Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League and only six points behind the leaders Arsenal. This makes them dark horses in the title race. Enzo Maresca needs to add more silverware, along with the Club World Cup and the Europa Conference League, if he is to remain the Blues' head coach in the long term.
What might Chelsea's dream lineup look like in 2026?
Under the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea, the Blues have spent big, just like they did when Roman Abramovich owned the club. The West London club currently has too many players, with Raheem Sterling frozen out. There could be just as many outgoings as incomings in January.
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Robert Sanchez excelled in the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, but the goalkeeping position is still considered to be the weak spot in Chelsea's lineup. Mike Maignan of AC Milan has been a long-term target for the Blues.
Maignan's contract with the Serie A side expires next summer, so they risk losing him on a free transfer if they do not sell in January. However, Milan will not be willing to let their goalkeeper go if they do not have a replacement.
Right-back: Reece James
Reece James is the Chelsea captain, and they also have a superb understudy in Malo Gusto. James appears to have gotten over his injury troubles and could expect even more game time for the second half of the campaign.
Center-backs: Marc Guéhi and Trevoh Chalobah
Marc Guéhi came close to joining Liverpool from Crystal Palace on deadline day of the summer transfer window. His deal with Palace is set to expire next summer, so Palace will likely lose him for nothing if they do not sell in January.
Whilst his heart might be set on joining the Premier League champions, Guéhi is a former Chelsea player, so a return to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards.
Trevoh Chalobah has impressed at the heart of Chelsea's defence this season. He knows Guehi well, as they have played together when Chalobah was on loan at Palace for the first half of last season. The two players have also played together at the youth team level for Chelsea and England.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella is regarded as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. Therefore, there is no doubt he will continue to start for the second half of the campaign.
Central-midfield: Moises Caicedo and Adam Wharton
Moises Caicedo is the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. The Blues' midfield could be bolstered by the addition of Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. However, the signing would leave Maresca with a headache about how to fit Enzo Fernández into the starting lineup as well.
Attacking-midfield: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been Chelsea's talisman in recent years, but is currently injured. He is expected to return in December, and Maresca will need his star player back.
Right-wing: Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto is hitting good form as he has scored twice and made two assists in his last four Premier League games. Chelsea forwards are always under pressure, but Neto's ability to play on either wing makes him a great option for Maresca.
Left-wing: Alejandro Garnacho
Alajandro Garnacho is proving a common theme that players get better after leaving Manchester United. The Argentine international provided two assists in Chelsea's last game against Wolverhampton Wanderers and will be expected to continue this form.
Striker: João Pedro
When Palmer returns to his attacking midfield role, João Pedro, who has filled the role recently, should retake his place up front. He is Chelsea's preferred center-forward option ahead of Liam Delap.