Next five games may be telling for Blues

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Two games, six points and a goal difference of four is always a good start to a Premier League season. Chelsea looked strong and composed in both games, while Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Thibaut Courtois have settled in without any issues, and have definitely added a new dimension to the team.

That being said, how much can we really take away from 180 minutes against recently promoted sides? It’s easy to get carried away, as many pundits are suggesting that those are the types of games that cost us last season.

Don’t forget that Chelsea have tended to start well in the league every year for the last decade or so.

Here’s a look at the next five fixtures, three of which are against teams who made up the top five last season.

We should have a good idea of where we stand as potential title contenders, and be able to sufficiently assess how strong the squad is by the time the final whistle blows against Arsenal on October 5.

Everton (A), Sat, Aug 30, 5.30pm

Last season’s corresponding fixture: 1-0

The next fixture, away to Everton will be a difficult game to win, and Romelu Lukaku will definitely be out to prove a point.

Everton will take their fare share of scalps at Goodison this season, should have beaten Arsenal, and will be pushing for a top four spot again.

They can be stubborn defensively when they want to be, and we all know how devastating they are on the counter.

We were lucky to claim three points out of two games against them last season, with John Terry popping up with a late winner at The Bridge.

Verdict: Won’t be an easy game but if we dig in, and make it tough for Everton to catch us on the counter we should just about bag the three points.

Swansea (H), Sat, Sep 13, 3pm

Last season’s corresponding fixture: 1-0

Garry Monk’s side have had a great start to the campaign, a win at Old Trafford, followed by a 1-0 home win against Burnley.

However, we really should be beating them at home.

Swansea like to play football, and are a good passing team. That being said, if they try to outplay us, rather than focusing on their defensive duties, and getting men behind the ball then I’m afraid that they’re going to be in for a long afternoon.

The likes of Nathan Dyer or Wayne Routledge might catch us once or twice down the flanks, but in the end Chelsea should prove too strong for the Welsh side.

Verdict: The Boys In Blue should have too much quality. Three points.

Manchester City (A), Sun, Sep 21, 4pm

Last season’s corresponding fixture: 0-1

It goes without saying that this game will be a massive test.

As Manuel Pellegrini would say it’s a ‘six-point game’.

We’d all probably settle for one, though, as the Manchester outfit look like they’re going to be tough to beat this season.

Chelsea do have a strong squad but City’s is stronger. They’re a powerful unit, with the strength of Yaya Toure and Fernando in the middle of the park, the creative flair of David Silva and Samir Nasri, and strikers who always take their chances. City could probably field two title-winning teams, they have that much strength in depth.

It would be wise to play John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic in front of the defence for this one, and hope to catch them on the counter.

We stopped them from scoring last year, so hopefully the boys can put in a similar performance at The Etihad this season.

Verdict: Would love a point, however City might prove too strong at home. Pellegrini’s men to take the three points.

Aston Villa (H), Sat, Sep 27, 3pm

Last season’s corresponding fixture: 2-1

Villa have looked pretty solid so far this season, and should prove tough to break down. However, like the Swansea game, we really should be coming out on top.

It may be a game where we will have to rely on a scrappy Diego Costa winner, as Villa have looked solid defensively and won’t be giving too much away.

Verdict: Andi Weimann will be a threat with his pace, and Fabien Delph scored a lovely winning goal against us last season, however Chelsea should prove too hard to break down at The Bridge. Three points.

Arsenal (H), Sun Oct 5, 2.05pm

Last season’s corresponding fixture: 6-0

We have consistently gotten the better of Arsenal at The Bridge over the last ten seasons, beating them on six occasions and losing only once.

It just feels as if this year will be no different; they will surely be dreading the trip after last year’s demolition.

They’ve added a few but still seem to be lacking a physical presence in the team; our midfield should prove too powerful.

Tthe likes of Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry will massively fancy their chances from set pieces.

Of course the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez will threaten at times, but Arsenal will most likely be drawn into a physical battle that they won’t be able to cope with.

Verdict: We should out-muscle the Gooners and will have plenty of opportunities from set pieces. It would be great to see Didier Drogba start this game as he has such a good record against Arsenal. Three points.

Ten to twelve points from these five fixtures would be a good return, however, we all know how unpredictable this league can be.

One thing is for certain, these results will give us a good indication of where we might be at the end of the season.