Premier League Announce Four Chelsea Fixture Changes As Xabi Alonso Thrown Curveball

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will face a demanding festive schedule after the Premier League confirmed changes to four of the club’s fixtures in December.

According to a report by Football London on Monday, 19 October 2026, the Blues will have several matches moved for live television coverage in the United Kingdom, adding to an already congested calendar influenced by European competitions.

Chelsea will host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, 2 December, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The Blues will then welcome Liverpool on Saturday, 5 December, at 12:30pm, with TNT Sports showing the encounter.

Their next major test will come against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 12 December. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The fixture will reunite Chelsea with former manager Enzo Maresca and midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to the report.

Chelsea’s December schedule will also include a home meeting with Aston Villa on Monday, 21 December, at 8pm.

However, the match could move to Saturday, 19 December, with an 8pm kick-off, depending on whether either club reaches the latter stages of the Carabao Cup.

The changes present another scheduling challenge for Alonso as he prepares his squad for a crucial period of the campaign.

With domestic and European commitments placing demands on players, managing fitness and maintaining consistency will be important for Chelsea.

The Spanish coach has already acknowledged the intensity of the English football calendar, particularly during the Christmas period.

Speaking about the club’s preparations last month, Alonso said: “There is no Christmas break here, so we will be together during Christmas as well. There will be plenty of games, so we have taken some steps forward and many more to take forward.”

Alonso previously discussed the demands of the Premier League while playing for Bayern Munich in October 2015.

He highlighted the difference between the English top flight and other European leagues, particularly regarding the number of matches and their intensity.

He said: “But it is a fact that the Premier League is very demanding compared to other leagues.”

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