Chelsea’s fixtures for the new Premier League season have been announced, beginning on Sunday, 17 August.
It was a successful first season in charge for Enzo Maresca, leading the Blues to Champions League qualification. They finished fourth last season, on 69 points, their best tally since the 2021/22 season, when they finished third in the league.
Following the Club World Cup, in which they won their first game against LAFC, Chelsea will open the season on Sunday, 17 August, two days after Champions Liverpool play in the opening match, on Friday, 15 August.
But how well will Chelsea do early on in the season, and how many points is realistic for the first five games of the season?
1. Chelsea vs Crystal Palace – Sunday 17 August: WIN
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On their first day of the Premier League season, Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge, in what will be a tough test for the Blues against the reigning FA Cup champions.
Last season, Chelsea and Palace drew 1-1 in both their meetings, and the Blues will be hoping to finally get a victory against Oliver Glasner’s side this season.
Our prediction: Chelsea win the opening game in what will be an entertaining affair between two attacking, skilful squads.
2. West Ham vs Chelsea – Saturday 23 August: WIN
The Blues then face a game against West Ham United, who under former Chelsea boss Graham Potter struggled last season, despite having what appeared to be an impressive summer transfer window.
Last season, Chelsea beat West Ham with an aggregate score of 5-1. Enzo Maresca will hope that his side can do the same against Potter’s side.
Our prediction: West Ham could see a slow start to the new season, and so we see Chelsea winning fairly comfortably in their second game.
3. Chelsea vs Fulham – Saturday 30 August: WIN
The third game of the season for Chelsea comes against London rivals Fulham, who were a tough side to beat last year in the Premier League under manager Marco Silva.
Last season, the Blues and Fulham split the two games 2-1 each time. Chelsea won at Craven Cottage, and Fulham won at Stamford Bridge.
Our prediction: It’s going to be more of a low-scoring affair, against a Fulham side that are well organised, and tough to crack.
4. Brentford vs Chelsea – Saturday 13 September: DRAW
Brentford are a team with an uncertain future, after manager Thomas Frank moved to join Tottenham Hotspur following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking.
They will likely lose Bryan Mbeumo too this summer, but any prediction can only go off the most recent results from the opposing side.
Our prediction: Last season, Brentford were superb at home, and so we have Chelsea and the Bees drawing in what should be an entertaining affair.
5. Man United vs Chelsea – Saturday 20 September: DRAW
To finish off the first five Premier League games for Maresca’s side, Chelsea will make a trip to Old Trafford to play against Manchester United.
The Red Devils are bound to improve in the summer, they have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and are likely to add a lot more to their squad this summer in somewhat of a rebuild
Our prediction: If United recruit well, they could be a much tougher opposition next season, and with a hostile atmosphere at Old Trafford, we have another draw.
Chelsea’s points tally after five games: 11 points
Last season 11 points from 5 games would have been enough for the Blues to be fourth in the table, one position, and one point above where they were last season.