Premier League 2020-21 Season Preview: Chelsea

The Premier League kicks off tomorrow. English football will be back again with the 2020-21 season after a COVID-affected season last time around. Continuing in our season preview, today we take a look at what lies ahead for Chelsea in Premier League 2020-21.

The London side finished 4^th last season along with being FA Cup runners up. Frank Lampard brilliantly led the young side and brought the best attacking football out of them. Although they could not get their hands on any silverware, the season was pretty good if we look at the transfer window ban which they had.

Lampard inherited a young side and added to it with the excellent signings that they made. All in all, Chelsea look set to make their mark in the Premier League.

Here we are, with Chelsea Season Preview for 2020-21 season.

Performance in the Premier League 19-20 Season

• Top Scorer – Tammy Abraham (15)

• Top Assists – Willian (7)

Chelsea finished 4^th in last season’s Premier League after a convincing performance under Frank Lampard. The Blues were in the title race in the first half of the campaign but failed to keep the consistency after restart. A win on the last day secured Champions League football for Chelsea. In the FA Cup, they lost to Arsenal in the final while Bayern humbled them in Champions League quarter finals.

The young side was led by Lampard brilliantly as he brought the best out of them. Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham shone under the gaffer. Abraham finished as Chelsea’s top scorer despite his poor outings in the end.

The defence was an issue last season as Chelsea conceded 54 goals last season, which was higher than the likes of Burnley and Crystal Palace. Kepa Arrizabalaga was criticised for his poor showing and was replaced by Willy Caballero towards the business end of the league.

Chelsea Transfer Activity

Perhaps the most successful transfer window for any club ever. Chelsea has taken everyone for surprise with the signings that they have made in this transfer window. The successful negotiations by the Chelsea management has also helped them to lower the prices for some deals.

Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr and Ben Chilwell are all excellent additions for Chelsea. They have rejuvenated their side and added more attacking firepower to the existing one.

Also, to address the defensive issues they have signed Thiago Silva who will provide stability at the back as an experienced player. Havertz, Ziyech and Werner are all match winners and to get them all results in a successful transfer window for Chelsea.

Reportedly, Chelsea are not done here. Talks are ongoing to sign Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Rennes. The signing would tick all the boxes for Chelsea. Declan Rice is another name on the list but the deal looks difficult. Roman Abramovich has done his job of providing all the required players for Lampard. Now, it is upto Lampard to deliver the results.

Also Read: Premier League 2020-21 Season Preview: Manchester United

Strengths of Chelsea

The biggest strength is the attacking quality. Any manager would love to have the attacking depth that Chelsea has right now. If the new signings get into their groove early, this attack could humble the Premier League defences. They also have the quality to call on from substitutes which will help in their fight for all available trophies this season.

Another strength is the experience of Thiago Silva. The defence was the key issue last season, and Lampard will be hoping that the Brazilian solves it. The free-flowing Chelsea side can hurt the likes of City and Liverpool. That is the potential of this side.

Next is Frank Lampard. Chelsea have got a manager who knows what it takes to win the Premier League. Having already played with the Blues’, the gaffer knows about the expectations at Stamford Bridge. His first season in charge was impressive, but now it is the time to implode and make a mark.

Weakness of Chelsea

The main issue is defence. However, that should be improved this time around with Silva and Chilwell’s addition. The key ingredient to fight for the title is goals conceded and Chelsea will have to work on that having conceded 54 last season.

Also, the quality of Chelsea’s attack is unquestionable. However, the new signings can take time to gel in the 2020-21 Season. Adapting to Premier League football is not easy and the No.9 curse at Chelsea is well known. Lampard will be hoping to get the fluidity as soon as possible.

Chelsea also need a leader in their attack. Last time around, after Abraham’s decline in form, Giroud’s experience proved key to Chelsea. This time around, there will not be his experience, so Werner will be expected to make the difference. The side will be tested by the physical defences of certain sides. How does Chelsea’s new signings react to it will go a long way in deciding their season.

Predictions for Premier League 2020-21

Some have predicted Chelsea as title favourites. However, Lampard still needs to address some issues before that happens. The integration of the new signings into the side, improved defensive game and the lack of experience can be decisive in the title race.

Though Chelsea do not look as title favourites, they are surely the top challengers. Many expect Liverpool to fall off this season so Chelsea should look target a top 2 finish which can be likely. They look the most exciting of sides amongst the traditional ‘Top 6’ and should make the most of it.

Consistency will be the key for Chelsea in the Premier League 2020-21 Season. Depth is not a problem for Chelsea as they have got enough quality on bench. The side also has FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League to look after. Chelsea should be looking to end the season with some silverware and a top 2 finish in Premier League.

Also Read: Premier League 2020-21 Season Preview: Liverpool