While it's guaranteed Chelsea will play each team twice in the Premier League's 2022/2023 season, it's perhaps a little naive to ignore that how the fixtures fall can affect their outcome. The disruption of the Wold Cup landing in November and December means that Thomas Tuchel's side will play 16 league matches, a month earlier than they did last season.
Of course, every team is more or less in the same boat and it is only because of Chelsea's quality that they will have the issue of European commitments and a vast number of players departing for Qatar come the end of the year. It's fair to say Tuchel's planned rebuild will be required to go well for the Blues to be successful on all fronts.
The Blues are set for a tricky start when they return to action with an away trip to Everton opening proceedings followed by the visit of Antonio Conte's Tottenham and a visit to Elland Road to face Leeds United but there may be a moment or two of respite. The same will not be true in October and Chelsea's run up until the break for the World Cup.
