Evaluating the Premier League title contenders: Chelsea

Chelsea 

Can the second coming of the "Happy One" bring the title back to Stamford Bridge? 

Out of all the fans I interviewed, the Chelsea fan sounded the most positive about the season ahead. I don't blame him, because there's little to be negative about at Stamford Bridge at the moment. Chelsea already had a title winning squad (In my opinion, they could have won it if they hadn't sacked Di Matteo), they've now strengthened it well and have rehired the worshiped and highly successful manager, Jose Mourinho. The media expect the transition at Stamford Bridge to be the smoothest out of last year's top 3, and for Mourinho to restore Chelsea's former magic. Hence the Blues have been made heavy favourites to win the title, can Mourinho pull it off for a 3rd time in 4 seasons?

The summer so far

Other than the obvious managerial change, Chelsea have made a few alterations to their squad. Andre Schurrle will provide not only quality in attack but also versatility to play down either flank or through the centre, Marco Van Ginkel is seen as a long term replacement for Frank Lampard, and Mark Schwarzer is a reliable, trusted backup. Just as important for Chelsea however are the returning loanees. Romelu Lukaku looks set to be given the opportunity to prove himself at Stamford Bridge after netting 17 goals at West Bromwich Albion, which was more than Torres and Ba could manage combined at Stamford Bridge. Kevin De Bruyne has impressed and will be another option down the flanks. Although maybe not a first team player, Nathaniel Chalobah was tremendous at Watford (Pleasure watching him at the Vic) and could be used as a squad rotation player if he isn't loaned out again. These loans returning are like signings in themselves. Chelsea's next target is the angered and confused Wayne Rooney, who would more than fill the striker void left by Didier Drogba. Last season's top scorer with 15 goals was Frank Lampard and he will likely to be a rotation option this season,therefore a new forward is vital to not only replace his goals but to exceed them. 

Chelsea haven't got a lot of squad depth compared to the two Manchester clubs, however Mourinho still has plenty of quality already in the books. Ashley Cole is still one of the leading left backs in the world despite his age, César "Dave" Azpilicueta managed to establish himself as a first team right back and Juan Mata could be argued to be the best attacking midfield players in the league. One thing Chelsea have to improve on from last season is their ability to soundly defeat bottom half teams away from home. Points were dropped at West ham, Southampton, Reading and Newcastle. If they had won these winnable games, they would have been only 4 points off Manchester United, and who knows what would have happened if United had a rival breathing down their necks for the last 2 months of the season? Chelsea were absolutely clinical away against these types of teams from 2004 to 2006, and Jose Mourinho will want to break back that ruthlessness into the current Chelsea team. 

The run of form that killed Chelsea's title challenge. Mourinho won't want a repeat of this. 

Possible lineup

Verdict: 

With the Special/Happy one back in town, Chelsea will undoubtedly do much better this season. With Manchester City and Manchester United is a heavy transition, now could be the time for Chelsea to pounce. The title race will be unbelievably close, and I wouldn't be surprised if it went down to the final day with all 3 teams still in it. Whilst the arrival of Wayne Rooney would be a huge plus, he isn't an absolute necessity. I believe Chelsea will just about scrape it through in the end, but boy will it be close. 1st

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Fan's view

Ben Joyce (@UnhappySchurrle)

1) What is the general feeling amongst the fans?

Happiness. Replacing Benitez with Mourinho will change the atmosphere at the Bridge from one which was poisonous at times last year, to one where you really think that we could dominate.

2) Which player will be the one to watch?

There are so many. I'm a massive fan of Mata, who will no doubt be a main player this year. The players back from loans, like Lukaku and De Bruyne who both look very good. Of the new signings, Van Ginkel is the one who has really impressed me in pre-season, and I'm expecting big things from him this season.

3) What are Chelsea's strengths?

Strength in depth in Midfield. There are about 5 players who can play in that double-pivot, and 6 who can play in that attacking trio, meaning that an assault on all trophies is possible, as a more successful rotation policy is possible.

4) What are Chelsea's weaknesses?

I can't see too many. I think maybe defence, as if we pick up one or two injuries to players such as Ivanovic, Luiz and Azpilicueta, we could really struggle. However, I believe youngsters like Kalas and Ake could step up in that situation.

5) What will happen in the ideal world?

The Quintuple! Jose would love to get one-up on Pep in the Super Cup, plus he really values the League Cup and FA Cup, and will go all out to win those. Then there's the Champions League, where there aren't too many teams better than us in that. Plus we look like the best team in the league.

6) What will happen in reality? (include predicted finish)

Doing respectably in all competitions. With United and Arsenal not strengthening, and Tottenham looking like they'll lose their best player, I can't see past us in the league, maybe City are the strongest competition. Then Semis in the CL, COCup and FA Cup, and a decent performance in the Super Cup, I think that our fans will be content with what is a relatively young squad.