After lifting the Europa Convention League and beautiful the world with a 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain within the Membership World Cup ultimate, optimism is once more effervescent at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have loved a constructive pre-season and one other summer time of heavy funding. With over £200m spent and Joao Pedro already firing, there’s a real perception the Blues may lastly be turning a nook.
Final season’s fourth-place end marked progress, however there’s nonetheless a sizeable hole to bridge between Chelsea and the likes of Liverpool, Manchester Metropolis, and Arsenal.
Whereas a title cost would possibly nonetheless be a step too far this early into Maresca’s reign, or at the least so far as the early Premier League winner odds are involved, a robust begin to the 2025/26 marketing campaign is significant if the membership are to push greater.
And in that regard, the fixture checklist has been sort. Chelsea don’t depart London for his or her first 4 league matches—providing a golden alternative to construct early momentum earlier than a crunch conflict with Manchester United in mid-September.
Right here’s a breakdown of their first 5 video games.
1. Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
A London derby to kick off the season. Palace are the reigning FA Cup holders and are by no means a straightforward opponent underneath Oliver Glasner, however this can be a winnable house opener. Joao Pedro has appeared sharp in pre-season, and Maresca will need a quick begin to quiet any early stress. Three factors right here may set the tone for the weeks forward.
2. West Ham vs Chelsea
The quick journey to the London Stadium is never easy. Former Blues boss Graham Potter is prepping for his first full season in cost, and the Hammers at all times increase their sport for this fixture. Nevertheless, Chelsea will again themselves to dominate possession underneath Maresca’s control-based system. This might be an actual take a look at of how far they’ve come because the chaos of earlier seasons.
3. Chelsea vs Fulham
Fulham are one other native rival who, on paper, Chelsea ought to beat—avenging final season’s Boxing Day defeat on house soil. If the assault clicks, this will probably be a possibility to impose their model and rack up targets. If Chelsea can come into this one with at the least 4 factors from the primary two, followers will anticipate a convincing efficiency.
4. Brentford vs Chelsea
Brentford have been gutted over the summer time. Thomas Frank has joined Spurs, Bryan Mbeumo is now at Manchester United, Christian Norgaard has moved to Arsenal, and Yoane Wissa is reportedly on the best way out. This represents a significant alternative for Chelsea to benefit from a membership in transition. However away days on the Gtech are hardly ever routine, and underestimating the Bees can be a mistake.
5. Manchester United vs Chelsea
A real take a look at of Chelsea’s progress. By mid-September, new signings ought to be nicely embedded, however Outdated Trafford stays a troublesome place to go to—particularly with United hungry to bounce again after final season’s disastrous end. Ruben Amorim’s Crimson Devils are nonetheless a piece in progress, although, and if Chelsea arrive unbeaten, they could nicely fancy their probabilities.
