Predicting how Chelsea will fare this season: Can Conte live up to the hype?

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The Blues are one of the favourites to take home the Premier League title this season with a new manager and strong squad at their disposal.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte

Ever since the appointment of Antonio Conte there’s been an even greater expectation surrounding Stamford Bridge, with fans anticipating great things in the season ahead. With new signings such as Michy Batshuayi, N’Golo Kante and David Luiz strengthening the side even further, there seems to be no limit to what they can achieve.

Premier League

With no European competition to speak of this season for the first time in 20 years, the Blues can focus a great deal of their attention on regaining their title as champions of England. With their other competitors competing in either the Champions League or Europa League, it’s obvious that they’ve got a certain advantage.

Chelsea’s Gary Cahill celebrates scoring a goal

Despite this, the overall strength of both Manchester teams will still prove to be tricky to overcome for Conte and his squad of superstars in what is bound to be one of the most competitive years in Premier League history. Capturing the title may be one step too far, but they’ll certainly come close.

Prediction: 2nd

FA Cup

The nation’s biggest cup competition has been a special one for Chelsea in recent years, with the club taking home the trophy four times in the last ten years. They’re no strangers to juggling the cup and the league and it wouldn’t exactly be a surprise to see them feature in the latter stages of the tournament this year.

Roberto Di Matteo celebrates winning the FA Cup with Chelsea teammate Marcel Desailly

With a squad that is more than capable of churning out results, it seems likely that Chelsea will be going deep into this competition with a cup victory in Conte’s first season being well within reach.

Prediction: Winners

League Cup

The League Cup is a different animal altogether with the tournament being notorious for sides wanting to feature younger talent. With so many players out on loan, it begs the question of whether or not the club will choose to prioritise it ahead of more important things.

After scraping past Bristol Rovers 3-2 in the Second Round, they’ve been drawn away against champions Leicester. Both sides will be looking to make a statement in the game, but the Foxes will more than likely have that extra edge to see them through.

Prediction: Third Round

2005 league cup final – Chelsea celebrate, Gerrard dejected