Assignments don't come much trickier for Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca on his Premier League bow.
The Italian faces up against a man with whom he's very familiar in Pep Guardiola. A former City assistant, Maresca guided Leicester back into the top tier last season and was courted by the Blues after the club parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino following just a mere campaign together.
Maresca's start has been far from plain sailing with an unproductive pre-season failing to enamour a demanding fanbase. "My advice is to give him time and it will work," Guardiola said of the Italian ahead of Sunday's game. Patience is a dwindling trait in this day and age, however.
The upcoming duel will not define Maresca's stint in west London, but it may well set the tone. Some might say this is the best time to face Pep Guardiola's Cityzens, especially given that the visitors are without lynchpin Rodri in the middle of the park, but Chelsea nonetheless have a huge task on their hands if they're to start the 2024/25 season in positive fashion.
Here are four key battles that will decide Sunday's clash on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.