Chelsea are less than seven days away from kicking off the 2025/26 Premier League season, and plenty are tipping the Blues for a strong season.
Enzo Maresca led his side to a top four finish in his first campaign at Stamford Bridge, as well as trophies in the form of the Conference League and Club World Cup.
Their extended season has only given them time for two pre-season friendlies, however dominant performances against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan have certainly impressed.
A number of their new signings have made their mark over the summer. Estevao Willian starred against Leverkusen, while Chelsea fans were impressed by Jamie Gittens in their win over the Serie A giants.
Micah Richards looks on ahead of Manchester City FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League
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Micah Richards thinks Chelsea are one signing away from competing for the Premier League
The question on everyone’s lips is whether the Blues are in a position to genuinely compete to win the Premier League this season.
Maresca played down talk of a title challenge last season, however will feel far more confident in his squad’s chances despite the limited rest.
Micah Richards also believes Chelsea are getting closer, however believes they need a new quality centre-back in order to mount a serious challenge.
He said to The Rest is Football: “Chelsea are a good team. I think challenging [for the title]. I just think defensively, they’ve got so many attacking players that at times they do over commit, leave themselves exposed. If they bring in a top centre-half, I think they can challenge till the last five games of the season.
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“I look at the teams around them, I think they’re better defensively, and I think that’s the only thing that’s going to stop them. But if you watch them in the Club World Cup, I thought they were excellent, especially in the final against PSG.
“The ability to go from back to front so quick is going to catch teams off guard. It’s not only Cole Palmer, look at Joao Pedro, the way he links up, and they’ve got options like Delap as well. They’ve got pace on the wings, I think they’re challenging. Just miss out [on the title].”
Enzo Maresca applauds after Chelsea v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
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Chelsea weighing up options at centre-back
Levi Colwill is set to miss the majority of the 2025/26 season due to a serious knee injury, leaving the Blues reeling just days before the new campaign.
Trevoh Chalobah also limped off against Milan, however eased any fears for Chelsea fans after the game by saying he is all okay.
The Blues will be hoping there is a more prolific season for Wesley Fofana after his mountain of injury problems have left some doubting his ability to be relied on at Stamford Bridge.
One player who won’t be considered for the role is Renato Veiga. It has been reported that Veiga is still expected to leave despite his fellow left-footed defender’s injury woes.