Five games for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea, who will be keen to get some points on the board after a winless September in the Premier League.
A challenging October awaits Xabi Alonso and Chelsea, who returned from the extended international break with a five-game schedule.
The opening weeks of the Alonso era have passed, but not with flying colours. The Blues have had a mixed start, winning just two of their first five Premier League games.
Victories against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion at the start of the season could not be built on, leaving Chelsea on a three-game winless run in the league.
Chelsea suffered defeat to Arsenal to begin September, then were held to a 2-2 draw against Hull City at Stamford Bridge. Alonso's side headed into the international break with the worst possible result - a 3-0 loss to Brentford.
Fortunately, they have begun their Carabao Cup campaign with flying colours, beating Luton Town and Leeds United to progress into the fourth round.
With August and September completed, Chelsea now have five games to play in October, both in the league and Carabao Cup.
Their first game back from the international break comes at Stamford Bridge on October 10 against AFC Bournemouth, who are one of three sides (Fulham and Tottenham) yet to win in the league this season.
Alonso will take his side to Merseyside a week later to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 17 for the early kick-off. Chelsea will be hoping to avoid another defeat after their dismal 3-0 loss back in March.
Tottenham are Chelsea's third league opponent in October. A London derby awaits at Stamford Bridge on October 24 for the Saturday evening kick-off. The Blues will hope to continue their strong home record against Spurs and inflict another defeat on Roberto De Zerbi's side.
Chelsea won't have a midweek fixture until the end of the month. Their Carabao Cup progress has earned them a tie against Liverpool, which will see Alonso return to Anfield on October 28. A chance for the Spaniard to get one game closer to Wembley as he eyes his first piece of domestic silverware in charge.
To conclude the month, Chelsea are back in west London. Michael Carrick and Manchester United head to Stamford Bridge on Halloween, October 31, for the early kick-off.
It's far from a straightforward month for Chelsea, who will see success as coming out of October unscathed and unbeaten. But they must address their defensive problems; otherwise, it could prove to be a month to forget.
Chelsea's October fixture schedule in full
10/10/2026 - AFC Bournemouth (h) - 15:00 / Premier League
17/10/2026 - Everton (a) - 12:30 - (live on TNT Sports) / Premier League
24/10/2026 - Tottenham (h) - 17:30 - (live on Sky Sports) / Premier League
28/10/2026 - Liverpool (a) - 20:00 - (live on Sky Sports & ITV) / Carabao Cup Round 4
31/10/2026 - Man United (h) - 12:30 - (live on TNT Sports) / Premier League
