Chelsea’s Premier League season will begin with them hosting the FA Cup winners at Stamford Bridge, and a poor recent record to address.
Crystal Palace will be the first visitors of the season, with the Blues facing a series of London sides in their first four games of the campaign.
There are big expectations of what Enzo Maresca’s side will deliver over the next nine months. Micah Richards believes Chelsea are close to a title challenge, although still need another centre-back through the door.
To be up at the top, the Blues will need to surpass three teams from last season, however Ally McCoist believes Chelsea will finish above Manchester City.
Chelsea v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
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Chelsea must put end to surprisingly poor opening day record
To mount any kind of title fight, Chelsea will need to hit the ground running immediately, starting with the challenge of Palace on Sunday.
Maresca’s first game in charge last season saw them well beaten by Manchester City, in a game where Blues fans were not won over by Maresca’s football in its first domestic showing.
The loss was not actually out of place when it comes to recent opening day results. In the last 10 seasons, Chelsea have only actually won four of their first games.
This has included the embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Manchester United in Frank Lampard’s first game in charge, as well as a 3-2 defeat to Burnley after winning the league the season before.
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There is some optimism to be had when it comes to opening day games against Crystal Palace. The Blues hosted them in the first game of the 2021/22 season, running out comfortable 3-0 winners.
Enzo Maresca arrives ahead of Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
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Enzo Maresca facing selection dilemma for Palace match
The Blues only had two friendlies to get up to speed of things ahead of the new season, however they impressed greatly with wins over Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
The players gave the manager a number of headaches when it comes to who will start against Palace on Sunday, with only 11 spots on the pitch.
Liam Delap and Joao Pedro are battling for the striker position, however there could be an argument for both to start, with the former Brighton man being able to play in other roles too.
Maresca will also have to decide who will start the season at centre-back off the back of the news that Levi Colwill will not be available due to a serious knee injury.