The 5 nerve-wracking fixtures that will define Chelsea season as Premier League calendar confirmed

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will make his debut as Blues manager with a visit from Manchester City in August, it has been confirmed with the Premier League fixtures for the 2024/25 season announced on Tuesday.

Precise dates and kick-off times for 37 of the 38 matches are subject to change due to broadcasting rights but already Blues supporters will be pencilling in dates for derby days, long away trips and more.

LondonWorld looks at five fixtures that could define the season for Chelsea.

Chelsea vs Manchester City - Sunday, August 18

Chelsea were handed a home meeting against Liverpool to kick-off the campaign last year and, somehow, Enzo Maresca seems to have been dealt an even tougher task than Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues begin the season against the Champions at Stamford Bridge.

The London club haven't beaten Pep Guardiola's side since two wins in a month in May 2021. There wouldn't be a need to panic should the rampant Cityzens claim an away win in Gameweek 1 but Chelsea supporters will need to see a convincing performance to believe in the new era under Maresca.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace - Saturday, August 31

The second home fixture of the season comes against London rivals Crystal Palace at the end of August. The Eagles are a tough team to beat under Oliver Glasner but could be a new-look side should star men Eberezhi Eze and Michael Olise find new clubs.

This fixture seems to be a must-win for Maresca. Two away trips follow the visit of Crystal Palace and the new boss won't be back at Stamford Bridge until the end of September.

The clash against Crystal Palace also comes ahead of a run of matches that include meetings with Bournemouth, Brighton, West Ham and Nottingham Forest. It's important to pick up some momentum against the Eagles as, following that run of games, it's Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal in the next four.

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Liverpool vs Chelsea - Saturday, October 19

Chelsea's trip to Anfield in the middle of October marks the start of a hugely testing four-fixture period. After the visit to Merseyside, the Blues play Newcastle United and Arsenal at home with a visit to Manchester United in between.

Chelsea haven't beaten Liverpool since March 2021 and, even if they can't pick up three points at Anfield, it seems vital to avoid an embarrassing defeat which could crush morale ahead of that tricky run of games. The Londoners have only lost one of their last four league meetings with the Reds, pointing to some resilience in that fixture.

Chelsea vs Brentford - Saturday, December 14

Brentford have become somewhat of a bogey team for Chelsea in recent seasons. The Blues left it late to salvage a point at the Gtech in March as they put in a shaky showing and they've been beaten by the Bees at Stamford Bridge every season since Thomas Frank achieved promotion.

Bucking that trend in the middle of December should be a priority for Maresca this season. That potential banana skin comes ahead of a busy festive period that can make or break a campaign.

Chelsea vs Manchester United - Sunday, May 18

Chelsea supporters will be hoping to compete for Champions League places this season and that is a sentiment that will be shared by North West rivals Manchester United.

The two sides, who are both struggling for consistency in recent years, will play for the second time in the season in the penultimate Gameweek. Should the table be a close-fought affair, this match could be a six-pointer and potentially a decider when it comes to the European spots.