Chelsea face an interesting set of fixtures once the first international break of the season is over.
Chelsea have had a mixed start to the 2024/25 campaign as they adapt to life under new head coach Enzo Maresca. The Blues have four points from three games in the Premier League so far, plus they narrowly edged past Servette in a play-off tie to reach the Conference League group stages.
ESPN claims that Maresca has been challenged to finish in the Premier League’s top four by the club, so let’s hope he can build some momentum when club football returns after the September internationals.
We’ve predicted Chelsea’s next six matches up until the next international break in October.
Predicting Chelsea’s next six fixtures
Bournemouth vs Chelsea – 14 September (Premier League)
This looks like a decent fixture as the first one back after the break, particularly because Chelsea have won three of their last four meetings with Bournemouth.
The best we’ve seen of the Blues so far under Maresca is the emphatic 6-2 win on the road at Wolves. We have confidence that Chelsea can be a dangerous attacking threat away from home this season when they’re able to counter-attack teams.
It could be a tight narrow win for the visitors to get them climbing up the league table, which they currently sit 11th in.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea
West Ham vs Chelsea – 21 September (Premier League)
Like Chelsea, West Ham are also under new management this term. The Hammers are trying to adapt to life under Julen Lopetegui, plus they’ve got a lot of new signings to gel into their XI.
The Blues ran riot to thrash West Ham 5-0 at home towards the end of last season, which is something we’re sure will be mentioned in the team talk for both London sides.
We’d be surprised if the game is anything similar this time around, though. In fact, West Ham won the meeting at the London Stadium last season by a 3-1 scoreline.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Chelsea
Chelsea vs Barrow – 24 September (Carabao Cup)
It’s a very favourable draw for Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup, where they host League Two club Barrow at Stamford Bridge. It’ll be a huge shock if there’s not massive rotation for this midweek domestic cup tie.
The Blues were beaten on penalties by Liverpool in last year’s League Cup final on penalties. Incidentally, Chris Sutton ripped into Chelsea after losing the EFL Cup final.
It should be a routine victory versus Barrow, perhaps with Marc Guiu to have a field day and get his first goals for the club.
Prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Barrow
Chelsea vs Brighton – 28 September (Premier League)
On paper, this may be Chelsea’s toughest match in this set of six games.
Fabian Hurzeler, the new Brighton manager, has started superbly this season with seven points out of nine in the league. The Seagulls certainly look like a quality outfit after a great summer of recruitment as well.
This should be a really entertaining contest for the neutral. For Chelsea fans, it could be a frustrating high-scoring draw.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Brighton
Chelsea vs Gent – 3 October (Conference League)
Maresca’s side begin the Conference League group stages with a home fixture against Belgian side Gent.
It’s worth pointing out that playing the Blues will feel like a cup final for most teams in this competition, so expect them to raise their levels. There should still be more than enough quality within the squad to dominate this tournament, even if they decide to make wholesale changes with their team selection.
Chelsea have confirmed their squad via their official website for the league phase of the Conference League, which excludes first-teams stars Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia. We’ve got a feeling Joao Felix could fill his boots in this competition this year.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Gent
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – 6 October (Premier League)
Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have had some tight meetings in the last couple of years, something we’re predicting to happen again.
At this stage, we’ve still not got the Blues keep to record a clean sheet in the league. This may be the fixture that they finally keep a shutout, though.
There’s the potential in Chelsea’s backline to become really formidable, particularly with the centre-back combination of Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, but fans will know it’ll take some time.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Nottingham Forest
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