Will Chelsea vs Manchester City be broadcast on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch the Premier League match today

Chelsea host Manchester City in an outstanding game on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

The away side, having won their fourth consecutive title in 2023/24, enter the season as favourites to win a fifth consecutive title despite an uneventful summer transfer window. But after years of consistent success, Pep Guardiola's side have little room for improvement.

For Chelsea, however, a new era is beginning at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca. This will be a real baptism of fire for the Italian, whose team had great difficulties in pre-season.

The Blues have once again signed some big-name players in the transfer window, notably Pedro Neto from Wolves and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester.

Although this game is not a deciding one for either team, a positive start to such a big game could set the tone for the upcoming season.

When does Chelsea play Manchester City?

The Chelsea vs Manchester City match kicks off at 16:30 BST on Sunday 18 August and takes place at Stamford Bridge in London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm BST. Subscribers can also watch the match live streamed via the Sky Go app.

If you are travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you may need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN overview will help you with this and includes Offers for VPNs on the market. Viewers using a VPN must ensure that they comply with all local regulations in their location as well as the terms and conditions of their service provider.

About the team

Reece James' injury concerns continue and the Chelsea captain will miss the opening game due to a thigh injury, despite also being suspended.

Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Omari Kellyman and Djordje Petrovic are doubtful after missing long periods of pre-season, but Jackson is expected to feature.

Manchester City will be without Oscar Bobb, who is out with a broken leg, and Jack Grealish is doubtful after missing last weekend's Community Shield.

Rodri, Kyle Walker and John Stones are back in training after their late return from the 2024 European Championship final – although Rodri is no longer able to play due to injury.

Expected lineups

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.

Manchester City team: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Matheus Nunes, Kovacic, De Bruyne; Documentary, Bernardo Silva, Haaland.

Opportunities

Chelsea 16/5

Draw 3/1

Manchester City 17/20

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forecast

This should be an exciting game between two teams looking to win at the end of the season. City are obviously the better team and could prove too strong for a Chelsea side that is adjusting to a new style of play under Maresca. The Italian has been heavily influenced by Guardiola, having worked as a manager at City before moving to Parma in 2021. However, at this point, the mentor should get the upper hand over his pupil. Chelsea 0:2 Manchester City.

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