Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign with a tough home game against Manchester City.
The fixture list was released on Tuesday morning, and Enzo Maresca will now have to face his former club at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend.
It certainly will not be an easy game for Chelsea. It is one where everyone will be expecting the Premier League champions to come out on top.
However, one defender may be able to help the Blues to get at least a draw when they take on City on August 18.
How did Chelsea perform against Manchester City last season?
Chelsea would have been pleased with their performances against Pep Guardiola’s men during the 2023/24 campaign.
In their first game versus City, they drew 4-4 at Stamford Bridge.
The reverse fixture also saw the two English giants share the points after the game ended 1-1.
City managed to beat Chelsea when they met again in an FA Cup semi-final tie, but had Nicolas Jackson been more clinical that day, the Blues could have easily won that game.
Enzo Maresca should start Axel Disasi against Manchester City
Focusing on their last league encounter with City, though, they defended excellently and almost left the Etihad with all three points.
Axel Disasi starred on the day, putting in a defensive masterclass.
As per WhoScored, the central defender made 16 clearances, more than any other player on the pitch. He also won four aerial duels, the most in his team.
It was a performance that Gary Lineker described as “fantastic” after the full-time whistle.
Thiago Silva is no longer at the club, Wesley Fofana is still returning from a serious injury and Tosin Adarabioyo has just joined Maresca’s side. When you consider that and the above, then, Disasi probably has to start alongside Levi Colwill or Benoit Badiashile, who will probably be competing for the left-sided centre-back spot in the new campaign.
If the Frenchman does and can replicate his display at the Etihad, then Chelsea may be able to get a positive result against the Premier League champions.