Four Pundits Predict Chelsea’s 2024/25 Season Ahead of Man City Opener
As Chelsea prepares to kick off their Premier League season against reigning champions Manchester City, there’s a swirl of anticipation and uncertainty surrounding the Blues.
With a new manager at the helm, an influx of signings, and a bloated squad of 42 players, Chelsea’s direction this season is a hot topic of debate among football pundits.
Last season, Chelsea showed promise under Mauricio Pochettino, finishing sixth in the league, largely thanks to Cole Palmer’s exceptional form.
Palmer was involved in 33 goals, scoring 22 times and assisting 11, proving to be a pivotal figure for the team. However, Pochettino’s departure at the end of the season has left Chelsea at a crossroads.
Enzo Maresca, the former Leicester City manager, has taken the reins, and he faces the daunting task of managing an overstocked squad and guiding Chelsea through a challenging season that includes the Premier League, UEFA Europa Conference League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender and now a pundit for Sky Sports, has shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s new signing, Pedro Neto, who arrived from Wolves.
“I look at Neto as well. For me, Neto has been one of those players that I think every top club has looked at. And it’s just the injury record that has put them off,” Carragher said.
“It’s not his ability, so Chelsea have got a top-class player. It’s just whether they can get him fit enough throughout the season.” Carragher also voiced concerns about the club’s lack of stability, especially regarding Cole Palmer. “I just hope the change of manager doesn’t affect him…I hope we don’t see a drop…I think he’s a superstar.”
Pat Nevin, a former Chelsea player, remains optimistic about the Blues’ chances this season.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Nevin said, “It is a complete guess but I am going to be wild and say Chelsea will sneak in, in fourth place. If you take last season as a whole, it could be anything again this time. But if you look at the last few games, then they looked fine – they will be good, even.”
He added, “With the players they have got, Chelsea are definitely capable of the top six again, but for the money they have spent, it should be a lot more than that. You will never hear it from the club itself that they have to make the top four this time, but when this methodology of spending started, I thought to myself ‘I get it, I am giving you two years to get it right’.”
Steve Sidwell, another former Chelsea midfielder, echoed the praise for Cole Palmer while expressing concern over the team’s defensive frailties.
“Chelsea had a solid end to last season and with their current model in buying the best young talent out there they’ll be hoping this crop have gained enough experience and confidence to push to another level. Cole Palmer will be another main focus which they’ll need to build around, but defensively they are still a worry,” Sidwell stated.
Danny Murphy, the former Fulham midfielder, shared his confusion about how Maresca will balance the squad.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Murphy said, “I just haven’t got a clue how Maresca is going to put together a balanced team with all the players Chelsea have got. They will score lots of goals, but with too many forwards in a team you are going to be vulnerable – I still think that without Thiago Silva at the back, irrespective of who plays then they are lacking leadership.”
As Chelsea steps into a new season under Maresca’s leadership, the pundits’ predictions highlight a blend of optimism and concern.
The Blues have the talent and potential to succeed, but questions remain about their defensive solidity, squad management, and how quickly Maresca can instill his philosophy.
The clash against Manchester City will provide the first glimpse into how this new era at Stamford Bridge might unfold.
Four Pundits Predict Chelsea’s 2024/25 Season Ahead of Man City Opener