EPL Season Preview 2011-2012: Chelsea-Will they win a trophy this season?

After not a bad season last term Chelsea sacked Carlo Ancelotti as their manager and appointed Andre Villa Baos as their new Coach. The 32 year old Portoguse has already been dubbed as the “new jose mourinho” who was a success at Stamford Bridge and was known as the “Special One”. Last Season Chelsea reached Quater Finals in the Champions League and they lost to their Title Rivals Manchester United. Roman Abromavich is very keen to win a Champions League after splashing out a lot of cash every transfer window. Chelsea had problems in mid-season last season as they lost Ray Wilkins as their assistant coach and were lying 5th in the table below Tottenham and Manchester City. At the end of the season still they finished 2nd and in the end were close to clinch a title. This showed their belief and how much depth they have in their squad. Chelsea after spending 50mn on the former Liverpool golden boy Fernando Torres think that the money invested was’nt a good investment after the Spaniard scored just one goal since joining the Blues in January. The Blues who have been winning FA Cup in recent years could just reach the 4th Round in FA Cup losing to Everton. They also Couldn’t reach ahead of 5th Round in Carling Cup losing to Newcastle at St.James Park.

Transfers: Chelsea in this transfer window have not brought any bigger signings so far. They have signed Lucas Piazon and Kurtois.Lucas Piazon is an attacking midfielder. He can also pop in as a striker. Chelsea have throughout the transfer window been linked with Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Luka Modric. Tottenham are holding out well on the Croat. They have sold Yuri Zhirkov to Anzhi makhachkala

Pre-season: Chelsea’s Pre-season tour has been fantastic. They have played 6 games scoring 15 goals and conceding just 1. They have been scoring goals from all departments. Their pre-season results have been something to cheer about for Chelsea fans. They are looking really dangerous for the start of the season. The Co-ordination in players have been really good. At the start of the season they look like the team to beat.

What to Expect: What do we expect from this Chelsea side? They have been scoring goals all-around and hardly conceding. Last season they had the meanest defence in the premier league. I Expect them to challenge for the title right from the start of the season as they look strong in almost every department and we are expecting them to sign a few more players before the window closes. I expect them to have a good run in the champions league as well. I believe they will win atleast one trophy this season under their new manager Andre-Villa Boas.

The teams Talisman: This term i think Frank Lampard will play an pivotal role in the team. The England International has been in top form. He can manage the the midfield pretty well. His ability of changing the game from right flank to left flank and scoring goals from midfield will be vital. He is irreplaceable in the team and Chelsea need him because it is very difficult to find his replacement. Lampard who’s aged 33 with his experience can help his side to win the Champions League which Roman Abromavich is thirsty for.

Formations: Chelsea have got a fantastic squad. They can play with different formation in different games. They can play with the 4-4-2 formation by playing Torres and Drogba up-front. Ramires and malouda on the wings and with lampard as a centre attacking midfielder and Micheal Essien as their Defensive midfielder. With the same old 4 defenders. Chelsea have also got the possibility of playing a 4-5-1 formation in which Torres can be the lone striker. Drogba and Anelka on the wings. Lampard, Ramires and essien in the centre of midfield and the same back 4. 4-5-1 formation can be successful against big teams.

Least Targets: Chelsea after having last season without trophies will be looking for atleast one trophy this season. They will eye atleast anyone either of Carling Cup or the FA cup. League is their priority and we all know that how thirsty is Roman Abromavich for the Champions League trophy. Chelsea target this season would be atleast 1 trophy.

An expectation meter: Many people expect Chelsea to finish lower this season according to their standars in the premier league after Manchester City’s big signings. Manchester United have always been their title rivals. And also Liverpool joining in with some good signings.

So, What do you expect this season from Chelsea?