World champions Chelsea enter Premier League season with a squad to rival any other and expectations of title challenge
Now the best way to silence anyone who questions the value of the Club World Cup will be to mount a challenge for the English throne.
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Enzo Maresca has a superb squad at his disposal, but can they finally regain the Premier League title after a near-decade drought?
Credit: Getty
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Chelsea are world champions following their Club World Cup success earlier in the summer
Credit: GETTY
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Boss Enzo Maresca has a squad that would be the envy of most teams.
The difficulty is overtaking the three other outstanding sides, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
Maresca played down talk of the title when his side closed to within a few points of the Reds last year.
But he will find it harder to shake off the expectations of fans and owners in his second season.
Chelsea's array of attacking talent is incredible.
And, in Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, they have two world-class midfielders.
Defeating PSG in the CWC final was a positive sign.
Now, after all that exertion in the heat of the USA and a minimal pre-season, the Blues must deliver over a nine-month campaign.
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DREAM TEAM HERO: Cole Palmer, midfielder, £6m
Player of the tournament at the Club World Cup and a fantasy favourite.
On song again after a blip last season where he went 16 games without a goal.
Even so, England man Palmer still managed a very respectable 15 goals and 12 assists, amassing 327 points in Dream Team. If Chelsea ignite this season, he will be the spark.
Chelsea star Levi Colwill to miss almost entire season as he undergoes emergency ACL surgery in huge blow to Maresca
FAMOUS FAN
Model and actress Cara Delevingne describes Chelsea Football Club as 'home', which is hardly surprising given she grew up a John Terry clearance away in nearby Belgravia.
Was seen sat behind the dugout in April 2024.
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Cara Delevingne is one of Chelsea most famous supporters
Credit: Getty
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