Premier League: Chelsea vs Man City Odds, Preview, and Picks (Aug 18)

• Man City aiming to win a historic fifth straight Premier League title
• Chelsea start a new era under Enzo Maresca this weekend

A heavyweight clash in the opening round of Premier League matches this weekend will be staged at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, as Man City begin their defense of the title in London against Chelsea. But, can Pep Guardiola’s side get their campaign underway with a victory?

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How To Watch

• When: Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 11:30 AM ET
• Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England
• How To Watch: NBC

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Odds

Match Result	Odds
Chelsea	+310
Draw	+290
Man City	-125

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Match Preview

History will once again be on the agenda for Man City this season, as they go in search of a fifth straight Premier League title. Pep Guardiola will be hopeful that his side can make a dream start to their title defense this term at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Meanwhile, Chelsea begin another new era under Enzo Maresca after parting company with Mauricio Pochettino despite a strong finish to the previous campaign.

Chelsea’s record in this fixture is hard to overlook when making picks, as they have gone six without a win against Man City since their 2-1 away victory in May 2021. Over that period, the Blues have suffered four defeats, and have picked up just two points.

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Throw🔙 to @aguerosergiokun's hat-trick at Stamford Bridge in 2016! 😎🔥 pic.twitter.com/CpLjYpmcB8

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 15, 2024

Man City are unbeaten in their last nine matches against Chelsea across all competitions since their defeat in the Champions League final against the Blues in 2021. City’s record on the opening weekend is exceptionally strong, having won on matchday one in 12 of the last 13 seasons. But, their only defeat during that period was suffered in London at the hands of Tottenham.

Chelsea hold the esteemed record of having picked up more points in the opening round of the competition than any other side. Meanwhile, only Man United have picked up more points on matchday one in the Premier League than the Blues. But, this is the first time that Chelsea are opening the season against the reigning champions since a 3-0 loss at Arsenal in 1971-72.

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Chelsea vs Man City Picks

Chelsea have been leaking goals throughout pre-season, and that will be a huge area of concern ahead of this opening match against the reigning champions. For that reason, we expect Guardiola’s side to kick off the campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win.

Free Pick:

• Man City