Who ' s in and who ' s out?
Season expectations?
What ' s their reality?
Fixtures to look out for
Key Man: Eden Hazard
Young Star: Tammy Abraham Marmite Man: Diego Costa In 3 Words: Lost, dangerous, potent Odds( Bet356): Title: 11 / 2 Relegation: 750 / 1 Prediction: 5th
Chelsea
Last Season Premier League: 10th FA Cup: Sixth Round League Cup: Fourth Round Champions League: Last-16 Top Scorer( all): Diego Costa( 16)
Just when everything was seemingly calm and well at Stamford Bridge, 2015 / 16 comes along and ruins it all. Only one word can describe Chelsea last season. Abysmal. Long time favourite Guus Hiddink tried to steady a rapidly sinking vessel after Jose Mourinho was sacked in mid-December, but he could only steer them to their worst league finish since 1996, in what was the worst ever defence of a title. A fresh start looms under new boss Antonio Conte who shone as coach of Italy during Euro 2016. Fireworks, flare-ups and lots of fun can be expected off the pitch, but what about on it? With no European commitments, this could be the ideal opportunity for Chelsea to restore themselves at the top of the tree. Or is a season of transition on the horizon?
Who ' s in and who ' s out?
Conte for starters, along with a host of his trusted backroom staff. It ' s bye-bye to Radamel Falcao and Alexandre Pato who ' s respective loans were not built upon, while Mohamed Salah has joined Roma for £ 14.5m. Just over £ 65m has been forked out to accommodate the arrivals of Leicester City ' s midfield dynamo N ' Golo Kante and the Belgian front man Michy Batshuayi as Chelsea prepare to spend big.
Season expectations?
Much, much better than last season. That is the bare minimum and will be difficult to repeat. With Stamford Bridge nearing renovations, securing European football is a must. Mounting a title assault now that there ' s no distractions elsewhere.
What ' s their reality?
The title has never felt so far away from Chelsea ' s grasp. Conte may be a brilliant manager but he is no miracle worker. A spot in the top four should be celebrated, but fans are likely to be inpatient as they pray for a quick fix.
Fixtures to look out for
Their first ever Friday night fixture against Liverpool on September 16th is intriguing, while Mourniho will be back at the bridge with United on October 22nd. Their first fixture of 2017 is a special one as they make the short trip to play Spurs in a usually goal-laden affair.
Key Man: Eden Hazard
Young Star: Tammy Abraham Marmite Man: Diego Costa In 3 Words: Lost, dangerous, potent Odds( Bet356): Title: 11 / 2 Relegation: 750 / 1 Prediction: 5th