It had to be Everton, didn't it? Of all the clubs Chelsea could have started their 2022/23 Premier League campaign against, it just had to be the one managed by Blues legend and former head coach Frank Lampard. No wonder it has been picked for live television coverage.
What comes next will be equally as narrative-fuelled: Tottenham Hotspur at home. Not only a London derby but another reunion at Stamford Bridge with Antonio Conte, who guided the Blues to the Premier League title in 2017 before leaving a year later in rather acrimonious fashion.
Chelsea's third Premier League fixture of the season will take them to Leeds United, historically bitter rivals following the brutal 1970 FA Cup final between the two clubs. Elland Road was raucous – and somewhat nasty – when the Blues visited last term. It will be another difficult trip.
