🔎 The ultimate Chelsea 2019/20 season preview | OneFootball

Their best player has left for Real Madrid, their manager for Juventus, and they have been banned from signing new players.

On the other hand, club icon Frank Lampard is back at Stamford Bridge and the club are now committed to developing exciting young players.

Here’s the lowdown on Chelsea ahead of the 2019/20 season.

What have they done in the transfer market?

Well, this is a bit awkward. Chelsea, of course, have a transfer ban.

Nonetheless, they have done some business! Christian Pulisic arrives – he was signed in January and loaned back to Borussia Dortmund – and the attack-minded American midfielder could be perfectly suited to the Premier League.

Mateo Kovacić’s loan switch from Real Madrid was also made permanent.

Unfortunately for the Blues, that wasn’t their only business with Madrid as Eden Hazard left for the Bernabéu. That is one big hole to fill …

What’s the biggest challenge facing Frank Lampard?

Replacing Eden Hazard.

The Belgian was arguably the best player in the Premier League last season and has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s best player over the last seven years.

That’s in the past now and Chelsea move on. But how exactly do you replace 24 goals and 20 assists from last season?

Who will be their key player?

N’Golo Kanté. No matter how Chelsea line up, no matter which players Lampard takes a shine too, no matter what the tactics are.

If things go well for the Blues this year, expect Kanté to be at the heart of it.

Are there any young players we should keep an eye out for?

How long have you got?

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, to name just three. Given the club’s transfer ban, these players should all get plenty of opportunities to impress this season.

It’s well known that Hudson-Odoi could become a star and Mount already shone for Lampard at Derby last season, but the most interesting player could actually be Abraham if he finally gets a shot in the first team.

Can you rate their new kits out of 10?

Home: 8/10

Away: 5/10

Give us one reason for fans to get excited …

Frank Lampard’s flexibility. After a year of complaining that Maurizio Sarri wouldn’t deviate from his favoured plan, Chelsea fans should be thrilled.

At Derby last season, Lampard proved he is willing to chop and change formations and overall approach to suit whatever position his team finds itself in.

And a reason they should be nervous …

Honestly?

Nobody knows how ready this team is. And nobody knows how ready Frank Lampard is.

The loss of Eden Hazard is enormous and whether or not these players and their boss can cope is a complete unknown.

OK then, let’s have a prediction for their season

Premier League: 5th Champions League: Last 16 FA Cup: Quarter-finals League Cup: Runners-up UEFA Super Cup: Runners-up