The headline game from the opening weekend of the 2024/25 Premier League season is tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. ET kick-off between Chelsea and current champions Manchester City. Both sides are coming off indifferent seasons in 2023/24, and the preseason follows the same suit.
With hours until kick-off, it’s tough to be accurate about who will start in the opening game for both teams, but we will have a strong idea of most starters. Manchester City midfielder Rodri is confirmed out for Sunday, which could affect your game plan. That said, here are the best plays for your DFS Showdown teams in DraftKings.
Captain Pick For Chelsea vs Manchester City
Cole Palmer– M ($14,700 DK)
One of the best performers from the 2023/24 season, Cole Palmer finished with 22 goals and 11 assists in his first season with Chelsea. The former Manchester City midfielder came on for the last 45 minutes of the Blue’s final preseason game after a long summer with the England national team.
Palmer averaged 2.62 shots, 2.69 crosses, and 2.41 key passes per game during the 2023/24 campaign. The 2023/24 Young Player of the Season was the shining light in a struggling team, and it wasn’t even close. Chelsea has another new manager in Enzo Maresca for the new season, and with plenty more new faces, it may take them some time to click, something we did not see much of last season.
Despite this, we can expect Palmer to be the critical player again up top for Chelsea. With Rodri not playing, we may see more chances for the home side. A bonus of Palmer taking penalties and free kicks is also a positive.
Best Chelsea vs Manchester City Picks
Christopher Nkunku– M/F ($8,200 DK)
Christopher Nkunku will feel like a new signing for Chelsea. He played in just 11 games last season after missing the start of the season with an injury. He started just two Premier League games last season, scoring three goals and averaging 0.62 goals per 90 minutes. Playing in every preseason game and scoring three goals, Nkunku looks like a guaranteed starter on Sunday. He and Palmer will be the focal point of the Chelsea attack this season.
Malo Gusto– D ($4,800 DK)
Picking a defender against Manchester City isn’t usually a good play, but when they have the attacking prowess of Malo Gusto, it’s worth a chance. In the absence of Reece James, Gusto started 19 games last season and formed an excellent partnership with Palmer down the right. He tallied six assists and averaged 7.7 fantasy points last season. With James set to miss the start of the season, Gusto will deputize at right back again.
Kevin De Bruyne– M ($11,000 DK)
There is a chance Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t start, with his only minutes added on time in the Community Shield. With the devastating injury to Oscar Bobb, there is a much likelier chance of starting against Chelsea on Sunday. Starting De Bruyne, you know what you are getting; he averaged 19.1 fantasy points per game last season. Despite only featuring in 18 games, he had four goals and ten assists. With 10.36 crosses, 4.27 key passes, and 56.70 passes per 90 minutes, he is a must-play if he starts.
Josko Gvardiol– D ($5,800 DK)
Another attacking defensive player, this time for Manchester City. Josko Gvardiol took some time to get going with his new team last season but was a vital part of the Citizens winning the Premier League again. He averaged 8.7 fantasy points, the most of any Manchester City defensive player. Gvardiol notched four goals and one assist from the left back and will have spaces to go forward up against Palmer and Gusto.
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