The Premier League fixtures have been announced. Chelsea is set to defend their Premier League crown with a home game against Swansea on 8th August. Prior to the league’s start, Chelsea play New York Red Bulls, FC Barcelona, PSG and Fiorentina in a series of friendlies as part of the International Champions Cup. Before their final game against Fiorentina, they play Arsenal for the FA Community Shield on 2nd August.
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With Chelsea set to enter the League and FA Cup in the third round, and with participation in the UEFA Champions’ League group stage, the fixtures around these cup ties will be tough. The Champions’ League group stages will take place on 15–16 September, 29–30 September, 20–21 October, 3–4 November, 24–25 November and 8–9 December, 2015.
Chelsea face Manchester City (A) during match week 2. They face Arsenal (H), Southampton (H), West Ham (A), Stoke City (A), Tottenham (A), Leicester (A) after their Champions League group matches.
Chelsea face Manchester United (A) on 28th December and 6th February (H). Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on 31st October, and they go to Anfield on 12th March. Chelsea will host Manchester City on 16th April in what might be the most vital fixture for the Premier League title race. Arsenal, who might be on the rise, host Chelsea on 23rd January.
With a direct 3rd round entry in the FA Cup, and if Chelsea want to defend their League Cup, January will be critical. Chelsea suffered a shock exit in the FA Cup last season. Should the Blues be unable to get a win in the FA Cup, the replays may start to take a toll on the squad as the European knockout stages start in February.
With the squad needing some reinforcements, Chelsea will have their task cut out to improve on their 2014/15 League and League Cup double.