The first month of the new decade sees Chelsea in action on two different fronts as we kick off our FA Cup campaign against Championship side Nottingham Forest and try to consolidate our position in the top four of the Premier League with matches against Burnley, Newcastle United and Arsenal.
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
FA Cup, third round – Sunday, 5 January
On the 50th anniversary of our first-ever FA Cup triumph, Chelsea will wear a special commemorative kit replicating the one worn in the 1970 final replay when we host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge for the second season in a row. The Blues got the better of the Reds at the same stage 12 months ago with a 2-0 win and we will be hoping for more of the same as we attempt to reach the fourth round of the famous competition for the 22nd consecutive year.
Chelsea v Burnley
Premier League - Saturday, 11 January
Burnley were beaten 4-2 by Chelsea at Turf Moor in October when Christian Pulisic notched a hat-trick and they travel to the Bridge just four points above the relegation zone after suffering three straight league defeats. However, it would be unwise to write off the Clarets who have been beaten only once on their last four visits to Stamford Bridge and have shown an excellent battling spirit under manager Sean Dyche.
Newcastle Utd v Chelsea
Premier League - Saturday, 18 January
The journey to St James’ Park is Chelsea’s longest away trip in the Premier League and it has not been a good hunting ground with the 2-1 victory last season representing our first win there for seven years. We will look to complete our first league double against Newcastle since 2007/08 after winning 1-0 at the Bridge in October but the Magpies, after losing three consecutive league matches after Christmas, will not make things easy as they look to avoid getting pulled into the relegation scrap.
Chelsea v Arsenal
Premier League – Tuesday, 22 January
Less than a month after our big comeback win at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea will attempt to complete out first league double against the Gunners since 2012/13. Arsenal find themselves in an unfamiliar position in mid-table after a disappointing first half of the season but under new manager Mikel Arteta, they re-discovered some of their swagger in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on New Year’s Day and will look to continue their momentum and secure a first league win at Stamford Bridge for nine years.