With the season – as all Football fans will know – only a couple of weeks away from its beginning, it’s time to analyse what we can expect of Mourinho’s men this time around.
Many bookmakers have Chelsea as favourites for the title this year, but why? Jose has spent the summer adding to a squad that fell short of the trophy last year, in what was repeatedly referred to as ‘a transition season’. But this year there is no hiding; Mourinho has had his time to make the changes and fill in the gaps that proved so crucial last term.
For those who have watched pre-season, it’s evident that the new signings have fit in well. Kurt Zouma was the first to impress Chelsea fans, with a solid display against lower-league opposition in Wycombe. Later on, Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis and Brazilian-turned-Spanish forward Diego Costa were to join up with the squad as the tour of Austria began.
The three latter arrivals have slotted in to the team perfectly; Fabregas with a goal and an assist. Costa with a goal and two assists; the striker looks hungry to win, ending doubt over his current state after a disappointing World Cup performance.
But how does all this shape up the team? Luis’ arrival means potential changes at the back. Kalas’ departure on loan leaves Zouma – and possibly Ivanovic – as a strong back up pairing for Chelsea’s English contingent. Azpilicueta’s position on the opening day of the season remains highly anticipated; the Spaniard – who earned Players’ Player of the Year last season – is tipped to replace Ivanovic at right-back, while Luis occupies the left back slot. Whatever happens, Chelsea fans should feel confident that the depth at the back is strong enough to see us through the season.
The Blues’ defence was perhaps not the area in need of improvement, though. At times last year the back four were unbreakable, leading to a great run of clean sheets in the closing stages of the season.
Chelsea faltered last season in their aggressiveness in front of goal. The doubt that arose from the finishing – or lack of – was enough to give value to the club falling short of any silverware. In Diego Costa, Jose may have found his striker. The forward works so hard to create things for the team, and if he carries his pre-season form through to the Premier League, he could perhaps break the curse of the Chelsea forwards, whilst also justifying the sale of misfit Romelu Lukaku.
The depth of Jose’s midfield means that positions will be highly contested for. Pre-season has often seen Matic alongside either Fabregas or Van Ginkel, with the latter two also able to push forward into what Jose describes as ‘the number 8 role’. Of course there are others that can also fill in the Central Midfield role; Ramires and Mikel, who have both recently joined up with the team, are also more than able to feature.
Ahead of the deeper lying midfielders arises the dilemma of the attackers. Our World Cup winner Andre Schurrle a contender to feature heavily this season after an impressive summer. Alongside the German are last season’s regulars – Oscar, Willian and Hazard are all more than capable of setting a game alight. An added bonus is Mo Salah; the Egyptian has seen lots of game time in pre-season, with the rest only recently joining the squad.
The strength in all areas of the midfield provides the Blues with a much more capable team; last season it was Manchester City who seemed to be able to bring on anybody in the midfield and change the game.
On the topic of strength in numbers, Mourinho seems keen to give the youth a chance this season. Solanke, Brown, Boga and Ake to name just a few, more than claiming a place in the squad for the coming season.
So where does this leave us with our quest for silverware? The Blues are a strong outfit to go far in all competitions this season, and Jose has certainly spent the summer trying to build on a poor conclusion to last season. I believe the squad is a much more promising one that last season, and in terms of transfers the Blues have definitely secured some of the best business among the other title contenders.
My real worry, much like last year, is a lack of ideas when we need them the most. At times last season we became too predictable, and in the end powerless. My concern is, what happens if Costa isn’t fit? We’re almost left in the same scenario as last year – an under-performing striker and one at the end of his career.
Despite the doubt, I think the bookmakers are right to make us favourites. The Blues have the edge, and as the anticipation builds, I can only speculate on what will happen.
My predictions for this year’s table are the following… (leave your thoughts on the top four- or even the whole table – below):
1) Chelsea
2) Man City
3) Man United
4) Arsenal
5) Liverpool
6) Everton
7) Spurs
8) Stoke
9) Palace
10) Swansea
11) Hull
12) Southampton
13) Newcastle
14) West Ham
15) Sunderland
16) Burnley
17) Aston Villa
18) QPR
19) West Brom
20) Leicester
