Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea Premier League fixtures: Blues start with Everton away, with huge date to kick-off New Year

Kepa Arrizabalaga future - Thomas Tuchel - seen here during Chelsea's FA Cup match against Sheffield United - says talks are needed

Chelsea will begin what they hope is a hugely-successful 2022/23 Premier League campaign with a clash against Chelsea at Goodison Park on August 6, after the fixtures were announced.

The Blues finished third last season. Thomas Tuchel’s side finished some 19 points adrift of champions Manchester City. The Blues were also runners-up in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, losing both games on penaltes to Liverpool.

Now under the German for the second full season, they will hope to push the top two even closer.

After their opener, Chelsea next face matches against Tottenham at home, before a trip to Leeds the following weekend.

They face Manchester United on October 22 at Stamford Bridge, with the return at Old Trafford on April 22.

The Festive programme sees them face Bournemouth at home on Boxing Day, Nottingham Forest away on December 31 and champions Manchester City at home on January 2.

The campaign ends with matches against Forest (h), Manchester City (a) and Newcastle at home. The final day of the season is slotted for May 28.

Chelsea to have a new-look side

The Blues line-up will look very different in the 2022/23 season with a number of changes expected.

Antonio Rudiger has already departed, signing for Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen – and possibly Marcos Alonso – also look like leaving.

There also remains strong questions over the future of Romelu Lukaku, amid growing claims he will return to Inter Milan after just one season.

In terms of incomings, Tuchel will obviously look to strengthen his defence. Jules Kounde remains a top target, and at least one more will likely be targeted.

The Blues are also considering a move for Sergino Dest, while Ousmane Dembele looks set to arrive on a free transfer from Barcelona.