Having only returned from post-World Cup holidays earlier this week, Manchester City’s star players will be aiming to hit the ground running against Chelsea in Sunday’s Community Shield clash at Wembley.
Gabriel Jesus came in for plenty of criticism after failing to find the net for Brazil this summer, but is available at 15/4 (4.75) with bet365 to put that behind him by opening the scoring here, or 21/20 (2.05) to score anytime.
Sergio Aguero also endured a frustrating World Cup campaign with Argentina, but can be backed at 13/10 (2.30) to add to his 10 goals against this opposition – a record exceeded only versus Newcastle.
Bernardo Silva scored the winner the last time these sides met back in March, and could offer strong value at 21/10 (3.10) considering he scored twice in last week's International Champions Cup win over Bayern Munich.
Like Silva, there are a number of players in Maurizio Sarri’s squad who will be feeling sharp after taking part in the last few friendly matches.
Alvaro Morata has led the line in all three of the Blues’ games this summer, although is still to score after missing a penalty against Arsenal last time out.
Nevertheless, the Spain international is his side’s 7/1 (8.00) favourite to break the deadlock in this one, or 21/10 (3.10) to strike anytime.
Youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi has made a big impression with some exciting performances this pre-season, and is priced at 5/2 (3.50) to back that up by scoring a first senior goal in dramatic circumstances here.
However, the best bet is perhaps to be found in one of Chelsea’s more experienced performers, with Pedro flourishing in the early stages of the Sarri regime.
The former Barcelona man has been on target in two of the three matches so far this summer, and offers strong value at 3/1 (4.00) to do so once again versus a City team not yet at full strength.
Pedro to score anytime for a 1pt stake at 3/1 (4.00) at bet365
