Back OddsNow's 9/1 Chelsea vs Manchester City bet-builder

I'd normally begin a column like this expressing my delight at football's return after a long barren summer without it, but that hasn't exactly been the case!

We were treated to a thrilling European Championships in Germany which, unfortunately, culminated in yet another defeat for England in a major final. Sigh. 

Spain could have at least taken their foot off the gas after being crowned champions of Europe for a fourth time but no, they had to rub salt in the wounds by claiming gold in the men's tournament at the Paris Olympics. Try hards. 

Anyway, back to my initial point - Premier League football is back this weekend, including the first Super Sunday of the season as Chelsea host reigning champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. 

I'm aware of the negative tone during the first few lines of this preview but I promise my enthusiasm will shine through the deeper we dive into the match at West London. 

Well, from a neutral perspective anyway. Spoiler alert - if you're in any way associated with the team which will adorn the darker shade of blue come Sunday afternoon, this might not be the pick-me-up piece you were hoping for.

Let's get into it - vamos! (Sorry, England fans).

Odds Now's Chelsea vs Manchester City acca selections

Selection #1 - Manchester City to win 

Pep Guardiola's men are chasing a record fifth consecutive Premier League title this season, though they may have 115 or so hurdles to pass before preparing space in the Etihad trophy cabinet (insert winky face emoji). 

Nevertheless, City have won seven of their eight opening day fixtures since Guardiola's appointment in the summer of 2016. 

Chelsea may have held the would-be champions to draws in both of their meetings last season but Mauricio Pochettino's subsequent departure added yet another level of chaos to the running of the West London outfit. 

The home side have also endured a pretty dismal pre-season under new manager Enzo Maresca, which included a 4-2 drubbing at the hands of City in the States. 

In total, Maresca's men shipped an alarming 13 goals across their six friendlies and are preparing to face a City side that scored 96 Premier League goals last season. Nothing to worry about here...

But hey - City's sole opening day defeat did come in the capital after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in 2021 - maybe that's a positive omen for the Blues (yes, that was a desperate attempt at installing SOME hope for any Chelsea readers).

Selection #2 - Over 2.5+ goals scored

The goals tend to flow when these two meet. Their two league meetings last season saw 10 scored in total - eight of which came in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Sunday's venue in November last year. 

Former City protege Cole Palmer had the final say that day, netting a 95th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot to rescue a point for his new club. 

The pair met for a second time three months later at the Etihad. That game also ended in a draw - this time by a much tamer 1-1 scoreline - though City averaged an xG tally of 3.04 on their own. 

Chelsea were just finding their feet under Pochettino at the time as the club looked to have finally found some stability during a frenetic Todd Boehly era. Fast-forward six months and they're back at square one. 

Meanwhile, City may have looked a little toothless in the Community Shield against rivals Manchester United last week, but created chances for fun against Chelsea in Ohio earlier this month. 

Or, more accurately, Chelsea laid the chances on a plate for them. Erling Haaland could hardly believe his luck as he scooped up yet another hat-trick in City colours. 

Unless the home side's abysmal defensive showings have been a deliberate ploy to pull the wool over our eyes - which, for some reason, I am doubtful of - expect plenty more goals on Sunday. 

Cole Palmer savaged a late equaliser during Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Manchester City last season. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Selection #3 - Marc Cucurella to be shown a card

The Spanish left-back has been the subject of a wealth of criticism since signing with Chelsea in August 2022. 

To be fair to Cucurella, he was brilliant in a Spain shirt this summer and was rightfully named part of the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament. 

Much of his success lied in penetrating runs in support of and beyond fellow countryman Nico Williams, though. 

Call me a cynic, but I suspect he might spend a fair bit of time running the opposite way against this Manchester City side. 

Oscar Bobb's unfortunate injury means Bernardo Silva will likely lineup against the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge and the Portuguese international's fleeting feet and silky dribbling could cause havoc for Cucurella down the left side of the Chelsea defence. 

It's also worth bearing in mind that Cucurella was booked 10 times in the Premier League last season - one of which came in the 4-4 draw against City.

Selection #4 - Erling Haaland 0.5+ shots on target

Backing a striker who has managed 62 goals across the last two seasons to register a single shot on target isn't asking for much, right?

Haaland also bagged two during the 4-4 draw at the Bridge last year. He also helped himself to a hat-trick in their friendly meeting earlier this month. Hey, they all count.

This stands as the strongest selection of the four. In fact, if it doesn't come in, I'll eat the tin hat City fans accuse you of wearing when you dare mention the number 115. Sorry Citizens, you were due at least one cheap shot.