Chelsea handed Champions League boost after Premier League fixtures announcement | OneFootball

Good news for Enzo Maresca ahead of next season

Chelsea have been handed a welcome boost ahead of next season, with the Premier League fixture list giving them home matches immediately after six of their eight Champions League group stage games.

The fixture list will see Chelsea host Manchester United, Sunderland, Wolves, Arsenal, Everton and West Ham after Champions League games.

Maresca’s men do also face difficult away trips to Liverpool and Crystal Palace after Champions League games.

Cole Palmer will look to light up the Champions League next season

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The last time Chelsea competed in the Champions League in the 2021/22 season, five of their six matches after their European midweek games took place at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea earned four wins and two draws, accumulating 14 out of a possible 18 points in the Premier League.

An important factor to consider is the timing of matches played after the Champions League fixtures.

During his time in charge of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp called the fixture list ‘crazy’ as he repeatedly citied his frustrations over his Liverpool team playing the 12:30pm Saturday kick off following a midweek Wednesday fixture.

In his nine years in charge, Liverpool featured in 45 early afternoon fixtures, topping the charts across the Premier League.

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

Elsewhere Arsenal will enjoy home advantage in five of their eight Premier League matches following Champions League games, while Tottenham an Liverpool face a more balanced schedule with four home and four away games after their European outings.