Chelsea season preview: Failure is not an option

Last Season

Favourites for the title, Chelsea had an odd season. Despite overcoming their fellow contenders including a masterclass against Manchester City and a ruthless 6-0 drubbing of Chelsea, they struggled against lesser sides and that is what cost them the title. Accused of playing boring football at times, as you would expect from Jose Mourinho, their atacking midfield played some great football, with Eden Hazard in unstoppable form. Captain John Terry enjoyed a resurgent season, leading from the back and formed an excellent partnership with Gary Cahill in the league's tightest defence. A rather easy draw saw them make it to the semi finals of the Champions League, where they were deservingly beaten  by a spectacular Atletico Madrid.

Ins and Outs

Jose Mourinho's men look like undeniable title favourites after ransacking Atletico Madrid; bringing in some much needed quality up front in the form of Brazilian- Spanish striker Diego Costa. A hole in the left back position has been filled with the signing of the excellent Felipe Luis from Atletico as well.

Cesc Fabregas' surprising signing makes their midfield one of the best in the world, with the former Arsenal skipper expected to partner the solid Nemanja Matic in midfield. 

Didier Drogba's signing also seems to be more about retaining some experience in the squad rather than an upgrade in forward positions, but Romelu Lukaku's place in the 11 looks less likely, with the striker expected to go out on loan once again and make Jose repent.

Thibaut Courtois' arrival has made an interesting subplot  pre season. Does Jose bench Petr Cech or worse, Iker Casillas him? Or will the clearly superior Courtois be left on the bench in favour of the more experienced Cech? Rotation seems to be an option, but one gets the feeling that one must leave for the other to thrive.

But undoubtedly the most brilliant piece of business from Chelsea's point of view was offloading the graceful, but utterly unreliable David Luiz to Paris Saint- Germain for 50 million pounds. While I fail to understand why PSG would bid so much for a man who spent much of last season either on the bench or out of position, clever little Jose Mourinho can now spend even more without having to worry about Financial Fair Play regulations. What a laugh must he have had had Luiz gone to Barcelona.

Strengths

Oof, where do I begin? Diego Costa is a massive upgrade over Fernando Torres, while Felipe Luis' arrival means that Cesar Azpilicueta can be shifted to his favoured right-back slot for the coming season. But where does that leave Branislav Ivanovic? Regardless, it can only be a good thing for the Blues, whose defence looks unstoppable with the arrival of Thibaut Courtois in goal.

Weaknesses

Complacency in thoroughly winnable matches cost Mourinho's men last season and with a new, albeit fantastic couple of players, it might take them a while to hit their stride. Mourinho's main problem will be turning those lost chances in to wins.

Key Players

A lot rides on Diego Costa, Didier Drogba and Romelu Lukaku to keep the pressure of scoring goals off Eden Hazard, who will score regardless. A lot rides on how Mourinho integrates Costa into his side, while Eden Hazard has the potential for a 20- goal season as well.

It's a big season for

Romelu Lukaku and Petr Cech. Do they seek moves elsewhere, or fight for a spot in the side? Both have quality and will be sorely missed if things go awry, especially in the case of Romelu Lukaku, who would've undoubtedly led the line for Chelsea last season. Petr Cech, though, will need to hope that Courtois suffers an uncharacteristic dip in form for him to be in reckoning for the number one spot.

Watch out for

Nemanja Matic. His arrival in January last season gave the side some much needed stability in the middle of the park, and his steel is the perfect foil for the more attack minded and creative Cesc Fabregas.

Prediction

They're squad screams world class through every position, and you'd be an idiot to count them out for the title. A Real- Chelsea Champions League final is also not a long shot, but failure will not be forgiven,by both the fans, and owner Roman Abramovich.