Chelsea FC is set to embark on a new chapter under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, beginning with a formidable clash against reigning champions Manchester City on the opening Sunday of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Last season, the two sides delivered thrilling encounters, with the 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge in November earning the Best Match of the Season award.
Following their opener, CFC will head to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 24, before rounding off the month with a London derby against Crystal Palace.
The Blues, alongside Manchester United, boasts the best points-per-match record for teams that have participated in more than one Matchweek 1 fixture. On opening weekends, Chelsea has shown remarkable consistency, achieving a 62.5% win rate. This impressive record includes 20 victories, seven draws, and just five losses over 32 matches.
Challenging October-November Period
Maresca's debut match against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City will be a significant early test, pitting him against his former mentor. After this challenging opener, Chelsea’s schedule appears more favorable, featuring opponents who finished ninth or lower last season. However, maintaining momentum will be crucial, especially with tough matches against Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Arsenal looming in October and November.
Conference League Commitments
The fixture list becomes more demanding with CFC's participation in the UEFA Conference League. The Blues will compete in a two-legged play-off tie, with fixtures set for August 22 and 29. Chelsea will learn their opponents on August 5 when the draw is made. Success in the play-off would see the west Londoners commence their inaugural Conference League campaign in October. Managing European fixtures alongside Premier League challenges will test Maresca’s squad depth and strategic acumen.
Key London Derbies
Chelsea fans will eagerly mark their calendars for the upcoming London derbies. The Blues face two back-to-back London derbies later in the season, visiting Arsenal on Matchday 29 and then hosting Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 30.
Home Fixtures (All times BST/GMT):
- 31/08/2024 15:00 Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
- 09/11/2024 15:00 Chelsea vs Arsenal
- 14/12/2024 15:00 Chelsea vs Brentford
- 26/12/2024 15:00 Chelsea vs Fulham
- 01/02/2025 15:00 Chelsea vs West Ham United
- 02/04/2025 19:45 Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Away Fixtures:
- 21/09/2024 15:00 West Ham United vs Chelsea
- 07/12/2024 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
- 04/01/2025 15:00 Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
- 15/03/2025 15:00 Arsenal vs Chelsea
- 05/04/2025 15:00 Brentford vs Chelsea
- 19/04/2025 15:00 Fulham vs Chelsea
Domestic Cup Competitions
The league schedule is subject to change due to domestic cup commitments. Premier League clubs will enter the FA Cup in the third round, starting on January 11. The Carabao Cup will begin in mid-August, with Premier League teams not participating in Europe entering in the second round, while the remaining seven clubs receive a bye to the third round.
Final Run-In
Chelsea hopes to secure a place in the Champions League during the final stretch of the season. The closing fixtures could prove challenging, with a final-day trip to Nottingham Forest preceded by matches against Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester United.
Comprehensive Fixture List
Should Chelsea advance to the latter stages in all competitions, the following is a comprehensive list of potential fixtures for the season. This extensive schedule underscores the demanding campaign ahead for Maresca and his squad, as they aim to compete on multiple fronts and achieve success domestically and in Europe.