Part of maintaining a push towards the top of the table is an ability to navigate the tricky times when they do come. The head coach is confident our lean spell last winter will stand us in good stead this time around.

‘For sure we are going to face that period better than last season,’ Maresca stated.

‘I said when we started last season we were very far from the ones competing. Now we are closer, and the next step is to be even closer and try to compete with them, but for sure we are better than last season. I’m very excited for this new season.’

Maresca acknowledged he does not know what ramifications our Club World Cup campaign will have on his players physically or mentally.

What he is certain of is that his two new strikers who debuted during that tournament, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, will bring fresh energy to the group and should settle quicker because of their experience of England’s top flight.

‘It’s better when players come from the Premier League and not abroad because they know exactly the Premier League already,’ noted Maresca.

‘It’s a big help for sure. I’m really excited for the new signings, and for the ones that were here last season.

‘It will be a very long season again, different competitions, Premier League, Champions League, the domestic cups, but it will be exciting.’

Digital tickets have been introduced for games at Stamford Bridge this season and you can find more information here. Supporters who need help in the build-up to today's game can access various help points around Stamford Bridge. See the map below.