Two Premier League giants clash tonight in Ohio in a huge pre-season friendly as new Blues boss Enzo Maresca comes face to face with former mentor Pep Guardiola. Chelsea have won one and lost two of their three matches this summer, having finally clicked against Club America after concerning defeats to Wrexham and Leicester City.
Maresca could hand new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen a first start after a half-time introduction in the week, while Marc Guiu will be hoping to keep his spot after scoring against Club America. Enzo Fernandez may get the nod after minutes off the bench last time out.
For Man City, Erling Haaland has been an injury doubt in the build-up but Guardiola was more upbeat on the striker’s fitness ahead of the game, so he could feature. Jack Grealish will hope to again feature with plenty of first-team stars still on their holidays.
Enzo Maresca has refused to be pigeon-holed as a Pep Guardiola clone, as the Italian gets to grips with life as Chelsea head coach.
The Blues’ new Italian has revealed how club chiefs at both Leicester and now Chelsea detailed plans to emulate Guardiola’s approach at Manchester City – and how he then had to explain why that does not translate elsewhere.
Chelsea wins: 71
Draws: 41
Man City wins: 66.
