Important Fixture Boost for Chelsea Receive in Champions League Return

Important Fixture Boost for Chelsea Receive in Champions League Return
Chelsea have received a fixture schedule boost that will play a vital role in their quest for success next term, with six of their eight Premier League matches following Champions League group stage fixtures at home.

The favorable timing gives Enzo Maresca’s team a welcome advantage in the management of fatigue and consistency through a packed European schedule.

Home Games After Europe
Chelsea have the following games at Stamford Bridge immediately after Champions League nights:

Manchester United

Sunderland

Wolves

Arsenal

Everton

West Ham

There are only two post-European games that will see them travel away from home:

Liverpool (away)

Crystal Palace (away)

This could be extremely significant, especially compared to 2021/22, when Chelsea had five of six post-UCL games at home and picked up 14 points out of a possible 18.

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Fixture Timing Still a Factor
While home advantage matters, kick-off times remain a concern. Premier League authorities — most vociferously Jurgen Klopp — have consistently moaned about early Saturday kick-offs after European matches.

“Making Liverpool play Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday 12.30pm, is a crime,” Klopp once said.

Chelsea will be hoping the Premier League does not inflict such quick turnarounds on them in their case.

What About Rivals?
Arsenal: 5 home, 3 away after UCL matches

Liverpool and Tottenham: 4 home, 4 away

Chelsea have by far the kindest post-Champions League schedule of their top-four rivals — a potential secret weapon in the title and top-four fight.

Important Fixture Boost for Chelsea Receive in Champions League Return