When the fixtures for the 2017/18 Premier League season come out at 9am BST Wednesday 14 June, the numbers suggest that Chelsea will be the opponents the clubs will wish to avoid on the opening weekend.
This is not only because they are the defending Premier League champions but also because Chelsea have an unmatchable record in season-opening fixtures.
Since the Premier League's inaugural 1992/93 campaign, Chelsea have won 16, drawn six and lost only three of their Matchweek 1 outings.
Their points-per-match tally of 2.16 is the best of the 2017/18 clubs. Manchester United are the only other team to boast an average above two points per match.
Swansea City are another strong starter, boasting the fifth-best Matchweek 1 record. The Welsh side have taken 10 points from their six opening fixtures since their debut Premier League season in 2011/12.
While Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town will be contesting their first matches in the Premier League, their fellow promoted club, Newcastle United, will be buoyed by their past Matchweek 1 performances.
The Magpies' 1.27 points per match average is only marginally behind that of Tottenham Hotspur, and beats other 2017/18 rivals such as Everton, Leicester City and Southampton.
Meanwhile, two clubs will be seeking their first opening-weekend points: AFC Bournemouth and Burnley.
