Chelsea, Featured, Premier League

2007/8 In A Nutshell Ultimate disappointment as the club, without Mourinho and with the far less imposing figure of Avram Grant, failed to pick up a trophy despite being close to winning three. Failure in the League Cup final was embarrassing while losing out to Man Utd in both the league and Champions League meant disaster and the end for the Israeli coach.

Summer Activity Only Deco and Jose Bosingwa have entered - although their combined price nears £25m - but the former is particularly exciting for Chelsea fans. Deco is a game-changer with fantastic abilities, arriving at Chelsea more than three years after the club’s initial interest. Bosingwa’s price tag has startled many, but he nevertheless is a competent defender, and Scolari is expected to splurge more cash in the closing days of August.

Key Men Frank Lampard will again be crucial to Chelsea’s ambitions, with the England midfielder looking set to stay for another year, while Michael Ballack hit form towards the end of the campaign. But perhaps the most important performer is Michael Essien, the tireless defensive midfielder who will help cover the hole left by Claude Makélélé’s departure.

Rising Star Franco di Santo, the 19-year-old Mendoza-born forward, has been training with the first team ahead of the new season and could become a new Premier League star in the coming campaign. He has scored two goals in pre-season, and Argentina U-20 head coach Sergio Batista has compared him to a certain Lionel Messi.

Coach Scolari made a big entrance like Mourinho did four years ago and comes with a big reputation and big expectations. His lack of experience or success at club level is a worry but the impressive CV at international level has prompted optimism from the Chelsea support.

Prospects For 2008/9 Looking far healthier than they were 12 months ago. Then, interference from Abramovich caused factions within the Chelsea camp, but with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s introduction, a sense of normality has been reintroduced to the set-up. The signing of Deco is a gamble but the Portuguese playmaker’s attributes are unquestionable while Scolari is still chasing a new striker. The squad still appears somewhat fragile and Scolari’s attacking options are noticeable by their absence, but Chelsea will inevitably be one of the four sides fighting for the title once again domestically along with glory in Europe.

Footballing World Prediction 2nd

Tags: Chelsea, Deco, Franco di Santo, Frank Lampard, Jose Boswinga, Jose Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien

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