Premier League Preview: Chelsea

Sacking Fetish?

Chosen One?

The men in blue, start a season as second favorites after over 4 years. They were favorites to win the league in the last few seasons. With manager Andre Villas-Boas to take charge of the team in the 2011-12 season, the future looks bright for the team from West London. Last time an Italian left and a Portuguese took over, Chelsea had the Mourinho era. But the question still remains as to why Chelsea did not spend heavily in the market after being linked to various players from all over Europe and South America. It maybe due to the January signings, Fernando Torres and David Luiz, on whom over 70 Million Pounds was spent. With Frank Lampard in full fitness and Fernando Torres showing his earlier form in the friendlies, along with Didier Drogba in the attacking front will be a major boost to the former League Champions. Defence seems solid with Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz in good form during the second part of last season. Midfield is solid as always with the likes of Michael Essien, Florent Malouda and the above mentioned Frank "Franky" Lampard. Wishing them luck for the coming season. The actual problem the team faces is that not one manager sticks for a long time and if a manager doesn't bring trophies, he is ultimately fired.

Season 2010-11: A great start to a disappointing season. Chelsea started with 5 straight wins and maintained a lead till Assistant Manager Ray Wilkins left the team after contract issues. A slump during that time ended their hope of retaining the Premier League title. But it all seemed to coming to an end with the double signing of Fernando Torres and David Luiz in the January Transfer Window. But a few dropped points and inconsistency during the latter part of the season meant that the team had to settle for 2nd position. What was unlikely was that Chelsea lost at home after 3 seasons to Sunderland. 7 away deafeats and 2 defeats at home was a matter of concern for the team.

Verdict: The team look strong after the winning the Barclays Asia Trophy and most of its friendlies. The power lies in the tactics of treble-winning manager Andre Villas-Boas as a new manager can mean anything for the team. It is likely that the team will vie for the 1st place but will face stiff competition from the two teams from Manchester. All players are fit and are raring to get the trophy back to London after it spent a year in  the city of Manchester. Fernando Torres, Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba should be the players who could put Chelsea in the driver's seat at the start of the 2011-12 season.

Transfers:

Players In: Thibaut Courtois (Racing Genk, undisclosed), Oriol Romeu (Barcelona, £4.35 million), Lucas Piazon (Sao Paulo, £5 million).

Players Out: Fabio Borini (Parma, free), Michael Mancienne (Hamburger SV, £3 million), Jacopo Sala (Hamburger SV, undisclosed), Jan Sebek (FC Baumit Jablonec, free), Gokhan Tore (Hamburger SV, undisclosed), Michael Woods (unattached, free), Danny Philliskirk (Sheffield United, free), Jack Cork (Southampton, undisclosed)

2010-11 Position: 2nd.

Football Finesse Predictions: 1st, 2nd.

Men to watch: Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic, Florent Malouda.