Our series of Premier League team previews concludes with an examination of the newly defending champions Chelsea FC.
Transfers
The Blues may not have made the huge leaps in this transfer window that lead to their triumph in the previous season, but this just shows the faith the manager has in his squad’s ability to go back-to-back. As far as major arrivals go, there is only one name on the list – Radamel Falcao. Having been a target of the Blues for multiple years, the Colombian will seek redemption in front of English audiences after a torrid 2014-15 at Manchester United, although one would think his game time will depend on the fitness of Diego Costa and Loic Remy. Also arriving at Stamford Bridge this season is 18-year-old Danilo Pantic, returning from loan at Dutch side Vitesse, and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic who is expected to provide some much-needed competition for Thibaut Courtois.
The major departure from the new champions undoubtedly comes in the form of their iconic goalkeeper Petr Cech, who has joined London rivals Arsenal on a deal worth £10 million. Felipe Luis made a return to Alteico, while Didier Drogba will look to make use of the last years of his career in Canada.
Manager
The ‘Special One’ was vindicated last season, inheriting a line-up that was full of talent, but lacked purpose upon his return to West London. Mourinho’s now-memorable statement of “we are a small horse, but next season…” rang true to the highest degree, as his off-season signings such as Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas became two of the most important players in the division.It is unlikely that the Portugese manager will divert from the 4-2-3-1 formation, yet the personnel that fill these roles will change each week, players such as Kurt Zouma and Fabregas demonstrating their expertise over two-or-three positions.
Strengths
Chelsea’s success last season comes down to the team’s dedication to the game plan, willing to do whatever it takes to gain valuable points rather than trying to play the most attractive football. Under names such as Ivanovic and Matic – for Mourinho to replicate this success, the gaps in the defence must be razor-thin.
Weaknesses
If there was to be one complaint made by Chelsea fans after what was a monumentally successful season it would be the actions in the transfer market ahead of their title defense. Still one of the best in the world, Cech made the short journey to the Emirates and has already been a part of the first Arsenal victory against a Mourinho-managed side. Nervousness will surround the status of Costa’s hamstring, as both back-up strikers have failed to make a meaningful impression in the pre-season.
Best XI
Courtois (GK); Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
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Prediction
Anything less than a successful defence of a top-four spot will be considered a failure for the Blues, also having to deal with the added might of national pressure and a resurgent Manchester United. It is going to take all of the quality that has been amassed during the time in the league, however, one would feel that Chelsea’s most valuable superstars are about to lose value.
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