1 week ago
2
Chelsea were really not that bad under Enzo Maresca - fifth in the Premier League, into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and still well-placed in the Champions League. His departure was clearly down to a breakdown of his relationship with the club's hierarchy.
Maresca did not feel he had the control he wanted and I get why he was unhappy. As Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live, maybe Chelsea need a puppet as their next manager, who will do as he is told.
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I really liked Maresca. I know some Chelsea fans found his style of play last season boring, and a bit predictable, but they ended up in the top four and of course they became world champions as well.
Their performances in the big games this season have been pretty good, too, but this time, as well as being without Maresca, they are also missing Moises Caicedo - who is suspended after his booking against Bournemouth. He will be a big, big loss.
Chelsea have got enough other talent to still go and get a result at Etihad Stadium, but I don't think they will.
I am expecting City to find their shooting boots again after they were shut out by Sunderland, especially if they have got someone with a long throw.
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Chelsea could not deal with Antoine Semenyo's deliveries at all when they played Bournemouth.
A lot has been made of how young Chelsea's defence is, but that's not actually the case. When you look through their team they are not inexperienced, they will need to do far better against a City side that could be too sharp and streetwise for them and their age is not an excuse.
Sutton's prediction: 3-1
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