Football.co.uk completes its club-by-club countdown to the start of the of the new Premier League season with a look at current champions Chelsea.
- Premier League opening weekend previews / Transfer Centre / Premier League News
Last season - 1st
In his first season as Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti endeared himself to the Blues faithful by leading his side to their first Premier League title in four years.
The Stamford Bridge club didn't have it all their own way, with Arsenal pushing them hard for much of the season and Manchester United taking the title race down to the last day.
Ultimately John Terry and co were too strong, crushing Wigan 8-0 at home on the final day to finish a point ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
They also added the FA Cup with a hard-fought win over Portsmouth at Wembley, as Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba shined throughout an excellent season.
In Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool, £6m), Matej Delac (Inter Zapresic, £2.7m), Tomas Kalas (Sigma Olomouc, £5.2m), Ramires (Benfica, £18m)
Out Joe Cole (Liverpool, free), Michael Ballack (Bayer Leverkusen, free), Juliano Belletti (Fluminese, free), Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahce, £2.5m), Tomas Kalas (Sigma Olomouc, loan), Ryan Bertrand (Nottingham Forest, loan), Scott Sinclair (Swansea, loan), Jack Cork (Burnley, loan)
Player to watch Gael Kakuta
- 20 Premier League players to watch - No 2 Gael Kakuta
Football.co.uk verdict
Critics of Chelsea claim their squad is getting too old to challenge for the title. It's true that key players such as Lampard and Drogba are now in their early thirties but they are still top players with at least another great season left in them.
The sale of Ricardo Carvalho leaves the centre of defense looking weak, especially with John Terry's erratic form. Ancelotti must strengthen in this position, while another top class striker would be welcome.
Ramires could be an excellent signing while Yossi Benayoun's experience help make up for the loss of Joe Cole.
Prediction - 2nd
Source: DSG
