They’re the newly crowned world champions – so can Chelsea show that kind of title-winning form in the Premier League this season?
Our 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team previews have now reached Enzo Maresca’s honeymooning side.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at the Blues’ best FPL picks for the upcoming season.
We’ll also attempt to predict their line-up for Gameweek 1, look at the good and bad on the pitch, assess the opening fixtures, detail their top players for defensive contributions (DC) and more!
CHELSEA: REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
FEEL GOOD FACTOR
6 six things we learned about Chelsea from the Club World Cup 3
Buoyed by their FIFA Club World Cup victory, there is plenty to feel positive about at Stamford Bridge right now.
Chelsea ended the 2024/25 season with a run of eight wins in nine matches in all competitions, which culminated with them lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy.
They then put on a tactical masterclass to beat Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup.
It’s added real belief ahead of the new campaign, as they attempt to close the gap on Liverpool.
DEFENSIVE STRIDES
Chelsea’s defensive numbers really improved as last season wore on, as you can see from the rolling six-match graphic above.
In fact, in the last 12 Gameweeks, they were joint-top for fewest goals conceded (seven) and most clean sheets (seven).
They followed that up with four shut-outs in seven at the Club World Cup, even preventing PSG from scoring.
And while the xG showed a decline in the above picture, the Blues responded to that with 17 goals in seven matches in the States this summer.
NEW ARRIVALS + TOP TALENT
FPL transfer round-up 9
It’s been another summer of major investment.
It’s no guarantee of success, of course, but given their profiles, Joao Pedro (£7.5m), Jamie Gittens (£6.5m), Liam Delap (£6.5m) and Jorrel Hato (£5.0m) all feel like decent additions to Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Then there is existing talent such as Moises Caicedo (£5.5m) and Cole Palmer (£10.5m).
Caicedo is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
As for Palmer, he recorded just one goal and three assists in his final 16 Premier League appearances of 2024/25, but he’s an exceptional player who showed his quality at the Club World Cup, ranking joint-first for attacking returns with five (three goals, two assists).
CHELSEA: REASONS TO BE FEARFUL
‘BIG SIX’ PROBLEM
Bournemouth v Chelsea team news: Palmer starts, Nkunku a sub
Chelsea won just three out of their 10 matches against the other teams that were part of last season’s top six (see below).
Even then, Liverpool had already been crowned champions and made six changes to their starting XI when Enzo Maresca’s team triumphed 3-1 in May.
Additionally, they suffered defeats in all five away matches, scoring a mere three goals.
Should Chelsea fail to improve this record, it’s difficult to see how they can progress.
UCL COMMITMENTS / LACK OF PRE-SEASON