Chelsea are on a mission. Leading their mission is Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, who probably has taken up the toughest project in the football world right now.
There’s no arguing that the Blues had a disastrous season and to top it off it was their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era. It was also Todd Boehly’s and Co’s first season at Stamford Bridge after the consortium purchased Chelsea from previous owner Roman Abramovich.
There was no shortage of ambitions from the new owners and they splashed the cash while also playing through three different managers in their first season. A lot has changed in the off-season since and the fans can expect a strategic approach this season.
The bloated squad has been trimmed down but more outgoings are expected in the coming days. So far only two new faces have arrived through the doors at Stamford Bridge in the form of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.
The Blues have also bought in several highly-rated youngsters from across the globe for the future. A deal for Moises Caicedo has been hanging in the balance and Chelsea might walk away from the deal with stubborn negotiators Brighton proving to be a major stumbling block.
Overall, the squad looks good enough on paper to achieve the objective that Pochettino has set for himself and the owners. But where exactly do the fans see Pochettino’s men ending up in the league table come the end of the season? And will they be able to lift a Cup or two along the way? We find out!
Chelsea 23/24 Premier League prediction
Chelsea have come a long way since that night in Porto in the 2020/21 season where they won their second Champions League. The Blues have only four players remaining from that squad in Porto – Kepa, Thiago Silva, Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
In two seasons, the Stamford Bridge outfit have gone through a change of ownership, managers and an entire squad revamp. Even for the best of clubs, such changes in scenarios take time to adjust and the Blues are no different.
They finished 12th last season, way behind the likes of Newcastle, Brighton, Aston Villa, Fulham, Brentford and even Crystal Palace. The club was short on consistency and a clear identity.
Hiring Pochettino will solve the identity crisis but the consistency part needs patience. Todd Boehly and Co are building a project for the long-term and these things take time.
Pochettino’s men have no European competitions to deal with this season and the last time this was the case, the Blues ended up lifting the Premier League in the 2016/17 season. While that is something that Chelsea fans shouldn’t hope to happen anytime soon, the foundation is already being laid.
Hidden gems from across the globe are being scouted and recruited that fit the vision of the club’s future. The core of the first team is also set and barring any injuries to any key players, Chelsea Football Club are ready to put up a fight.
The Blues have been very unlucky in the injury department for the last few seasons. Wesley Fofana has been the victim this time, who is out for the season with an ACL injury.
An overall strong squad which can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world over the course of a 38-game season. And with Pochettino in charge, the future can only get better for the Chelsea fanbase.
Expect Chelsea to easily finish in the top four of the Premier League. Anything higher than that shouldn’t be ruled out, with any new incomings the deciding factor where the Blues finish.
Predicted Chelsea PL finish: 4th
Chelsea’s Cup prediction in 23/24
Pochettino has great experience in Cup competitions. Combine that with Chelsea’s love for cup competitions, it won’t be a surprise that the pair end up winning a silverware or two at the end of the season.
The Stamford Bridge outfit will participate in the EFL and FA Cups. With no European duties, the Blues have enough squad depth to be at their best in every given competition.
Their best bet should be the EFL Cup, considering most other big teams prefer the FA Cup, giving them a clear shot at the EFL Cup.
Cup Predictions: EFL Cup Winners
Overall progress
A more than decent season should be on the cards for Chelsea in the 2023/24 campaign. A proper strategy has been in place, unlike Todd Boehly’s first season as owner.
Pochetinno knows what he wants from the owners and his players and that should be key to the Blues’ success this season. A top-four finish and either an EFL or FA Cup triumph will only boost morale in the dressing room for seasons to come.
The squad like their manager, is still young and there is every hope and optimism that the Blues can dominate English football for the next decade.