Chelsea: What to expect in the 2022/23 Premier League season

Chelsea have had a busier summer than most Premier League clubs, with a new ownership team in place and some headline incomings and outgoings. 

After a bright start, Thomas Tuchel’s side were unable to mount a title challenge last term, with the Blues struggling to match the relentless pace set by Manchester City and Liverpool. They will hope that more off-field stability helps them to close the gap this time around, but Tuchel himself has publicly acknowledged that it will not be easy.

So, what can we expect from Chelsea in the 2022/23 Premier League season?

Top players 

Mason Mount was deservedly named as Chelsea’s Player of the Year last time out, and he will be integral to their efforts this campaign. Intelligent, versatile and technically gifted, Mount is always one of the first names on Tuchel’s team sheet. Chelsea fans will be looking forward to seeing him link up with Raheem Sterling, who has joined from Manchester City.

One of the main reasons for Chelsea’s drop-off in the second half of last season was the absence through injury of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. The wing-backs are crucial in the 3-4-3 system and Chelsea will be much more of an attacking threat with the two England internationals back in the side (James is fit again but Chilwell is not quite ready).

This could be N’Golo Kante’s last season at Stamford Bridge and the ball-winning expert will be particularly important in the biggest games. Up front, Kai Havertz will be tasked with combining his fantastic link-up play with a more prolific edge inside the penalty area, while at the other end Chelsea can rely on the excellent Edouard Mendy between the sticks.

The Romelu Lukaku experiment failed at Chelsea, but Kai Havertz should slot into the number 9 position

Formation and tactics

There is no sign of Tuchel deviating from his favoured 3-4-3 system just yet, although the German has suggested that the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly – a fine replacement for Antonio Rudiger – would allow Chelsea to switch to a four-man backline if required. However many players they employ in defence, the Blues will look to hold a high line and keep the distances between the three parts of the team compact.

As mentioned earlier, the wing-backs are critical in this formation: not only do they supply the attacking width, they are the main source of creativity for Chelsea. 

The Romelu Lukaku experiment did not work, so Havertz will continue as a false nine. Tuchel will encourage him to use his smart movement to create space for the likes of Sterling, who will probably be Chelsea’s chief goal-getter.

Strengths and weaknesses

Chelsea still have a starting XI that can compete with any other team in the country in a one-off match. Sterling is as close to a guarantee as you can get at this level, while Mount has consistently proved himself to be one of the best players in the division in his position. 

Perhaps most importantly, Tuchel is a brilliant manager who has the full backing of the supporters. A sharp tactician, he has the ability to bring out the best in the players at his disposal.

It could take some time for a new-look defence to gel, however, not least because Chelsea are still looking to add at least one more centre-half to the ranks. Their pursuit of Jules Kounde has ended in failure, so there is plenty of work for the recruitment team still to do in the final weeks of the window.

There is also a question mark over the midfield, especially whether it provides enough creativity. Jorginho is a tempo-setter rather than a chance creator, while neither Kante nor Mateo Kovacic – both excellent players in other areas – are known for racking up large numbers of assists.

How does the team compare to last year

Sterling is the most exciting addition. A four-time champion with Manchester City, he is a no-risk signing given his proven quality and Premier League experience. Able to play right across the frontline, he will probably operate from the right at Stamford Bridge. A likely front three of Mount, Havertz and Sterling is an upgrade on last year.

Koulibaly was bought as a result of Antonio Rudiger’s departure. He is similarly aggressive and strong in the air, so there should not be much of a stylistic change on account of his arrival. 

It will be interesting to see what the season holds for Conor Gallagher, one of the standout performers in the division during his loan spell at Crystal Palace in 2021/22. The England international is unlikely to be part of Tuchel’s first-choice XI but he is sure to get plenty of minutes, either in the front three or as a midfielder with the license to make late runs in to the box.

Prediction

Fourth. Pre-season has not gone to plan but it would be a mistake to read too much into that. Chelsea’s squad is stronger than it was in 2021/22 and they will not have to deal with as many off-field distractions this time around either. A place in the top four is theirs to lose.