The Premier League fixture list was announced today, with Chelsea for the second season in a row being handed a blockbuster opening game.
After hosting Liverpool in this slot last season, it was announced they would be taking on reigning champions Manchester City to kick the campaign off.
It will no doubt be a huge opportunity for Enzo Maresca to make a statement in his first game in Premier League management, against former colleague Pep Guardiola.
Axel Disasi marked his debut with a goal in front of his new home fans when they took on the Reds last season, in a match they impressed in for large periods.
It will be interesting to see how they perform against City this time, with Cole Palmer again likely having a point to prove against the side who thought he wasn’t good enough to star for them at this stage.
While some supporters are likely cursing their luck that they have a huge game on the opening day again, there is actually a level of optimism amongst some on Twitter that they can make a real statement at Stamford Bridge.
One user said: “Maresca handing Pep his first L of the season, we will be there.”
Another added: “ENZO ABOUT TO SHOW PEP SOME LEVELS. BE THERE!”
A third claimed: “If we can get 3 points from Man City, we might be in business.”
Another said: “Good, let’s see if we have the push to contend for titles next season..”
Finally, one stated: “Best time to play City I say. They’re usually not in the 1st 10 games of the season where after they go into another gear.”
The game has created a real opportunity for the Blues to make a real statement to the rest of the league in the first week that they mean business in the upcoming campaign.
They are set to finish their campaign away at Nottingham Forest, a game last season where Reece James made his grand return to football after months out.