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    Man City vs Chelsea betting predictions and tips PLUS free bets for tasty pre-season clash

    PREMIER LEAGUE champions Manchester City round-off pre-season with a tasty clash against league rivals Chelsea in Ohio.Next week’s Community Shield signals the start of the domestic campaign for Pep Guardiola’s men, with Chelsea still two further games following this ahead of their league restart on August 18th.That league opener? Chelsea vs Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesMan City vs Chelsea previewManchester City and Chelsea meet in Ohio this weekend in City’s final pre-season clash, ahead of their Community Shield clash next weekend.It’s the final prep ahead of that Wembley showdown and their Premier League opener the following week – which will be AT Chelsea!It’ll pitch Pep Guardiola against his former No2 Enzo Maresca for the first time, with the two teams seeing mixed pre-season results to now.Both teams were beaten by Celtic in July, with Chelsea beating Club America 3-0 last time out as City drew 2-2 with Barcelona, having lost their two games prior to that.Chelsea are battling to hold onto Conor Gallagher – who skippered the side so often in Reece James’ absence last season – after he rejected another new deal proposal. A move to Atletico Madrid could be announced before these two meet.The two league meetings ended in draws last season, a 1-1 result at the Etihad following a dramatic 4-4 blockbuster at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season – before City were 1-0 winners in the FA Cup at the semi final stage.Man City vs Chelsea betting predictions and tips PLUS free bets for pre-seasonMan City vs Chelsea latest oddsMan City to win at 8/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREChelsea to win at 7/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Man City vs Chelsea betting tipTightLast season’s saw these two sides draw twice in the league and separated by a solitary goal in the FA Cup.They’re both not quite firing on all cylinders – as is to be expected – and the squads aren’t quite full yet after Euros and Copa America exploits.The two bosses will also be keen not to give away too much detail, given they’ll meet for three points in a couple of weeks. Tight and tough to call.Match result – Draw and BTTS at 18/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERERemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with SUMMER50. Deposit £10+ and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*TalkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly.*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. More

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    Chelsea ACCEPT Atletico Madrid bid for Conor Gallagher after England star rejected lucrative contract offer

    CHELSEA have accepted a bid from Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher. Gallagher, 24, has just one year remaining on his current deal with his future in West London in doubt.Chelsea have accepted a bid from Atletico Madrid for Conor GallagherCredit: EPAHe turned down TWO offers of a new contract this summer.The latest was a three-year deal – two years plus the option of a third – that would have put him in line with Chelsea’s top-earning midfielders.But now the Blues are waiting for Gallagher to make a decision on his future with Atletico ready to pay around £34million for his signature.The England international’s time with Chelsea has been uncertain for some time. READ MORE IN football Tottenham and West Ham were among those previously linked while Aston Villa made attempts to sign him earlier this summer.Villa are believed to have had a bid accepted by Chelsea earlier in the window but Gallagher decided against the move. Unai Emery has since signed Amadou Onana from Everton for £50m.Selling boyhood Blue Gallagher would help Chelsea balance their books and free up space in midfield. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNew boss Enzo Maresca brought Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with him from Leicester for £28m.And Romeo Lavia is set to return to a midfield that already boasts club-record signings Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo.Chelsea 3 Club America 0: Enzo Maresca’s marquee signing shines as new Blues boss’ plan starts to take shapeGallagher – who would have the option to leave for free next summer – has not yet linked up with his Chelsea team-mates for pre-season. He has been granted extra time off following England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain in July.Gallagher came through the Blues youth system and made his first-team debut in 2019. He’s since made 95 appearances – with ten goals – after becoming a regular under Mauricio Pochettino last season.Gallagher even captained the side at times in 2023-24. More

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    Conor Gallagher REJECTS Chelsea’s offer of a three-year contract and will join Atletico Madrid in £33m transfer

    CONOR GALLAGHER is set to join Atletico Madrid after turning down a new three-year deal at Chelsea on Wednesday.The Spanish club have agreed a £33million deal with the Blues with the Premier League club now supporting Gallagher’s move to Madrid.Conor Gallagher is leaving Chelsea to sign for Atletico Madrid after turning down a contract with the BluesCredit: GettyGallagher, who joined Chelsea’s academy aged eight, also turned down a fresh deal in June, with the club offering attractive terms.With captain Reece James injured, the former Crystal Palace loanee wore the armband for the majority of last season.The midfielder has long been considered up for sale as the club looked to balance their books to meet Premier League financial rules.Chelsea accepted a club record bid from Aston Villa in June – before the Premier League financial deadline – but Gallagher turned down the move amid interest from Spain.READ MORE ON CHELSEALondon rivals Tottenham have expressed interest in the past but Gallagher wants to play Champions League football, while Chelsea would rather sell to a club overseas.Atletico Madrid are likely to have to sell players this summer in order to afford the Gallagher deal – with the Blues admiring striker Samu Omorodion.Personal terms have not been agreed with Madrid but Gallagher is keen on the move and Chelsea are now supporting him in his efforts to leave the club.Gallagher has just one year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and the Blues have no interest in losing an academy graduate on a free transfer in a year’s time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe final deal offered by Chelsea was a two-year contract with a one-year option.Having been with England until the end of Euro 2024, Gallagher was not going to join Chelsea on their pre-season tour of America.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaAsked about his future earlier this week, boss Enzo Maresca said: “At the moment, Conor will be back with us when we are at Cobham.”He is already at Cobham or he will be in the next few days to start to do something with Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella.”Then he will train with us.”When the transfer window is open, unfortunately anything can happen. Not only for Conor, but for all of the players.”Enzo Maresca was coy on Gallagher’s futureCredit: Getty More

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    Wesley Fofana says Enzo Fernandez is ‘not a racist’ as he reveals how Chelsea stars cleared the air in showdown talks

    WESLEY FOFANA says Enzo Fernandez is “not a racist” and declared any issue between the Chelsea stars “finished”.Fernandez joined Chelsea’s pre-season tour on Monday, two weeks after streaming a video of himself and Argentina teammates singing a racist chant about France’s black players.Wesley Fofana revealed he has spoken to FernandezCredit: GettyHe says Fernandez has apologised to himCredit: GettyFernandez claimed to not know the meaning of the songCredit: GettyFofana hit out at the “uninhibited racism” in the video but has now deleted the post after holding face-to-face talks with the midfielder in Atlanta.He said: “It’s simple.”He arrived on Monday and we talked with the manager. We talked together.”I explained why I didn’t like the video. He explained, he said sorry because he did not want to hurt French fans or anyone.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”He did not understand when singing it. He did not understand. And I trust him.”Because I know him. I know he is not racist. The act, I felt a little bit upset. But now, it is done. It is finished.”We play for the same club and badge and train together. Now I understand him. He understands me. Everybody is happy.”Fernandez spoke to a small group of players, including Fofana, Reece James and Axel Disasi, before addressing the group and apologising once more.Most read in FootballFernandez sung a racist chant aimed at the French national teamCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt was the first time the Argentina international had spoken to the French defender directly since posting the video.The club record signing has also made a donation to a anti-discrimination charity – though Fofana says he does not care about the money and wants his teammate to be further educated.Enzo Maresca’s tactical overhaul at ChelseaSpeaking after training alongside Fernandez in Georgia, added: “I hope this has educated him a bit, because for sure, it is a different culture.”I don’t care about the money. He loses money. I don’t want Enzo to lose money.”The donation is good but the most important thing is not to repeat the act and that we educate everybody.”He is an example because Enzo is a big player, a big star. He understands that and I’m happy like this.”I don’t think a big sanction for Enzo is a good process.”We need to educate about this because cultures are different, a lot of countries.”We don’t have the same education, for good or bad. But we need to educate everybody if we don’t want a repeat.”Fofana also revealed that he was keen to clear the air in order to benefit the whole team and avoid a situation where two key players are not talking.The ex-Leicester defender said: “We need to stay together. We’re strong together.”If I’m on one side and Enzo is on the other side and we fight every day or we don’t talk or we’re not happy, on the pitch then we don’t play well.”That’s not only me and Enzo. It’s all the team. It is for that, that we talked.”I know Enzo. He is not racist. It is just the video is bad. It’s not only Enzo.”It’s the Argentinian team. I posted this because I felt upset about the video.”Enzo is in the video but if he was from another country, I would have posted the same thing. For sure, it was a big story because we play in the same team.”After two years of injury problems Fofana is now hoping a full pre-season can kick start his Chelsea career.It is just over a year since the £70million signing had to undergo knee surgery which ruled him out for most of last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I feel good, confident. I know I am strong but for sure the fitness and routine is hard because training every day and having games is hard but day by day I feel better, every game and every session.”When I signed for Chelsea I realised my dream and I want to perform. I want to win titles, I am hungry and I want to win titles for sure. I am ready to work hard for that.”Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. 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    Enzo Fernandez pictured back with Chelsea squad for first time since apologising to team-mates for racism storm

    ENZO FERNANDEZ has been pictured with his Chelsea team-mates for the first time as the club try to draw a line under his race row.Fernandez apologised for streaming a video of himself and his Argentina team-mates singing a racist and homophobic chant about France’s black players.Enzo Fernandez is back with his Chelsea team-matesCredit: Instagram / chelseafcFernandez apologised amid his race rowCredit: Instagram / chelseafcNicolas Jackson takes a dip in the poolCredit: Instagram / chelseafcNew defender Tosin AdarabioyoCredit: Instagram / chelseafcRaheem Sterling was all smilesCredit: Instagram / chelseafcHe was condemned by Blues colleague Wesley Fofana for the the “uninhibited racism” – with the video angering a number of the Chelsea squad.But Fernandez made public and private apologies as he linked up with the Chelsea side for their pre-season tour of America. The club-record signing has also been snapped with the squad as new Blues boss Enzo Maresca looks to unite his squad.Fernandez this week had lunch with his team-mates for the first time after offering a face-to-face apology at their St. Regis hotel.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThat was in addition to his public statement and private messages.Fernandez will also make a donation to an anti-discrimination charity which Chelsea will match.Captain Reece James and five-cap France international Axel Disasi held talks with Fernandez to try and smooth things over.And defender Levi Colwill said: “We’re a team. We moved forward together and that is what we are going to do.Most read in FootballChelsea’s pre-season tourHere is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:RESULTSChelsea 2 Wrexham 2 – July 24Chelsea 1 Celtic 4 – July 27FIXTURESChelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaChelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OhioChelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North CarolinaGotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New JerseyChelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DC“Everything that has happened stays between us. I am really excited to get to work and that we have a really good season.“We all know Enzo is a good person and works well for the team.”Yet Fifa chiefs are still investigating the video of the racist chant — which could eventually lead to an FA ban — as well as considering a legal complaint from the French Football Association.Chelsea’s pre-season started with a 2-2 draw with Wrexham and 4-1 loss to Celtic. They play Club America at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta next and do so having welcomed new £20.7m keeper Filip Jorgensen.Enzo Maresca’s tactical overhaul at Chelsea More

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    How Chalobah compares to Chelsea defenders as stats show club should reconsider selling him after pre-season nightmare

    TREVOH CHALOBAH’S days seem to be numbered at Stamford Bridge after he was axed from Chelsea’s pre-season tour.The Blues defender was left at home as Enzo Maresca’s men jetted off to the US earlier this month.Trevoh Chalobah looks set to leave Chelsea in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyChalobah featured just 13 times in the Premier League last seasonChalobah, 25, has been with Chelsea since he was a young boy and had featured 63 times across two campaigns between 2021 and 2023.But he only started 10 Premier League games last season and now looks set to leave this summer.His departure has grown even more likely following the arrival of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.Yet certain stats from last season show why Chelsea should opt to keep Chalobah.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe has the best tackle success percentage of any Blues centre-back at 76.47 per cent – 15 higher than second-place Benoit Badiashile.He also did not make a single error that led to the opposition having a shot, while Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill and Tosin all made at least one.However, that is not the complete picture.Other areas show Chalobah’s weaknesses – such as duel success percentage which is the lowest of all five defenders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow Chelsea’s centre-backs compare using stats from last seasonHis possessions won – 55 – is also a low stat compared to the 99 of Badiashile given he only played 438 minutes fewer.And above all else his lack of game time – 1277 minutes – shows how far down the pecking order he has fallen.But a 4-1 pre-season defeat to Celtic on Saturday led to some honest words from new manager Maresca – an assessment that could open the door for Chalobah.He said: “Off the ball we need to improve things.”You can see sometimes we confuse when we need to play short and when we need to play a little bit longer but that is part of the process.”We maintained a high line but when the ball is not under pressure, you need to drop… we are still ­confusing some things on the ball and off the ball.”It is normal in this moment when we are trying to do something new.” More

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    Chelsea fans say ‘I feel sad watching this’ as they spot what Mount and Jorginho did after Arsenal’s win over Man Utd

    CHELSEA heroes Jorginho and Mason Mount reunited during Arsenal and Manchester United’s pre-season friendly in the US.And that brought back a strong sense of nostalgia for the Blues’ fans who took an emotional trip down memory lane.Chelsea heroes Mason Mount and Jorginho reunited in the USCredit: https://x.com/TheChelseaForumMount and Jorginho linked up after Manchester United and Arsenal’s friendlyCredit: https://x.com/TheChelseaForumChelsea fans were left feeling emotional after Jorginho and Mount’s reunionCredit: Getty Images – GettyArsenal’s Jorginho and United’s Mount caught up on Saturday at the SoFi Stadium in California during the two teams’ summer tour in the US.The two midfielders looked cheerful as they had a nice friendly chat after the Gunners’ 2-1 victory, which took place shortly after another disappointing performance by Chelsea who lost 4-1 to Celtic.That brought a sense of melancholy for a few Chelsea fans as they remembered them winning trophies at Stamford Bridge, like the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup, before their unceremonious exits.One supporter tweeted: “I feel sad watching this for some reason.”Read More on ChelseaAnother commented: “Both seem so damn happy bro!”A third quipped: “‘Did you see the Chelsea game earlier?’”This fan said: “They seem delighted by the look of it.”And that one stated: “I miss my guy @mount.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea academy graduate Mount left Stamford Bridge in 2023 after 18 years with the club where he amassed 33 goals and 35 assists in 195 appearances.The playmaker moved to Premier League rivals United after he felt he was not part of owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s plans.Chelsea stars board flight to California for pre-season tour of USMount told MUTV last year: “Several months ago, it became clear that I wasn’t in Chelsea’s plans moving forward.”Jorginho left Chelsea in January 2023 after five years with the club, which included 29 goals and eight assists in 213 appearances, for rivals Arsenal.The midfielder also departed west London because he was no longer part of first-team plans but was won over by the Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta as well.Jorginho told DAZN last year: “It’s one of the reasons [Arteta], surely. He called me and it was all very quick, we made the deal in less than 48 hours. “I had spoken to Chelsea and I knew I was no longer part of their plans. I wanted to progress in my career and the Arsenal project suits me.”Sometimes you must accept when you are out of a project and that things come to an end.” More

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    Jose Mourinho ready to raid Premier League and clinch ‘marquee signing’ of his former player for Fenerbahce

    JOSE MOURINHO wants to make Mateo Kovacic his marquee summer signing for Fenerbahce.And if Mourinho seals a club record £25million deal, Manchester City midfielder Kovacic will follow in his footsteps for an astonishing FOURTH time — yet play under him for the first.Jose Mourinho wants Mateo Kovacic from Man CityCredit: GettyThe Chelsea star could reunite with The Special One out in TurkeyCredit: RexThe former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has asked the board at the Turkish club to push the boat out for Kovacic and wants him to fill the key holding role.City only signed the 30-year-old Croat a year ago and he is contracted until 2027.But sources say Etihad chiefs would be open to business if they can recoup the initial £25m that he cost from Chelsea.Mourinho has wasted no time recruiting new faces since taking over last month, charged with ending Fenerbahce’s ten-year Turkish Super League drought.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare and Sander Berge of Burnley, having lost out on signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from old club Spurs.But Kovacic is top of his wanted list, which would finally mean he and Mourinho were on the books at the same time.Both men have previously been at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea — but on each occasion the manager had already left by the time Kovacic arrived.Mourinho has already broken Fenerbahce’s transfer record once, with the £20m capture of Morocco international forward Youssef En-Nesyri from Seville.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Everton striker Cenk Tosun has joined on a free while ex-Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin is on loan from Al-Ahli.Meanwhile, Barcelona have made a return bid for City defender Joao Cancelo — they are ready to pay a £7m loan fee and cover his £160,000-a-week wages.Jose Mourinho offers Brits his top advice as most influential celebs revealed City would prefer to sell him but Barca insist they cannot afford it so City could agree to the deal because there are no other offers on the table. More