The forthcoming Premier League season looks set to be the most exciting in years as holders Leicester look to defend their title.
Claudio Ranieri’s side shocked the football world by lifting the trophy in May and everyone is keen to see how they go about hanging onto their crown.
They will be coming up against a Chelsea side under the guidance of master tactician Antonio Conte following his appointment as Jose Mourinho’s permanent replacement.
Mourinho, meanwhile, has found a new home at Manchester United after he filled the dugout seat vacated by axed Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.
Pep Guardiola is ready to prove himself in England after taking over at Manchester City while Ronald Koeman has just been named Everton manager.
So it’s all change in the top-flight and the Blues will need to be at their best to reclaim the title they surrendered so weakly to Leicester last term.
But where will the title be won and lost? We’ve picked out five key fixtures which could determine whether Chelsea can go the distance under Conte.
24/09/2016 - Arsenal v Chelsea
A London derby at Arsenal coming hot on the heels of the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool a week earlier looks to be a real test for Chelsea.
The Gunners finished runners-up last season and always provide strong opposition, however it is the Klopp factor that makes this one all the more tricky.
That match with the Reds seven days earlier will sap the energy from the Blues and means the clash Arsene Wenger’s boys becomes a huge ask.
03/12/2016 - Manchester City v Chelsea
Guardiola has already started spending at the Etihad and we can expect to see a much more competitive City next season.
They are always tough to break down at home and Guardiola’s management should give the team an extra dimension.
Chelsea can expect to encounter a team with a high work-rate off the ball and one that values possession.
02/01/2017 - Tottenham v Chelsea
Tottenham enjoyed their best season in years last term under Mauricio Pochettino, although it all ended in tears at Stamford Bridge - much to the delight of Blues fans.
Harry Kane and Co. will have that experience of a title tilt under their belts now though and will fancy their chances of mounting another challenge next term.
A trip to White Hart Lane awaits at the turn of the year. Chelsea fans won’t need reminding of the 5-3 reverse in the same fixture on New Year’s Day in 2015.
With the wounds from that loss still fresh in the memory, Conte will need to prove he can keep his side fresh over the festive period and ready for this one.
15/04/2017 - Man United v Chelsea
Having already welcomed Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge in October, the trip to his ‘new house’ at Old Trafford towards the end of the season looks a crunch fixture.
Only five games of the Premier League campaign remain after this hurdle and Chelsea could well be battling Mourinho’s Red Devils for the crown by this stage.
It is sure to be an emotional game for the travelling Chelsea faithful and they can expect a more confident United side to turn up than Van Gaal’s inept team from last season.
Can Chelsea wreck United’s title hopes or will Mourinho block his former team from marching to glory.
21/05/2017 - Chelsea v Sunderland
So, it all comes down to this. Sunderland at home on the final day of the season.
On paper this game looks simple for Chelsea, but games are not played on paper and anything can happen in the Premier League.
Still, should the Blues remain in with a chance of clinching the title on the final day, this fixture would be one they would certainly take.
It’s a winnable game to get them over the line, however they could well be taking on a Sunderland team fighting for their lives at the other end of the table.
