Premier League Preview - Chelsea

Chelsea

Reigning Premier League champions had a near perfect season, fending off challengers Man United and Arsenal, ending Sir Alex Ferguson’s pursuit for a fourth Premier League title. Carlo Ancelotti replaced the outgoing Guus Hiddink, collected the Community Shield, FA Cup and Premiership in his first season in the Premier League, banishing memories of “The Special One”.

This season has seen numerous changes at the club, with midfielders Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti being released, while Deco was sold to Fluminense, amongst a few others leaving the club. So far, replacements include Yossi Benayoun, who joined from Liverpool, and Brazilian midfielder Ramires, who is expected to sign from Benfica in the upcoming week. These players should be able to slot into the existing system quite easily, mainly thanks to the amount of World Class players available.



Key Player: Michael Essien

The Ghanaian international missed the World Cup in South Africa, after missing 6 months of the year and half the Premiership season due to picking up an injury on African Cup of Nations duty. He truly is a world class centre midfielder and is an excellent asset to have at any club, with his return making Chelsea even stronger this time around.



Manager: Carlo Ancelotti

Key Signing: Yossi Benayoun

With Joe Cole being seen as a big loss to the side, Ancelotti is somewhat justified in releasing him on a free transfer as he has every right to subsequently be unhappy with the players excessive wage demands, and the fact he only played 39 games for the club in the last two years. Hence the signing of Benayoun from Liverpool, who a similar type of player to Cole, and has a new refreshed attitude towards football after becoming disgruntled under former boss Rafa Benitez.

Aims: Retain Premier League title, FA Cup and challenge for the Champions League

Prediction: Winners

I make them the favourites, simple because they have arguably the strongest squad in the Premiership. The likes of Ashley Cole, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda and Petr Cech are still World Class players and capable of winning matches single handily.

Despite experienced players leaving the squad, the quality signings made should more than makes up for the losses. Ramires has a very high work rate, as well as excellent tackling and passing ability, while Yossi Benayoun’s attributes are well documented.

Ancelotti will continue Chelsea’s challenge, and it will take a lot of hard work from the other teams around them in order to prise the title away from the West London club.



First Five Fixtures: West Brom (H), Wigan (A), Tottenham (A), West Ham (A), Blackpool (H)

Best 11

Chelsea: Still in the Title Race

With only from 14 points from the last 8 games, where 24 points were on offer, Chelsea lost the top spot from Manchester United and last weekend dropped out of the top 2 for the first time all season, but with Chelsea's 5-0 drubbing of Portsmouth last night, it seems Carlo Ancelotti's side have regained some kind of form in the run in for the title.

Here's the factors for why people believe Chelsea could pip Man Utd and Arsenal to the title.



Mental Strength

Chelsea have had all sorts of issues this season; On the field the likes of Jose Bosingwa, Branislav Ivanovic, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole all picked up medium to long term injuries, along with Cravalho and Joe Cole, who have recently recovered to add to the 1st team options. While off the field the scandal of John Terry saw him lose the England captaincy, while left back Ashley Cole's marriage fell apart in the public spotlight. However one thing we have learned about the West London side is that they extraordinary mental strength whereby they have the ability to churn out results time and time again, like a machine if you will, they may not be attractive, but its effective.

The Drogba Factor

Just like Rooney for Manchester United, Fabregas for Arsenal, Didier Drogba is a man who can change games. 24 goal in 26 games, with 7 assist, speaks for itself. Read more here.


Match Winners

Throughout the Chelsea team, there are indeed key players and match winners throughout. The likes of John Terry is a vital cog in the side, leading and organizing the team. Didier Drogba, as mentioned above, and Frank Lampard who has been a lot more solid in central midfield, although not as attacking as previous seasons, allowing the attacking mantel has been taken up by one of the star performers this season; Florent Malouda. The Frenchman has 11 goals, with 6 assist so far this season. With the loss of Essien, John Obi Mikel has done a good job considering the shoes he's had to fill, along with German Michael Ballack.


Desire and Hunger

With Chelsea seemingly having the "tougher" run in towards the end of the season, it seems that with it still in their own hands, playing the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham, it remains a seriously possibility Chelsea can win their 3rd Premier League Title. Should the Blues fail to achieve that aim, then they still have the prospect of a 6th FA Cup. However the growing pressure on Anclotti, from boss Roman Abramovich is undoubtedly going to be the underlying factor in the teams success this season, even begging the question will the Italian be in charge at the start of next season?

Do you think Chelsea can win the Premiership? Do you think Carlo Ancelotti will be at the club next season? Click Follow on the right hand side, sign up and leave a comment