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Chelsea get their Premier League campaign underway with arguably the most difficult opening day fixture possible for a side with a new manager.
Enzo Maresca will be prepared to take on former employers Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, with a reunion with Pep Guardiola on the cards.
Chelsea were well beaten by City in pre-season, although that day saw Noni Madueke make a statement with his performance off the bench.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea talks to Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City after the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chelsea FC and Man...
While no official expectations have been laid out, there will definitely be an ambition for the club to build on their sixth placed finish under Mauricio Pochettino.
Guardiola has stated that he believes this could be possible, and told City Xtra that they are one of the teams that are competing for a top four finish.
Guardiola tips Chelsea to compete for top four
He said: “So there are a lot, a lot of teams – Chelsea, again, with the amount of players, the quality, I believe with the manager. All the six or seven teams are there. If you drop a little bit, you will be away.
“And this is the reality I’ve felt from the first season that I arrived here, and after, yeah, we proved ourselves that we can do it. And we’ll try to do it again this season, it’s simple.”
Marc Guiu tipped to start for Chelsea
While the league cannot be won or lost on the opening weekend, the Blues have a real chance to make a statement with their performance and show they are certainly here to compete in every game this season.
It is interesting to see who will be starting for the Blues. Marc Guiu has already been tipped to make his competitive debut at the age of just 18.
This follows fitness issues for Nicolas Jackson, with him yet to start under Maresca during his tenure here.
Raheem Sterling is one player who will be hoping his strong performances against the Champions last season sees him handed a spot in the side.
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