Google Images Creative Commons Licenses
When the passion and excitement of this summer’s Euro 2024 and Olympic Games die down, and soccer fans are on the lookout for their next fix, the English Premier League returns to save the day. The most-watched club soccer competition in the world is back with the 2024/25 season, which begins on Friday, August 16, when Manchester United hosts Fulham at Old Trafford. International matches are great, but they can’t compete with the drama of the EPL as the big guns line up for a shot at the trophy.
Manchester City starts the season as the defending champions and rulers of the division. Pep Guardiola’s men finished on top of the ladder last term with a late surge, denying nearest rivals Arsenal for the second year running. Man City has won the previous four EPL gongs and now plans to break their record by winning five titles on the bounce. Will the cash-rich Cityzens do it again, or can one of the league’s other 19 teams deny Pep Guardiola a high-five and finally snap the dominance? Only time will tell.
Soccer fans can predict the results and call the next Premier League champion at major sportsbooks worldwide, including the best online betting Wyoming natives can access using a laptop or smartphone. Man City is the pundits’ pick, but the current champions face stiff competition from an Arsenal side that’s gunning to get the job done at the third time of asking. Other talented teams with a chance of lifting the silverware include Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham.
At this time of year, it’s impossible to know which team will land the next game, and it’s the unpredictable nature of the Premier League that keeps fans coming back for more. Keep reading as our guest sports writer, Frank Monkhouse offers his predictions.
Singing the blues
One team that has yet to be mentioned in this article but holds realistic chances of winning the title next spring is Chelsea. The Blues are still finding their feet following a chaotic few seasons on and off the field of play, but they appear to be back on track. Chelsea suffered a dreadful start to the previous campaign but recovered and rallied late in the day to finish sixth in the table and score a European place. That late flurry has fans hoping the team can hit the ground running this season and mount a credible title challenge.
Chelsea is a team with deep pockets and a board that’s fearless in investing in the top coaches and best players. They already boast a squad packed with household names and exciting talent but have also been busy in the transfer market during the off-season. On paper, Chelsea is good enough to improve on last season’s efforts greatly, and they could lift the trophy in May. But being good enough and being consistent enough are two different things.
The team from Stamford Bridge has won this title six times in the past, but their most recent success was in 2017, and that’s a serious drought for a team of their stature in the game. Supporters demand better from their beloved club and hope August is the start of something special. The Blues open against Man City on Sunday, August 18, in a game you can follow live on television. Will they get off to a winning start and go on to capture the league title?
The head-to-head stats show Chelsea have beaten Man City 69 times in 176 attempts. To help inspire confidence amongst supporters, we reflect on some of their most famous victories in this fixture of the Premier League era.
Google Images Creative Commons Licenses
Chelsea 5-0 Man City
One of Chelsea’s most resounding victories over Manchester City came in March 2000. This match saw Chelsea dominate from start to finish, showcasing their attacking prowess. Goals from Gus Poyet, who scored twice, as well as efforts from John Terry, Dennis Wise, and Jody Morris, sealed a comprehensive 5-0 win at Stamford Bridge. This victory was particularly memorable as it underlined Chelsea’s rising status in English football at the time, and the margin of victory remains one of the largest in the history of their meetings.
Man City 0-1 Chelsea
A critical moment in Chelsea’s season under new ownership came in December 2003, when Claudio Ranieri’s side secured a crucial 1-0 away win at Manchester City. The game was tightly contested, but a single goal from William Gallas made the difference. This victory was significant as it helped Chelsea maintain their title challenge and demonstrated their ability to grind out results away from home.
Man City 0-1 Chelsea
This narrow victory at the Etihad Stadium was pivotal in Chelsea’s 2009-2010 Premier League title-winning campaign under Carlo Ancelotti. A tense and tactical battle was decided by a goal from Frank Lampard, who calmly converted a penalty to secure the win. This match showcased Chelsea’s defensive solidity and their ability to secure important points in tight games, contributing to their overall success that season.
Chelsea 2-1 Man City
One of the defining moments of the 2010-2011 season came when Chelsea hosted Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1, thanks to goals from David Luiz and Ramires. This victory was particularly memorable because it halted City’s momentum and kept Chelsea in the race for a top-four finish. Luiz’s header and Ramires’ late strike highlighted the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
Man City 1-2 Chelsea
In a match that exemplified Chelsea’s counter-attacking prowess under Antonio Conte, the Blues came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Gary Cahill’s own goal had put City ahead, but Chelsea responded brilliantly with goals from Diego Costa, Willian, and Eden Hazard. This victory was a key moment in Chelsea’s 2016-2017 title-winning campaign, showcasing their tactical flexibility and mental toughness.
Ready to support Chelsea to an opening day victory and title charge? The leading sportsbooks offer generous odds on the Londoners and even promote a welcome bonus for new players. You can grab your share now.
