Season preview: Chelsea

With the new Premier League season just days away, Sports Mole runs its eye over Chelsea and their fortunes.

In:

Andre Schurrle (from Bayer Levekusen, £18m), Marco van Ginkel (Vitesse Arnhem, Undisclosed), Mark Schwarzer (Fuham, Free)

Out:

Patrick Bamford (MK Dons, Loan), Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid, Loan), Todd Kane (Blackburn Rovers, Loan), Marko Marin (Sevilla, Loan), Amine Aflane (Released), James Ashton (Released), Samuel Bangura (Released), Yossi Benayoun (Released), Conor Clifford (Released), Aziz Deen-Conteh (Released), Paulo Ferreira (Released), Ben Gordon (Released), Hilario (Released), Florent Malouda (Released), Archange Nkumu (Released), Nortei Nortey (Released), Adam Phillip (Released), Ross Turnbull (Released), George Saville (Brentford, Loan), Oriol Romeu (Valenci, Loan), Sam Walker (Colchester United, Loan), Gael Kakuta (Vitesse Arnhem, Loan), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem, Loan) Thorgan Hazard (Zulte Waregem, Loan)

Last Season: 3rd

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Three key players:

© PA Photos

David Luiz - A firm fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, David Luiz's versatility is sure to see him play a key part for the Blues this season. As a defender who enjoys the challenge of playing in midfield, expect the Brazilian to be given a big responsibility by Jose Mourinho - someone who certainly likes his footballers to mix it up. Also, there's no denying that the 26-year-old is capable of scoring some wonderful goals.

© PA Photos

Juan Mata - Of all the transfer gossip this summer, Chelsea getting rid of Juan Mata as part of a deal to sign Wayne Rooney was among the most fanciful. The Spaniard is one of the most magical players in the Premier League and was fully deserving of his place in the 2013 PFA Team of the Year. There will be a lot of pressure on Mata to replicate his form from last term, but the man is a cool customer and seems to take it all in his graceful stride.

© PA Photos

Romelu Lukaku - It is sure to be a big season for Romelu Lukaku this year as he returns to the club following a successful loan spell with West Bromwich Albion. The Belgian scored 17 goals for the Baggies, but has been recalled to Stamford Bridge to be part of Jose Mourinho's plans. Where he will fit in up front with Fernando Torres and Demba Ba remains to be seen, though he is certainly more in the Didier Drogba mold that Mourinho favoured during his first stint in charge.

First game: Hull City (H), Complete fixture list

Sports Mole says: With Jose Mourinho back at the helm, Chelsea are sure to be major contenders for the Premier League title this season. The man's affinity with the club is a precious thing, and the galvanising effect is likely to propel the Blues towards more success. However, don't expect it to be all smooth sailing - the Portuguese will anger and frustrate people along the way. The best course of action is probably just to strap yourself in and enjoy the ride...

Predicted finish: Champions