Arsenal
After lifting the Europa Convention League and gorgeous the world with a 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain within the Membership World Cup last, optimism is once more effervescent at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have loved a optimistic 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 might 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 a minimum of so far as the early Premier League winner odds are involved, a robust begin to the 2025/26 marketing campaign is important if the membership are to push increased.
And in that regard, the fixture record 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 simple opponent underneath Oliver Glasner, however it is a winnable dwelling opener. Joao Pedro has regarded sharp in pre-season, and Maresca will need a quick begin to quiet any early stress. Three factors right here might set the tone for the weeks forward.
2. West Ham vs Chelsea
The brief journey to the London Stadium is never simple. Former Blues boss Graham Potter is prepping for his first full season in cost, and the Hammers at all times elevate their recreation for this fixture. Nonetheless, 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 for the reason that 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 dwelling soil. If the assault clicks, this will probably be a possibility to impose their fashion and rack up objectives. If Chelsea can come into this one with a minimum of 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 could be a mistake.
5. Manchester United vs Chelsea
A real take a look at of Chelsea’s progress. By mid-September, new signings must be nicely embedded, however Previous Trafford stays a tough place to go to—particularly with United hungry to bounce again after final season’s disastrous end. Ruben Amorim’s Pink Devils are nonetheless a piece in progress, although, and if Chelsea arrive unbeaten, they might nicely fancy their possibilities.
