Paul Merson has sent a warning to Chelsea that their Premier League title hopes could be over after just six games if they fail to manage a ‘nightmare’ start to the new campaign.
The Blues begin their 2021-22 season on August 14 against London rivals Crystal Palace, who recently unveiled former Arsenal player Patrick Vieira as their new manager.
Chelsea will then play against London rivals Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City before the start of October.
- Arsenal put player up for sale for £15m to fund Tammy Abraham transfer
- Solskjaer lists three things Sancho will add to Man Utd attack
Merson told Starsport: ‘Chelsea are facing a nightmare start to the new season and their first six games are already make or break.
‘They have tough fixtures and it’s made even worse because so many of their players won’t be back from the Euros in time to be fully fit to play in them. ‘Good luck to any team having to do without key men like Jorginho and Mason Mount for too long.
‘Those two went further than most at the Euros as England and Italy both reached the final – and they’re two of Chelsea’s most important players.
‘But the club had 16 players who missed the start of pre-season because they were still on holiday after going to the tournament.
‘And even though some of them are back now, they won’t all be fit to start the first few game.’
The former Arsenal player added: ‘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.’
