'Hazard, Costa and Fabregas will feel the pressure to recreate heroics' - Chelsea season preview 2015/16

Title defence: Jose Mourinho's side have had a difficult pre-season
Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images
Simon Johnson7 August 2015

Standard Sport previews Chelsea's 2015-16 Premier League campaign as Jose Mourinho's men bid to defend their title.

The big issue

Jose Mourinho has taken a bit of a gamble that virtually the same squad can retain the title, a feat not managed since Manchester United between 2007-9. Chelsea's summer spending has been underwhelming to say the least and goes against the accepted mantra of buying from a position of strength. The lack of a marquee signing means a lot of pressure is on Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa to recreate the heroics of last season.

How they’ll line up

The arrival of Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco has led Mourinho to consider changing formation to a 4-4-2 this term. Falcao and Costa know each other's game well having played together at Atletcio Madrid and it could be a useful option against stubborn opponents or when chasing a game. However, Chelsea's plan A is still 4-2-3-1, with Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas providing the protection and the impetus in front of the back four.

Time to shine: Oscar is seemingly in for a make or break season
BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

It could be a big season for

There are no more excuses for Oscar - he simply has to perform on a consistent basis for a whole campaign. Chelsea fans have grown accustomed to the attacking midfielder disappearing after the Christmas decorations have come down. He has had his first full summer off for five years and been tipped by the Chelsea manager to reach the level of Hazard.

Failure to do so may could see him sold to long-term admirers Juventus.

Breakthrough player

One of the reasons why Chelsea didn't spend a fortune on another attacking player is due to their faith in Bertrand Traore. The 19-year-old has spent the last two years impressing on loan at Vitesse Arnhem and earning a work permit in the process. Mourinho has promised Traore will be a part of the first-team squad and the left footed winger, who likes cutting inside from the right flank, could prove to be a useful option.

Holders: Chelsea will be aiming to retain their title this season
Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Success is...

As far as Chelsea are concerned only the Premier League trophy and/or the Champions League will do. Mourinho's side are unlikely to dominate England's top division as much as they did last term. But the club are confident they still have the best defence in the country and the best player in Hazard. The Champions League is a much tougher proposition. Given they were knocked out of the last 16 with this team in March, it's unlikely they have the tools to match the might of holders Barcelona.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Five things we learnt

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Take a punt on

Mourinho says Hazard must win the PFA player of the year award again this season to prove what a great footballer he is and he’s 4-1 (Unibet) to do so.

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