Xabi Alonso will face an early test of his credentials when Chelsea travel to the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal in their third game of the 2026/27 season.
Alonso will be looking for a fast start to his Chelsea tenure, having signed a four-year contract to take over from Liam Rosenior in May. The Spaniard will hope home is where the heart is as the Blues do not venture outside of London in any of their first six league fixtures.