blues have failed to finish in the top four in two consecutive seasons for the first time since 2002. They finished 12th last term.
- Chelsea earned 35 points in 2024. Only Manchester City (51), Arsenal (49) and Liverpool (40) have earned more points in the Premier League.
- They have only lost their opening two games at Stamford Bridge (W12 D5), their last defeat coming in a 3-2 defeat by Burnley in 2017.
- Enzo Maresca is Chelsea’s sixth manager in the Todd Boehly era since May 2022. He was previously Pep Guardiola’s assistant coach at Man City.
- Cole Palmer had the most goal involvements in the league last season with 22 goals and 11 assists.
- City are unbeaten in 23 Premier League games since a 0-1 away defeat to Aston Villa in December 2023.
- City will start their Premier League campaign away from home for the eighth successive season.
- City have won 12 of their last 13 opening day games. Their only defeat came in 2021-22 when they lost 0-1 to Tottenham.
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