SI
CHELSEA
For these teams, the task of defending their crown was one challenge too many.
Barnaby Lane|

HEADLINES

A hectic beginning to 2026 awaits Enzo Maresca and Chelsea after their January schedule was fully confirmed.
Matt Debono|
Leading the table at Christmas doesn’t guarantee the title, but it’s usually a strong sign of where things are headed.
Barnaby Lane|
Arsenal were confirmed as Chelsea's Carabao Cup semi-final opponents after victory over Crystal Palace on penalties.
Matt Debono|
Arsenal hold a narrow lead over Manchester City at the heart of the festive period.
Tom Gott|
There are plenty of big names likely who could be on the move over the winter period.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Bradley Barcola, Karim Adeyemi, Raheem Sterling, Joshua Zirkzee, Yan Diomande and more feature in the gossip.
SI FC Staff|

Enzo Maresca believes England manager Thomas Tuchel should consider attending the Chelsea and Aston Villa match on Saturday, which will feature a clash between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
Gerry Crisandy|
Some of the game’s greats have flown under the radar by living in the shadow of others.
Barnaby Lane|
The officials have been confirmed for Chelsea's Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
Matt Debono|
PREMIER LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Schedule

Some players are so gifted that they can do it all in the heart of the park.
Barnaby Lane|
Christmas dinner will be tasting a little sweeter for manager Enzo Maresca.
Toby Cudworth|
Enzo Maresca is expected to make a few minor tweaks in the team for Saturday's Premier League home match against Aston Villa.
Gerry Crisandy|
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Schedule

Chelsea host in-form Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Matt Debono|
Enzo Maresca said the players will only have another day off on Christmas before continuing their preparation for Saturday's Premier League home match against Aston Villa.
Gerry Crisandy|
Chelsea’s search for attacking reinforcements is not thought to have ended.
Grey Whitebloom|
PREMIER LEAGUE STATS

Team Leaders

Enzo Maresca played down Chelsea's reported interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, as he insisted that he is "in love" with his current squad.
Gerry Crisandy|
Enzo Maresca confirmed that Chelsea duo Liam Delap and Estevao Willian are both available for Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Gerry Crisandy|
Antoine Semenyo, Vinicius Junior, Joshua Zirkzee and Dayot Upamecano all feature in the gossip.
SI FC Staff|
Next

PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS

Liverpool are aiming to clinch a fourth straight win across all competitions.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
The Swede’s start to life at Anfield has been troubled.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Manchester United have lost five of their last six meetings with Newcastle.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Manchester United are seeking a late Christmas gift on Boxing Day.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
The eight-time Premier League winners look set to be Arsenal’s biggest title rivals—and that could mean spending.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
The Gunners’ summer work leaves them with little to do this winter.
James Cormack|

LATEST SOCCER NEWS

Barcelona and Real Madrid players headline the star-studded XI.
Amanda Langell|
Barnaby Lane|
Ben Steiner|
Roberto Casillas|
Amanda Langell|