Chelsea have had perhaps the toughest transfer window out of all the EPL clubs, thanks to the restrictions they were handed by FIFA.
Luckily, Chelsea have a great youth and loan system, which allows them to explore their depth.
The most obvious change comes from the managerial spot, with the departure of Maurizio Sarri. Sarri was controversial among Chelsea fans, but he was a great manager who needed patience and for players to believe in his system.
After all, 2018-19 was meant to be a transitional season – but we still achieved a Carabao Cup final, a top-four finish in the EPL and the Europa League crown.
The departure of Sarri opened a spot for the legendary Frank Lampard. It is very exciting to see a legend become the manager of the club. Coming from Derby, he is inexperienced in taking charge of big-time clubs.
Frank knowing the philosophy of the team is something that no other manager would have been able to offer and is something all the fans are looking forward to seeing.
(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file)
In terms of the front line, Chelsea have the talent to finish top four again, despite the departure of the great Eden Hazard. Tammy Abraham is my preferred striker and he will be Frank’s, too, as he was given the No.9 shirt.
Abraham netted 26 goals in 40 games for Aston Villa and has potential. Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi are also great choices but Tammy is the preferred option.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is also another player I’m keen to watch, as he is meant to be Chelsea’s next big thing.
Hudson-Odoi has proven to be the best 18-year-old in the world and big clubs such as Bayern Munich are even after the youngster.
He is set to return from injury in mid to late September after rupturing his Achilles in April. Hudson-Odoi would be the Hazard replacement and play on the left wing. On the right, Christian Pulisic looks promising from pre-season plus Willian and Pedro are great choices.
The midfielders would consist of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho as defensive midfielders if Lampard were to play a 4-2-3-1, which he has a few times in pre-season. Mateo Kovacic is also in the mix.
The battle for the No.10 spot will be between youngster Mason Mount and Ross Barkley. Both these players have been great in the pre-season and either choice would be a good one.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek recently signed a five-year deal and is coming off a similar injury that Callum Hudson-Odoi suffered. Loftus-Cheek will stamp himself as a first-choice midfielder after he recovers.
The defence line is looking hit-and-miss and does need improvements. Marcos Alonso and Emerson will continue to fight for that left-back position. That spot should be awarded to Emerson as Alonso doesn’t have the requisite defensive mindset.
The two most likely full backs will be David Luiz and Kurt Zouma as Lampard likes to have centre backs who can pass from the back. Antonio Rudiger is injured but even when he returns, Frank will have him and Andreas Christensen as the back-ups.
It is also certain César Azpilicueta will be back at right back, although the injured Reece James looks promising and will get a go in the back line. Kepa will be the starting goalkeeper.
There isn’t a big star name like the other top five teams have, but Chelsea are more then capable of making the top four and showing the rest of the world what young talent this football club has.
callumgasowski
Roar Rookie
I certainly do agree a top 4 finish should not be expected from the fans. However, it is more then capable. Hazard will be missed as there's no actual Hazard replacement, he's a generational player and one of the best. Callum Hudson-Odoi has the potential to be better then Hazard, in my opinion. That 'kid' really does have something special and the fact that he is only 18... wow. For the time being, I do have faith Tammy will fit well under Lampard's system. He's only 21. Once again, huge potential. Seemed to have a great run for Aston Villa.
Nick Parmenter
Roar Rookie
I hope for Frank's sake that the club doesn't demand a top four finish this year and he is given time. While City, Spurs and Liverpool are almost certain to make up the top three, fourth spot is well up for grabs with Arsenal, United and Chelsea all showing obvious deficiencies and the likes of Everton, Leicester and Wolves all likely to be better this year. I think the biggest problem for Chelsea will be where goals are going to come from. Hazard is the type of player that would create something from nothing - his loss will surely show up big time, particularly with Hudson-Odoi injured. Giroud is an excellent focal point and target man, but not prolific. Batshuayi hasn't torn up any trees in his loan spells away from the club, while Abraham looked out of his depth at Swansea in the PL the season before last.
callumgasowski
Roar Rookie
To a certain degree, yes. If we were to still have Sarri as manager maybe not as much due to his lack of confidence in our youth.
BrizzyBoy
Roar Rookie
This transfer ban was the best thing to happen to Chelsea in years.