The talk of the town at this time of the season, are most certainly Chelsea Football Club. The team led by Frank Lampard have been making serious moves in the transfer market and having gotten the players they wanted, they now look like a formidable side ahead of the upcoming season.
Chelsea showed glimpses of what they were capable of doing to some teams coached by managers of serious degree. With the future looking bright and the urge and desire to touch new heights, could this be a season worth remembering for the Stamford Bridge outfit?
Transfer activity
The Blues have so far signed a total of SIX players for a combined amount in excess of 200 million pounds. It includes defenders Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva along with an attacking trio of Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner. But if latest news reports are to be believed, then they are also close to signing Edouard Mendy from Rennes and are going to target Declan Rice of West Ham. It is safe to say that regardless of what happens on the pitch, it is definitely an exciting time to be a Chelsea fan.
Strength
Undoubtedly, the biggest potency lies in the team’s attack to fashion a load of chances and score goals. Lampard’s men scored a total of 69 goals in 38 games last season, and that only seeks to be boosted further this time around. Another strength is that of the spirit instilled by Lampard in bringing up youth players and honing their ability with the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori all making fairly regular appearances.
Weakness
The issue lies in the defence leaking goals at regular intervals, with Chelsea having just 9 clean sheets – the 12th best team in the league in that regard. Much criticism has been laid on goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who has been termed ‘simply not good enough’ by many supporters. A slight worry would also come in the form of these new signings fitting together and playing as a functional unit without paying too much heed to the price tag they came along with, particularly Kai Havertz.
Key players
New signing Timo Werner will certainly be key to Chelsea’s chances of competing for the title. The German had a stellar season for Leipzig in the Bundesliga notching 28 goals in 34 appearances. Another important player would be Christian Pulisic who did a fine job last season with 9 goals and 4 assists in 25 matches, despite missing out on numerous games with injuries. The sheer burst of pace and wily trickery makes the American a potential threat.
Predicted table finish
3rd Place: The Blues will want to build upon last season and challenge for domestic cup competitions but at the same time, remain a serious contender for the league title. However, the chemistry under Lampard would need to come good and quick if they are to win games consistently.
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