Fixtures for the 2024/25 English Premier League season are now live, with the nation’s top 20 teams learning their schedule. The coming campaign promises to be another fast-paced, unpredictable, and exciting offering from the top tier of English football. Manchester City is the defending champions after landing a record-breaking four in a row earlier this year. But cracks are beginning to appear in the Cityzens’ dominance.
Will this be the season Pep Guardiola and his mega-rich employers finally lose their grip on the title? If so, which team will emerge from the shadows and replace them as the rulers of England? Arsenal went close in each of the last two terms when finishing as the best of the rest. Will it be third time lucky for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who aim to improve a place? Perhaps you think it’s finally time for Chelsea’s big-name players to deliver and storm the EPL?
Followers of the Premier League can make predictions on the next champion and place bets at the leading gambling apps. Summer is a popular time with football fans who like to plan ahead and get in early to secure the best odds on the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, and other competitions, including Major League Soccer betting. Study the stats, read reviews, find the best odds, and wager using your laptop or smartphone.
Bookies have Manchester City as the current favorites, with Arsenal being the main danger ahead of Liverpool, who are third in the betting. Chelsea is the fourth most likely EPL champion, according to bookies, meaning backers and fans will enjoy great odds on the Blues, causing an upset next spring.
Feeling Blue
Chelsea finished sixth in the EPL last term. That was a poor performance for a team capable of so much more, but it was achieved despite a dreadful start. The Blues spent long periods of the previous campaign stuck in midtable before a late rally drove them into the prize places. How they finished the 2023/24 season gives fans hope ahead of the new campaign. Is this the season Chelsea finally returns to the summit?
Enzo Maresca’s men launch their title bid with a home game against the defending champions at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 18th August, with a confirmed 16:30 GMT kick-off. It’s a baptism of fire for the Blues, but a chance to score a huge home win and get their season started in style while hurting the betting favorites early. Can Chelsea win on the opening day and land the first three points of the term?
The statistics show these great clubs have met 176 times in the past. The head-to-head stats show Chelsea boasts 69 wins, with Man City currently at 65, with 42 games ending in a draw. But the Blues haven’t defeated City since that famous Champions League win in 2021. Since then, City has had seven wins, with two games ending in a draw. Will we see the home team bounce back? Fans can’t wait to find out.
Until the big kick-off of the 2024/25 English Premier League season, we build excitement by reflecting on that famous win over Man City in the Champions League. It was a special night in the club’s history and will live long in the memory.
Last Chance Saloon
Leading up to the final, Manchester City and Chelsea had experienced contrasting journeys. Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, had already clinched the Premier League title and were in search of their first-ever Champions League trophy. With a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, and Phil Foden, City were the favorite to win.
Chelsea, on the other hand, had undergone a significant transformation under Thomas Tuchel. The German manager took over mid-season from Frank Lampard and quickly implemented a robust and pragmatic approach. Chelsea’s path to the final included overcoming tough opponents like Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Real Madrid. While City had the firepower, Chelsea had shown resilience and tactical flexibility, setting the stage for an intriguing final.
Key Moments
From the first whistle, it was clear that Tuchel had devised a meticulous game plan to neutralize City’s attacking threats. Chelsea lined up in their preferred 3-4-3 formation, with a back three of César Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, and Antonio Rüdiger, flanked by wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James. The midfield pivot of N’Golo Kanté and Jorginho provided both defensive cover and transition support, while Mason Mount and Kai Havertz played behind Timo Werner in attack.
Manchester City, typically fluid and dominant in possession, slightly altered their formation. Guardiola opted to play without a recognized defensive midfielder, leaving out both Fernandinho and Rodri and instead fielding Ilkay Gündogan in a deeper role. This decision, aimed at enhancing their offensive capabilities, ultimately backfired.
The match’s only goal came in the 42nd minute. Mason Mount picked up the ball deep in Chelsea’s half and delivered a sublime through ball that split the City defense. Kai Havertz timed his run perfectly, and as Ederson rushed out to close the angle, Havertz rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an empty net. This moment of brilliance from Mount and composure from Havertz was the culmination of Chelsea’s swift counter-attacking strategy.
Important Players
Several Chelsea players delivered standout performances, which were crucial to their victory. N’Golo Kanté was arguably the man of the match. His tireless running, interceptions, and ball recoveries disrupted City’s rhythm and prevented them from establishing control. Kanté’s ability to cover ground and break up play was instrumental in stifling City’s midfield.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell were also exceptional, both defensively and offensively.
James, in particular, was tasked with marking Raheem Sterling, and he did so effectively, limiting the winger’s influence on the game. Chilwell provided width and support down the left flank, ensuring Chelsea could exploit spaces when transitioning from defense to attack.
At the heart of Chelsea’s defense, Thiago Silva, despite being substituted due to injury, showed his experience and leadership. His early exit brought Andreas Christensen into the fray, who seamlessly slotted into the defensive setup and continued to thwart City’s advances.
It was a narrow but deserved win, but Chelsea fans know the long road back to the Champions League begins this season.