After getting their hands on the Champions League trophy last season, Chelsea will be hoping to compete for the Premier League crown under boss Thomas Tuchel (Chelsea – 5/1 to win the title outright).
The Blues started last season with renewed optimism with Frank Lampard in the dugout, but the former midfielder was shown the door after a poor run of fixtures.
Chelsea fans were probably expecting a transition period under Tuchel, but the German took the team all the way in Europe, but they still have plenty of work to do this season.
Hopes for new season
Chelsea have not won the Premier League title since 2017 and they have struggled to challenge for it at all in recent years.
In the last two seasons, the Blues failed to finish in the top three, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City competing for England’s top prize.
However, after his impressive impact last season, it would come as no surprise to see Tuchel push his team into title contenders this time around.
Chelsea will need to compete on a number of fronts throughout the year, but a title charge could well be their number one priority.
Arrivals and Departures
In: N/A
Out:
Fikayo Tomori £26.28m to AC Milan
Victor Moses £4.5m to Spartak Moscow
Olivier Giroud £900K to AC Milan
Marco van Ginkel – free transfer
Danilo Pantic – free transfer
Izzy Brown – free transfer
Billy Gilmour – Loan to Norwich City
Star man
To win the Champions League, clubs need a wealth of talent throughout their squad, and Chelsea are no different.
Tuchel has several world-class players at his disposal, but N’Golo Kante’s influence on the team is perhaps the strongest.
Since he arrived in England, the Frenchman has been a revelation, first winning the title with Leicester City before becoming a mainstay in the Chelsea midfield.
Kante’s performance in midfield is always crucial to their chances of success, and at 30, he still has plenty left in the locker.
Manager/Tactics
Tuchel overhauled the team when he arrived last season, taking the Blues on a 14-match unbeaten run before they lost to West Brom in April.
Since he arrived in London, Tuchel has only lost five games since January, and his tactics have worked a treat.
His 3-4-2-1 formation helped Chelsea plug some holes in midfield, while Reece James and Ben Chilwell thrived as full-backs.
Timo Werner has yet to show his true colours as the club’s main striker, but Tuchel’s meticulous plans have done the job so far.
Last season – 4th
Premier League focus – Arsenal
Premier League focus – Aston Villa
Premier League focus – Brentford
Premier League focus – Brighton
Premier League focus – Burnley
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