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As the curtain rises on the new Premier League season this weekend, we've caught up with the fans to hear their thoughts, ambitions and fears ahead of the new campaign.
Following a season without silverware, capped by a Champions League semi-final defeat, Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are looking to come back with a bang this year.
Their transfer window exploits echo Chelsea of old: World class strikers, household names, and signings that annoy their bitter rivals (ahem, Cesc). Even Didier Drogba has returned to Stamford Bridge.
But how are the fans feeling?
Well, to take us through the goings on inside Stamford Bridge, we spoke to Chelsea fan Jim Porter from TalkChelsea to get his take ahead of the new season.
CHELSEA'S TRANSFER WINDOW |
| Best Signing: | Cesc Fabregas | Should Have Signed: | Paul Pogba |
How successful has Chelsea's transfer window been?
Very. The weaknesses and the gaps in the team where clear for everyone to see long before last season ended.
And, having already acquired a great defensive midfielder in January, the club did incredibly well to seek out and sign a striker, central midfielder and left back very early in the market.
TEAM REPORT |
| Key Player: | Eden Hazard | Breakthrough Player: | Nathan Ake |
| Something to Prove: | Oscar | The Weakest Link: | No10 role |
Is the squad looking better than last season's?
Without doubt, we now have a balance that looks solid and also looks like we can replace quality with quality if injuries and suspensions happen.
It's a long season and I think with our squad depth it all points to a great season ahead.
THE PREDICTION |
| Final League Position: | 1ST |
What will qualify as a good season for Chelsea?
Premier League top two, Champions League semi-finals or beyond, and to lift either of the domestic cups would be the absolute minimum expected of this squad.
But one expects Mourinho will lead an all-out assault on the Premier League, a title that only just evaded him last term.
To read more from the team at TalkChelsea, visit their website at www.talkchelsea.net
