Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has warned Chelsea that their Premier League title hopes could be over after just six games.
The Champions League winners finished fourth in the English top-flight last season.
Thomas Tuchel’s men begin their 2021/2022 campaign on August 14 against Crystal Palace.
The Blues will then face Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham and defending champions Manchester City before October starts.
Merson told Starsport: “Chelsea won the Champions League and are fancied to push for the title. But look at Chelsea’s fixtures and you can see what they’re up against it.
“After their opener against Crystal Palace, who will be trying to impress a new manager in Patrick Vieira, it’s brutal.
“They have to play Arsenal and Liverpool before the end of August and then it’s Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City in September. Ouch.
“If they get off to a good start they will be majorly fancied for the title. But they could easily lose a couple of those games.
“And if you find yourself six points off the pace even so early in the season, that can be hard to make up.”
