In the first round of the Premier League feast, the focus of the match is the double-blue meeting, Chelsea is at home against Manchester City. This season, the Blue Warriors are coached by 44-year-old Italian skipper Maliska, who once helped the Blue Moon. Gaudio's tactical strategy provides the team with precise tactical guidance. It is worth noting that in the last six league meetings between the two teams, the total goals scored were mostly two or less, making the 2.5-goal result quite interesting.
Maliska quickly became Chelsea's manager after leading Leicester City to the title last season. He knows the Blue Moon operation inside out, having served in City's youth ranks and become Gaudio's deputy in 2022. Despite Chelsea's impressive pre-season warm-up performance, Maliska pointed out that the team's backline players are under too much pressure and have developed bad habits. He is confident that the team will focus on fixing their shortcomings at the back, while City's forward line may struggle to find a good opportunity in this match.
Many of City's main players were involved in this year's Europa League, and the delay in their return has seriously affected the team's pre-season preparations. In the Community Shield, they fought with Manchester United until the 89th minute to draw 1-1, and finally won through the penalty shootout, the players' form obviously needs to be improved.
Spanish midfielder Lodi Casciandi will not be able to play tonight due to injury, while Zulian Ivaris has moved to Marska and has been active in the warm-up matches. Oscar Poppi's long term injury has left Enin Charlantes Sahu as the only reliable midfield centerpiece of the team. However, he will not be able to do anything against Chelsea's tight defense.
