Chelsea will welcome Liverpool to Stamford Bridge in the first Premier League match of the Mauricio Pochettino era.
The fixtures for the 2023/24 season have now been confirmed, with the Blues facing a tough test against the Reds on the opening weekend of the campaign. After that, Chelsea will take on West Ham United (A), Luton Town (H), Nottingham Forest (H), Bournemouth (A) and Aston Villa (H).
On paper, it's perhaps six matches, bar the clash with Liverpool, that Pochettino might have taken. There is a period, though, of five matches that may well determine how the Blues get on in Pochettino's debut season at the west London club.
And it all starts with a trip to local rivals Tottenham - Pochettino's old club - which at the moment is scheduled for November 4. A trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Chelsea were beaten 2-0 under Graham Potter back in February, is a week before welcoming champions and recently-crowned treble-winners Manchester City to Stamford Bridge in what is always an almighty test.
Then for Pochettino and the Blues is a tough test against Newcastle United at St James' Park, where they were beaten 1-0 last season. The Magpies, who will be playing Champions League football in 2023/24, are set to strengthen once again this summer as they look to become an established top-four side under Eddie Howe.
Brighton at home comes next for Chelsea, with the Seagulls looking to replicate the kind of form they showed last season under Roberto De Zerbi to once again consolidate European football. The Blues were actually beaten 2-1 at home to Brighton last season despite taking an early lead.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All of the latest updates coming out of Stamford Bridge
Finally in the five-game run that could shape Chelsea's season is a trip to Manchester United. It will be interesting to see if United can kick on under Erik ten Hag next season after what was an impressive debut campaign in England for the Dutchman. Going to Old Trafford is always a big challenge and regardless of how they are doing in the league, Chelsea will have their work cut out there.
Before the season starts, though, there is lots of work for the club to do behind the scenes. The summer transfer window officially opened on Wednesday and it was a manic opening 24 hours for Chelsea especially.
football.london brought you the news that Arsenal have a genuine interest in signing Kai Havertz this summer with Chelsea willing to sell the Germany international for around £70million. Havertz is open to the idea of leaving Stamford Bridge before the start of next season and the Gunners are likely to push for his signature.
Meanwhile, nothing has really changed too much regarding Mason Mount. The England international and his camp are eager for a solution as soon as possible but Chelsea are trying to price Manchester United out of a move for the Cobham graduate.
There is also interest from Tottenham in Conor Gallagher, a source told football.london on Wednesday. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is understood to be a big admirer of Gallagher, who is looking likely to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer.
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