Alright, let’s dive into this—where do I even start? Picture this: Chelsea’s riding high, riding the wave, just back from stomping PSG like they were playing in the backyard. Or maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea. Stamford Bridge is buzzing, like when you’ve had too much coffee and can’t sit still. Enzo Maresca’s got them looking sharp in preseason, and yeah, they threw quite a bit of cash around—£200m isn’t pocket change. Way to spark some hope, right?
So, last season, you know, they landed fourth, which isn’t shabby. But there’s this massive canyon—an actual canyon, in football terms—between Chelsea and the top dogs like Liverpool, City, and Arsenal. Are we talking title runs? Well, maybe not just yet. I mean, Maresca’s just getting settled in, and the odds, if you gamble like my uncle does, aren’t exactly screaming “Champions!” But hey, starting the 2025/26 season strong is the real deal here.
About the fixtures, London’s been good to them. No crazy travel, just sticking around town for the first four games. They’ve got this chance to get their act together before the big United clash—put that date down, mid-September, and don’t forget.
Let’s talk specifics:
-
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: A classic London Derby to start things off. Palace, with their FA Cup gleaming, won’t be a walk in the park. Joao Pedro’s all fired up, aim is simple—get the win and keep the whispers of doubt at bay.
-
West Ham vs Chelsea: Now, West Ham—they’re tricky, especially with Potter at the helm. But if Chelsea can hog the ball, it might just show how far they’ve shaken off past madness. Fingers crossed?
-
Chelsea vs Fulham: Revenge, anyone? Last season’s Boxing Day wasn’t pretty, but this could be a sweet redemption if they pull it off. Fans would love a goal-fest if Chelsea hit the ground running in those first matches.
-
Brentford vs Chelsea: Brentford’s had their squad raided—key players, coach, the works. Chelsea’s got to exploit that, but away games? They’re never a cakewalk.
- Manchester United vs Chelsea: Here’s the big one. Old Trafford, never an easy spot. But if Chelsea’s still unbeaten, they might just have a puncher’s chance against a United still trying to figure themselves out.
So, there you have it, a taste of Chelsea’s start to this season. Up, down, who knows where they’ll end up but—stay tuned, it’s bound to be a ride.