What can we expect from Chelsea this year?
Chelsea come into the new season as something of an unknown quantity once more, just as they were following the arrival of Maurizio Sarri 12 months ago.
However, optimism is high at Stamford Bridge, with Frank Lampard having replaced the Italian in the hot seat. The reigning Europa League winners finished fourth in the Premier League last season, with fans in West London undoubtedly hoping that the Blues can push the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool closer this time around.
Chelsea secured their first win for Lampard in a friendly encounter against Irish side St. Patricks Athletic, however bigger tests are just around the corner, with the Blues kick-starting their domestic campaign at Old Trafford against Manchester United, before taking on Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul just three days later. As a result, Lampard will be looking to quickly stamp his authority, with the former midfielder having already made it clear that he will give youth a chance over the coming months.
The likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham will be hoping to earn top-flight minutes, whilst Lampard looks to have convinced England international Callum Hudson-Odoi to stay at the club, despite continued interest from Bayern Munich. The 18-year-old is set to sign a long-term deal at the Bridge in the coming weeks, which will see him significantly increase his weekly wage. For those backing the young English trio to help Chelsea challenge for the title this season, be sure to check out this football betting site for reviews and scores before wagering.
Meanwhile, despite the Blues still operating under a transfer ban, there are likely to be a number of players on the way out on loan, including Lewis Baker and Izzy Brown. With Chelsea having lost star man Eden Hazard, as the club granted the Belgian internationals wish to move to Real Madrid, the emphasis is likely to be on Hudson-Odoi and new arrival Christian Pulisic, with the latter having arrived in London from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea are currently offered odds of 5/4 with a number of bookmakers to finish inside the Premier League’s top four, whilst you would not back against the Blues making an impact in the Champions League either. However, much is likely to depend on how quickly and effectively Lampard et al are able to get their points across, with Chelsea facing a less than ideal start to the new season.
Elsewhere, having played under his former teammate at Derby County last season, the recently retired Ashley Cole is believed to be on the brink of joining Lampard’s coaching team this summer, having travelled to Japan to meet up with the team. Cole would join a host of former Blues players in the current backroom make-up, including Eddie Newton, Jody Morris and Hilario.
