Chelsea's first three fixtures for the resumption of the 2019-20 Premier League season have been confirmed.
The Blues - who are closing in on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner - have not played since a 4-0 thrashing of Everton in March and currently occupy fourth spot in the table after 29 matches, three points ahead of Manchester United.
With United provisionally set to resume against Tottenham on June 19, Frank Lampard's side may face an instant battle to regain that place when they begin away to Aston Villa at 4:15pm BST on Sunday, June 21 in a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Villa are mired deep in a relegation fight having won only seven games all season, with Dean Smith's men lying 19th and two points adrift of safety ahead of the top-flight restart.
Chelsea then welcome Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to Stamford Bridge in a high-profile battle at 8:15pm on Thursday, June 25, live on BT Sport.
Lampard and co are then scheduled to play London rivals West Ham at the same time on Wednesday, July 1. That latter fixture is on Sky Sports.
The remaining Premier League fixtures will be confirmed in due course.
