The Premier League fixtures have once again been released, and as with every year the 2022/23 edition comes with its own particular quirks. It doesn't take long for Chelsea's narratives to unfold with Everton on the opening day of the season as the Blues head to Goodison Park looking to dispel a difficult record as they take on Frank Lampard once again.
It takes little to see how relentless the schedule will be for Thomas Tuchel's side heading into the World Cup in November. October is set to see six Premier League fixtures and three more in the Champions League, as sides rack up 16 league matches around a month earlier than they usually expect.
It's an unprecedented season, and a term that will be difficult for any team to prepare for so it perhaps becomes a difficult one for Chelsea to know how to tackle. Particularly with a summer rebuild required, and more challengers expected in 2022/23 after a season spent in the top three.
