The Premier League have released their fixture schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Chelsea are preparing to go into next season with Xabi Alonso in charge following BlueCo's decision to appoint him as their new manager.
The 44-year-old is set for arguably the biggest test of his managerial career as he aims to guide the Blues back into European contention.
And with the Premier League recently releasing every club's order of matches for next season, many supporters will be wondering what dates to circle in their calendars.
When Xabi Alonso will make Anfield return as Chelsea manager
During his playing days, and prior to moving to Real Madrid — the club he had most success at — Alonso spent five years as a Liverpool player.
The former midfielder played for the Reds between 2004 - 2009, making 210 appearances and winning three major trophies, including the 2004-05 UEFA Champions League.
After retiring from playing in 2017, Alonso is now into his fourth year of top-flight management. The Spaniard has already had some massive jobs, including spending six months at Real Madrid.
It was really at Bayer Leverkusen that the 44-year-old really built his reputation, though.
During his two-and-a-half years in charge, Alonso guided Die Werkself to three trophies, including winning the 2023-24 Bundesliga title — the first in the club's history — and did so without losing a single game.
And now preparing to succeed Liam Rosenior in the Stamford Bridge dugout, Alonso, who will officially begin work from July 1, has learned when he will make his domestic return to Anfield.
Chelsea's first league game against Liverpool is scheduled to take place at Stamford Bridge on December 5, 2026. The reverse fixture, at Anfield, will not happen until the end of the campaign on May 1, 2027.
Alonso has faced Liverpool twice as a manager — both times in the UEFA Champions League group stage — once with Bayer Leverkusen and once with Real Madrid. He lost both matches 4-0 and 1-0, respectively.
Other key Premier League fixtures
Of course, playing Liverpool is not the only big game facing Chelsea next season.
The Blues will begin their campaign on August 24, 2026 with an away trip to Fulham. Game Week 3 will see Alonso's men travel to Arsenal for the first blockbuster matchup of the season.
October 24, 2026 will see Chelsea welcome Spurs to Stamford Bridge before hosting Manchester United the following weekend.
The Blues travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City just before Christmas (December 12, 2026) with the reverse tie scheduled for April 24, 2027.
Alonso's final Premier League game of the season will be on 30 May, 2027, at home and against Brentford.
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