The Premier League has brought in some new rules ahead of the 2025/26 season, and Chelsea are one of the sides who are going to have to adapt the most across the next nine months.
The Blues are being tipped for big things when it comes to the new campaign. Micah Richards has even mentioned Chelsea as title contenders to the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Ally McCoist believes the Blues will finish above Manchester City, and the plethora of new signings made by the club should set them up well.
One of those brought in is Liam Delap, who will be hoping to build on his three goals across the Club World Cup and pre-season campaign.
The referee talks to Reece James during Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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New Premier League discipline rules will force major changes for Chelsea
However, one thing he will not be looking to replicate from his time at Ipswich Town is his disciplinary record. The striker picked up 12 yellow cards in the Premier League last season.
Those who played for Chelsea picked up 100 bookings throughout the 2024/25 campaign, as well as Nicolas Jackson and Marc Cucurella being sent off.
Plenty of these yellow cards came as a result of dissent, rather than for challenges, and new Premier League rules could see this number increase even higher if they don’t make significant changes.
According to the Chelsea website, only the captain, whether that is Reece James or anyone deputising for him, can contest or discuss a decision with the referee.
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With five yellow cards leading to a suspension, Chelsea cannot afford for their players to pick up unnecessary bookings, even if they are set up with far greater squad depth this season.
Liam Delap celebrates scoring during VisitMalta Weekender - Chelsea FC v AC Milan
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Chelsea yellow card stats 24/25
Predictably, Moises Caicedo picked up the most yellow cards for Chelsea last season, however he survived picking up a two game ban late in the season.
Chelsea most yellow cards 25/25 Total
Moises Caicedo 11
Marc Cucurella 9
Levi Colwill 9
Pedro Neto 8
Enzo Fernandez 8
Delap totalled more than any other Chelsea player, and showed that this could still be an issue during the Club World Cup.
He was suspended for a game during the Club World Cup for picking up two yellow cards, despite them coming in his first four appearances for the club.
The Englishman will need to address this issue immediately, with strong competition for his place in the side from Joao Pedro.