All
the transfer news, statistics, pundit views and odds ahead of Chelsea's
2015/16 season.
Position last season: 1st
Sky Bet title odds: 13/8
Ins: Asmir Begovic (Stoke), Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco),
Nathan (Atletico Paranaense).
Outs: Christian Atsu (Bournemouth), Lewis Baker (Vitesse), Patrick Bamford
(Crystal Palace), Izzy Brown (Vitesse), Petr Cech (Arsenal), Didier Drogba
(Montreal Impact), Gael Kakuta (Sevilla), Tomas Kalas (Middlesbrough),
Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Josh McEachran (Brentford), Mario Pasalic (AS
Monaco), Marco van Ginkel (Stoke).
Overview
Jose Mourinho maintained his record of always winning the title in his
second season in the job last term. The Chelsea boss will break new ground
in 2015/16, though - he's never repeated a title win in his third full
campaign.
Such has been Chelsea’s dominance that they’re understandably installed as
favourites to win the Premier League once more, despite not adding too much
to the squad this summer. The formidable spine of Thibaut Courtois, John
Terry, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa is key.
Radamel Falcao will take over deputy striker duties from Didier Drogba,
while Asmir Begovic replaces Petr Cech as back-up stopper. With pressure on
Mourinho to deliver an improved showing in the Champions League, the
challenge for Chelsea is to keep concentration levels up domestically and
stay ahead of their rivals.
Phil Thompson's view: "Chelsea have to be my favourites for the title.
Nothing too much has changed. They have everything and are the best side in
all departments. The one thing that could determine their season is Diego
Costa staying fit, having had so many problems with his hamstring."
Phil Thompson's one to watch: "They’ve brought in Falcao, which is strange
and can be debated. But Mourinho, with the same agent, has probably had long
chats with the striker and is willing to give him a try."
Opta stats
- Champions Chelsea topped the table for 274 days of the 2014/15 season, a
record in the Premier League era.
- John Terry became only the second outfield player to play every minute for
a Premier League title winning side (along with Gary Pallister in 1992/93).
- Chelsea lost only four games all season (in all competitions), a record
low for a team in the Premier League era.
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