6 Games Chelsea Must Win in the Premier League Next Season to Take the Title

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Fresh off of a UEFA Champions League title, Chelsea will look to improve on an English Premier League season in which they finished in sixth place.

Additions like midfielder Eden Hazard will help bolster the Blues' offense, and while there are still plenty of moves to be made during the summer transfer window, Chelsea appear to be headed in a positive direction.

Almost certain to be contenders in the EPL, here are six crucial games that Chelsea will need to win to ensure they capture a league title.

Newcastle United (August 25)

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After finishing one point behind Newcastle United for fifth place in the English Premier League last season, Chelsea will use the second game of the regular season as a litmus test of sorts.

While Newcastle may not be replete with stars, their emergence could be a hindrance to a budding Chelsea squad.

Newcastle and Chelsea split their two EPL bouts last season, each side winning handily on the other's home turf.

Arsenal (September 29)

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Other than facing Newcastle on August 25th, Chelsea face fairly weak competition throughout the first month of the season.

Duels against Wigan, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Reading comprise the rest of the first month of action, but come September 29th, things will ramp up for the Blues.

Chelsea will face off against the Gunners at The Emirates in their first matchup against a squad that finished in the top three last season.

Chelsea failed to defeat Arsenal in EPL play a year ago, so expect them to be playing with some renewed vigor as this storied rivalry continues.

Manchester City (November 25)

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To be the best, you must beat the best.

On November 25th, Manchester City will trek to Stamford Bridge for their first appearance against the Chelsea as English Premier League champions.

After emerging as champions last season, City will have an even larger target on their backs heading into the 2012-2013 campaign.

The two sides split a pair of 2-1 decisions last season, each side winning in front of their home crowd.

In a game that could shape up to be an offensive exhibition, the Blues will need to be at their very best.

Expect some fireworks in this one.

Tottenham (April 13)

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Although Tottenham faltered at times last season, they're a worthy opponent that Chelsea will need to slip past down the homestretch of the EPL season.

Chelsea and Spurs played to a draw in both meetings last season, a campaign in which Tottenham finished five points clear of the Blues in the standings.

In order to emerge as the league's elite, Chelsea will have to muster up wins, not draws, against sides like Tottenham.

In addition, there will be some added intrigue when Chelsea and Spurs face off next season, as former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has taken over the reins at White Hart Lane.

Manchester United (May 4)

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Although they will go head-to-head in October, May's meeting between Chelsea and Manchester United could have serious championship implications.

Both established contenders figure to be in the running for a league title as the season winds down, and this clash of football titans could provide some clarity.

Chelsea failed to beat United outright in EPL play last season, however they did play to a tough 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Seconds away from capturing the EPL title this past season, the Red Devils will be eager to prove they are capable of producing championship level football yet again.

A roadblock to the title returning to Stamford Bridge, United should be a formidable foe this season.

Everton (May 19)

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As the final week of last season's English Premier League season indicated, championships can be won and lost in a matter of moments.

Should Chelsea enter their May 19th matchup against Everton deadlocked for first place, or perhaps a point or two back of the coveted spot, this game will become significantly more intriguing.

The good news for Chelsea is that although they split their two meetings with the Toffees last season, their one victory game at home, where this potentially crucial matchup will take place.