I’ve been putting this off. But I couldn’t predict where I think Chelsea will finish this season without seeing our final squad, and now we have it.
I’ve done another article today reviewing the summer transfer window where you can see a breakdown of the squad we have this season; that’s on the home page now if you want to check that out.
But now is finally time for me to call what I think we will do this season as we enter what is going to be s super tough, long, and grueling season. I’ve explained the concerns I still have in my transfer review article, so with that in mind, this is what I think we will do this season.
Premier League
Prediction: 5th
Look, I think Chelsea will be up there or there abouts most of the season. But this is such a tough league and teams are so well equipped and know exactly how to setup against the quality teams. As I said a number of times last season, it’s become a lot easier for clubs to smash and grab points off the big sides because they contain, defend, are physical, stay well-drilled, quick on the counter, and play in deep blocks. In Chelsea’s defence, we are better equipped to break these low blocks down this season with some good additions in attack, but I still know how tough some of these games are going to be. But it will be tough for all the teams, not just Chelsea. I’m not fully confident with our defence and back line either, which has come into my thinking here.
I see it being tight again and very up and down. But I think across the season, Chelsea will end up in 5th place. If we addressed the goalkeeper and centre back areas as well and signed in a new striker after Liam Delap’s injury, I’d have put us in the top 3 without a doubt.
FA Cup
Prediction: Quarter Finals
Obviously this is just pot luck. We’ve already seen how any club can beat any club on their day (Grimsby beating Manchester United) already this season in the League Cup; anything can happen. But I think Chelsea will have a decent run here this season.
League Cup
Prediction: Winners
I believe we will win silverware this season as we have proven to be good in knock-out competitions and there is less pressure in this one.
Champions League
Prediction: Round of 16
I think we get out of our league into the knockout stages, but I think that could be as far as we go. I obviously hope I’m proven wrong, but that is my call for now. We will have SO many games this season and the round of 16 opponents will be very strong. Lets see.
Player of the season
Prediction: Moises Caicedo
No words needed, Mr. consistent will get it.
Surprise player of the season
Prediction: Tosin Adarabioyo
So we’re going to need him a lot now this season with Levi Colwill’s injury and I think he already surprised many last season with his much better performances in the second half of the season; I think he will continue to do that this season, and we need him to.
Flop of the season
Prediction: Robert Sanchez
I hope he proves me wrong, I truly do. But I see him as our weak link again. I know he’s been better since the end of last season, but I just cannot see him as reliable and it will take a lot to change my stance on that. Always open to changing my stance though.
Best new signing
Prediction: Joao Pedro
He’s hit the ground running and looks full of confidence and quality, I believe that will continue consistently.
How Enzo Maresca will fair
Prediction: Turning toxic
I am saying this, not against Maresca, but because I know how unhappy he was with this transfer window. I see it getting toxic. If Chelsea go through a rough patch, which is quite likely by the way, I see it turning. I don’t think the fans will necessarily turn on him again in bulk at least, but I think there could be some friction between the manager and the board IF things go wrong. I’m not predicting that he gets the sack, but I’m predicting some drama here. I don’t know what will happen, but I don’t think it’s a good formula when the manager ends the transfer window unhappy with the business done (not all of it).
Please do the same predictions in the comments and let us know what you think will happen! I will do these in poll format in an article tomorrow as well so you can just cast your votes there if you prefer.
