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ChelseaSummary
Generated byChelsea open their 2026/27 Premier League campaign tonight at Craven Cottage, and the fixture carries genuine weight as the first competitive test of Xabi Alonso's reign. The Spaniard takes charge against his former Liverpool team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa, now managing Fulham, in a west London derby that doubles as both managers' top-flight debut in the dugout. Alonso has spoken with confidence about his squad, singling out summer signing Marco Palestra as offering "something different" to his defensive options, but he heads into the game without Wesley Fofana, who is suspended, and with Aaron Anselmino and Emanuel Emegha both sidelined through injury.
The squad news off the pitch has been more encouraging. Joao Pedro committed his future to the club on a long-term deal until 2034, snubbing Barcelona's interest after reassuring talks with Alonso. That commitment from a key attacking player signals real belief in the project. Chelsea also finished pre-season with momentum, beating Real Sociedad 3-1 in their final friendly on August 15.
The transfer window, though, remains active and unsettled. Benoit Badiashile has joined Napoli on loan with a buy option, Axel Disasi is closing in on a move to Crystal Palace, and Marc Guiu is attracting interest from Sevilla. Mykhailo Mudryk's future is unresolved after Chelsea rejected Leeds United's opening loan offer, with Alonso confirming no decision will be rushed. A win tonight at Craven Cottage would give Alonso's new era the foundation it needs.
Standings
Premier League
Premier League| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | +/- | PTS | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 |  Liverpool | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 10 |  Newcastle United | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
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| 11 |  Chelsea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 12 |  Fulham | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 13 |  AFC Bournemouth | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
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Frequently asked questions
Chelsea were founded on March 10, 1905, following Gus Mears' acquisition of the Stamford Bridge in 1904. Several names were put up for consideration: Kensington FC, Stamford Bridge FC, and London FC. However, all these names were rejected and the name Chelsea F.C. was finally selected.
Chelsea are co-owned by an American consortium consisting of Todd Boehly, Mark Walter. Hansjorg Wyss, and Behdad Eghbali-led Clearlake Capital. Boehly, Walter, and Wyss each own a 12.8% stake in the club, while Clearlake Capital are the majority shareholder with a 61.5% stake.
Chelsea's stadium is known as the Stamford Bridge and has been the club's home venue ever since their inception in 1905. Interestingly, the Stamford Bridge was owned by a separate company after businessman Ken Bates bought the club in the 1980s, when they were on the verge of bankruptcy and stuck in the second division. In 1992, however, after a long-fought legal battle and a 'Save The Bridge' campaign from the fans, Chelsea regained ownership of the stadium.
The Stamford Bridge has a capacity of around 40,000.
Chelsea have won an impressive 32 trophies throughout their history, including two Champions League titles and six English top-flight titles.
Chelsea have won the English top flight on six occasions, with their most recent title coming at the end of the 2016-17 season.
Legendary defender Ron Harris holds the record for making the most appearances for Chelsea, featuring for the club in 795 games, ahead of Peter Bonetti and John Terry. The latter two are the only other players along with Harris to make over 700 appearances for the club.
Frank Lampard, arguably the greatest Chelsea player ever, is the club's leading goalscorer of all-time, netting the ball into the net 211 times in 648 games. The fact that he was a midfielder makes the feat all the more impressive.
Didier Drogba, John Terry, Eden Hazard, Claude Makelele, Arjen Robben, Petr Cech, Michael Ballack, and David Luiz are some of the most famous players to have represented Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Maurizio Sarri are among the biggest managerial names to have been a part of Chelsea's eminent history.
Chelsea are called The Blues, which is a reference to the colour of their kit since the early 20th century.