- Chelsea finished sixth last season
- Enzo Maresca takes over from Mauricio Pochettino
- Recommended bet: Cole Palmer top Premier League goalscorer

Chelsea ended last season strongly after a poor start but Mauricio Pochettino was surisingly sacked after guiding them up to a respectable sixth with Enzo Marsesca brought in after leading Leicester to the Championship title.

More changes in the dugout plus another summer spending spree could mean another inconsistent season for the Blues, who may struggle to keep pace with strong rivals in the battle to finish in at least the top six.

Last season

Pochettino initially struggled to make an impact last season and Chelsea were floundering in the bottom half of the table in the first half of the campaign.

New signings Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo and Christopher Nkunku all failed to make much of an early impact, the latter not being fit until December due to a knee injury, while another signing, Romeo Lavia, missed virtually the whole season with a variety of ailments.

Eventually, things began to improve and, inspired by the outstanding Cole Palmer, Chelsea rallied to claim an unexpected sixth-place finish, closing the season out with five straight wins.

The manager

Maresca worked with Manchester City’s academy for a year in 2020-21, before a six-month spell in charge of Parma in his native Italy.

He then returned to City to work under Pep Guardiola but was lured to Leicester, where he impressed in charge, winning the Championship last season.

There have been plenty of comparisons between the new Chelsea boss and his coaching idol Guardiola, who also favours a high-press, possession-heavy approach, but the Londoners may need time to adapt to yet more new tactics.

Transfers

It has been another busy summer of incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge with Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall following Maresca to the capital, while Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has joined to boost the defensive ranks.

Highly-rated Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman has also bolstered the squad, Barcelona starlet Marc Guiu is another new face, along with Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who has made the switch from Villarreal.

Among several departures, Hakim Ziyech has gone to Galatasaray, Ian Maatsen has joined Villa, while Malang Sarr has been released along with veteran defender Thiago Silva.

Strengths and Weaknesses

It is difficult to predict just how Chelsea will look under another new manager but they will have to quickly adapt to Maresca's methods if they are to fight with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United, Villa and Newcastle for a top-four place but pre-season results have been worrying.

They have talent in abundance and if it all clicks they have a team to be feared. Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo and Lavia in midfield, in particular, would be good enough to fit into any side.

Palmer was their outstanding performer last season and only looks like he will improve, while Marc Cucurella, Jackson and Reece James are other key men.

However, with a huge squad of players to pick from, Maresca must quickly look to identify his strongest team and he may end up trying to fit players unsuited into his system to keep several happy.

There is also a concern that, aside from Palmer, a lack of goals could cost them again. Chelsea were outscored by City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle last term.

Best outright bet

Amid the uncertainty of how Chelsea will do under Maresca, it might be better to opt for a top goalscorer bet, backing Palmer to win the Golden Boot at an attractive 20/1.

The former City youngster was a revelation last season, scoring 22 league goals, with only Erling Haaland's tally of 27 being better.

Finishing ahead of Haaland will be difficult but if the Norway striker's level dips or he picks up another injury then Palmer, who impressed for England when given a chance at the Euros this summer, could profit.

Back Cole Palmer to be Premier League top goalscorer at 20/1 with LiveScore Bet.