Manchester City attempts to continue its strong showing in the opener of the new English Premier League season as it faces the reigning champions Chelsea FC on Sunday, August 16 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
The Citizens destroyed West Bromwich Albion FC on Tuesday, 3-0, to begin their 2015-2016 campaign on a high note, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Team captain Vincent Kompany and midfielders Yaya Touré and David Silva provided a goal each on the blanking of the Baggies at their own Hawthorns as Tony Pulis' men could not penetrate Manchester's defense.
Meanwhile, 10-man Chelsea forced a 2-2 draw on the road against Swansea City AFC on Sunday, via Sports Illustrated, to at least pick up a point in the overall standings.
If not for Swansea defender Federico Fernández's own goal in the 30th-minute, the defending champions would be starting their season with a loss.
José Mourinho was clearly not satisfied with his side's performance in the game and vowed to play with more passion in this high-profile matchup with City and its new acquisition, Raheem Sterling.
The predicted results is a tough 2-1 victory for Manuel Pellegrini's squad. Toure and Sterling will be too much for the Blues in the midfield as they will also up their tempo in the offensive end. Mourinho needs one or two big striker transfers for Chelsea to find their place in the offense.
Manchester City starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Hart; Mangala, Kompany, Sagna, Kolarov; Sterling, Touré; Navas, Silva, Fernandinho; Bony
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Courtois; Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta; Hazard, Willian; Oscar, Matic, Fàbregas; Costa