Premier League Fixtures 2012-13: 6 Biggest Games for Chelsea

The less said about Chelsea's last league campaign the better, so I will just say that it wasn't one of their best.

They will be hoping for a far better season this time around, and with the Premier League fixtures having now been released, Chelsea can begin planning how they can take back the title.

With Chelsea being involved in four trophies again next season, they are in for an action-packed year and will want to be competing strongly in all competitions.

But what could be Chelsea's most important league games, and what games could be the most pivotal in the Blues' season?

Wigan vs Chelsea: 18th August 2012

On paper, this doesn't look to be a massive fixture for Chelsea, but it is the opening game of the season, which makes getting a win massively important.

A loss on the first day isn't catastrophic, but a win can fill the players and fans with confidence for the rest of the season.

Of course, this isn't always the case, but in the past, big teams have made shaky starts to a season and then struggled to regain their top form.

Also, it will be good for Chelsea to get their first away victory on the board as soon as possible, because as many fans will know, slip-ups away from home can cost a team dearly throughout a season.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: 29th September 2012

Chelsea have a few difficult ties in their first six games, with meetings against Stoke City and Newcastle to look forward to.

But their first big test against one of the "bigger" clubs, is a clash with Arsenal in September.

Whatever form Arsenal are in, they are always a challenge, as Chelsea found out last season with a 5-3 loss at home.

To make matters worse, they will be facing Arsenal at the Emirates stadium, but if they can turn over Arsenal away from home, it will do no harm to their confidence.

Chelsea vs Manchester United: 27th October 2012

By October, the Premier League begins to take shape, and everybody gets an idea of how each team is performing.

And Chelsea's last game in October is a home tie against Manchester United.

Chelsea have a better record against United than most teams, but last season proved fruitless after an away loss and that famous 3-3 draw where the Blues squandered a three goal lead.

Chelsea will want revenge for these results, and assuming they are in the hunt for the title, a win over Manchester United will strengthen their title credentials.

Manchester City vs Chelsea: 23rd February 2013

By the time Chelsea have potentially their hardest game of the season, it will be 2013 and Chelsea will have to travel to the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City will be reigning champions and will undoubtedly have added real quality to their squad in both the summer and January transfer windows.

City have turned the Etihad in to a fortress, but Chelsea will desperately want to take all three points when they pay them a visit.

Assuming Chelsea are still in the title race by this point, Manchester City could be their biggest rivals, so a win at their home ground could be a "six pointer."

Manchester United vs Chelsea: May 4th 2013

As the season draws to an end and enters its final month, Chelsea travel to Old Trafford for what is usually one of the biggest games of the season.

No team is expected to get any joy at United's home ground, but Chelsea, like every other team, won't let the occasion stop them from trying their hardest for a win.

I can't predict what Chelsea's league position will be by this point, but should they be up there scrapping for the title, this could prove an absolutely massive game in both team's season.

If Chelsea come away with a win from Old Trafford, then that's an extra three points that many of the other title challengers may not have.

Chelsea vs Everton: May 19th 2012

If you need any proof as to how important a win on the last day of the season can be, then look no further than last season.

Manchester City snatched the title in the last minute of the Premier League, making it probably the most dramatic last day in the history of the Premier League.

Chelsea's last game is a potential banana skin at home to Everton, who, as many fans will know, are no pushovers.

It is important for any team to concentrate throughout the entire season, and with Chelsea potentially going for the title, or even for entry in to the top four, a win on the last day could be the difference between success and failure.