Form
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea have finally regained the consistency they enjoyed under Jose Mourinho, but with a more exciting brand of football. They were absolutely magnificent last season, and worthy winners of the Premier League crown. Some have pointed to their ageing squad as a cause for concern, with key players such as John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba all the wrong side of 30, but Chelsea's performances last term showed no signs of creaking bones. They are expected to mount a strong challenge in the Premier League and the Champions League this season, and the way that they finished last season, only a fool would write them off this term.
Star Players
With one of the most expensively assembled squads in the Premier League, Chelsea are not exactly short on star quality. However, if there is one player that sums up the irresistible nature of Ancelotti's Chelsea, it is their powerhouse forward Didier Drogba, whose mix of power, pace, and skill have made him one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
In defence, former England captain John Terry still lends authority and presence to the back four, but his increasingly frequent injuries could see him having a smaller part to play this time round. Terry's England team mate Frank Lampard is still capable of match-winning performances in a blue shirt, and last season was one of his best for years. His midfield partner Michael Essien, who missed out on most of last term with injuries, is widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the world, and if he can stay injury free this season, he could be a very influential player. Last season's club player of the year, Florent Malouda, has matured into a very effective wide man, providing plenty of assists and a good few goals last term.
The Gaffer
In Carlo Ancelotti, Roman Abramovich may finally have found the man who can effectively combine successful football with entertainment at the Bridge. Having won the double in his first season, Ancelotti's stock is high in the Chelsea camp, but he will have to win the Champions League if he is to satisfy his demanding chairman. An early exit from Europe, coupled with a few stumbles in the league, could see his job start to look a lot less secure.
The Outlook
Chelsea certainly have the skill and the experience to challenge strongly on all fronts this season. However, it is only a matter of time before age and injuries begin to catch up with some of their key players, and it remains to be seen whether their youthful replacements will be able to fill their shoes. And with teams like Manchester City and Tottenham making major improvements over the summer, Chelsea may find it harder this time round.
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 14 2010
Chelsea - West Bromwich Albion (17.30)
Saturday, August 21 2010
Wigan Athletic - Chelsea (17.15)
Saturday, August 28 2010
Chelsea - Stoke City (15.00)
Saturday, September 11 2010
West Ham United - Chelsea (15.00)
Sunday, September 19 2010
Chelsea - Blackpool (16.00)
Saturday, September 25 2010
Manchester City - Chelsea (12.45)
Sunday, October 3 2010
Chelsea - Arsenal (16.00)
Saturday, October 16 2010
Aston Villa - Chelsea (17.30)
Saturday, October 23 2010
Chelsea - Wolverhampton Wanderers (15.00)
Saturday, October 30 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Chelsea (15.00)
Sunday, November 7 2010
Liverpool - Chelsea (16.00)
Wednesday, November 10 2010
Chelsea - Fulham (19.45)
Sunday, November 14 2010
Chelsea - Sunderland (16.10)
Saturday, November 20 2010
Birmingham City - Chelsea (15.00)
Sunday, November 28 2010
Newcastle United - Chelsea (13.30)
Saturday, December 4 2010
Chelsea - Everton (15.00)
Saturday, December 11 2010
Tottenham Hotspur - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, December 18 2010
Chelsea - Manchester United (15.00)
Sunday, December 26 2010
Arsenal - Chelsea (13.00)
Tuesday, December 28 2010
Chelsea - Bolton Wanderers (15.00)
Saturday, January 1 2011
Chelsea - Aston Villa (15.00)
Tuesday, January 4 2011
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Chelsea (19.45)
Saturday, January 15 2011
Chelsea - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, January 22 2011
Bolton Wanderers - Chelsea (15.00)
Tuesday, February 1 2011
Sunderland - Chelsea (19.45)
Saturday, February 5 2011
Chelsea - Liverpool (15.00)
Saturday, February 12 2011
Fulham - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, February 26 2011
Chelsea - Birmingham City (15.00)
Saturday, March 5 2011
Blackpool - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, March 19 2011
Chelsea - Manchester City (15.00)
Saturday, April 2 2011
Stoke City - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, April 9 2011
Chelsea - Wigan Athletic (15.00)
Saturday, April 16 2011
West Bromwich Albion - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, April 23 2011
Chelsea - West Ham United (15.00)
Saturday, April 30 2011
Chelsea - Tottenham Hotspur (15.00)
Saturday, May 7 2011
Manchester United - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, May 14 2011
Chelsea - Newcastle United (15.00)
Sunday, May 22 2011
Everton - Chelsea (15.00)