Chelsea's 2022/23 Premier League fixture schedule has given them a difficult start to the campaign next term, but the ordering could give them a headache.
Just like every other year, Chelsea and the other 19 sides will play each other twice. Once at home and once away from home. Standard procedure, right?
The answer is yes, but come the end of the season the early fixtures could have a major saying in whether or not Chelsea are in a title race with Manchester City and Liverpool, and even potentially Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
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Thomas Tuchel's side will kick off their season with a trip to Goodison Park to face Frank Lampard's Everton side. That is a bogey ground for Chelsea in itself, but it's further added to by the fact the Toffees haven't lost on the opening day for over 10 years.
Chelsea have learned when they will face their 'big six' counterparts - fixtures below:
13th August 2022: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
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17th September 2022: Chelsea vs Liverpool
22nd October 2022: Chelsea vs Manchester United
5th November 2022: Chelsea vs Arsenal
2nd January 2023: Chelsea vs Manchester City
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21st January 2023: Liverpool vs Chelsea
25th February 2023: Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
22nd April 2023: Manchester United vs Chelsea
29th April 2023: Arsenal vs Chelsea
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20th May 2023: Manchester City vs Chelsea
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That piles the pressure on Chelsea. Away trips to City, United and Arsenal come in the final seven games of the season, the business end of the season.
Although the points against the smaller sides make up the majority of accumulated points across the season, Chelsea have to ensure they get some wins under their belt at home when the big sides visit Stamford Bridge.
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It was a solid start to the campaign for the Blues last term and they will need to make sure another positive run with the way the fixtures have been scheduled.
Tuchel is already aware that the race is on, admitting last month: It will be a super tough race. Manchester United will be in the race and Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure.
"We want to stay in the race and Liverpool and Man City do everything to make their squads bigger and they set the standard so high. This is the challenge in which we compete."
Chelsea will have around a month to prepare for their opening day fixture on 6 August against Everton. In that time, Tuchel will need signings and to shape his squad into a position of giving themselves the best chance of challenging for the title next season.
Without big results and consistency, Chelsea won't be able to compete. So for Tuchel, the new owners and co, the work starts now. The other teams won't wait for the Blues. From day one, Chelsea have to be ready to go.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Premier League, Football
