India, July 8 -- A fascinating face-off awaits on the opening matchday of the 2026-27 Premier League, with former Real Madrid managers Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa having shifted their base to England. The Spanish duo, who played together for the national team and at club level, left their homeland this summer with an aim to revive their coaching careers. Alonso, who was sacked by Real Madrid in January after a string of dismal performances, has been appointed as the Chelsea manager, while his successor at Santiago Bernabeu, Arbeloa, has taken up a new challenge at Fulham.

Chelsea and Fulham will open their Premier League campaign with a West London derby on August 25 at Craven Cottage. Arbeloa will have the home advantage and hopes to...