After lifting the Europa Convention League and gorgeous the world with a 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain within the Membership World Cup closing, optimism is once more effervescent at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have loved a constructive pre-season and one other summer season 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 may nonetheless be a step too far this early into Maresca’s reign, or not less than so far as the early Premier League winner odds are involved, a powerful begin to the 2025/26 marketing campaign is significant if the membership are to push greater.
And in that regard, the fixture record has been form. 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 beneath Oliver Glasner, however it is a winnable house opener. Joao Pedro has appeared sharp in pre-season, and Maresca will desire a quick begin to quiet any early strain. Three factors right here might set the tone for the weeks forward.
2. West Ham vs Chelsea
The quick journey to the London Stadium isn’t easy. Former Blues boss Graham Potter is prepping for his first full season in cost, and the Hammers at all times elevate their sport for this fixture. Nevertheless, Chelsea will again themselves to dominate possession beneath Maresca’s control-based system. This might be an actual check 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 chance to impose their fashion and rack up objectives. If Chelsea can come into this one with not less than 4 factors from the primary two, followers will count on a convincing efficiency.
4. Brentford vs Chelsea
Brentford have been gutted over the summer season. 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 way in which out. This represents a serious alternative for Chelsea to benefit from a membership in transition. However away days on the Gtech are not often routine, and underestimating the Bees can be a mistake.
5. Manchester United vs Chelsea
A real check of Chelsea’s progress. By mid-September, new signings needs to 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 could nicely fancy their possibilities.
