Chelsea kick off their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with hopes that the next nine months will bring plenty of positive results, memorable moments and, ultimately, silverware.
As football fans, we all love making our predictions at the start of a new season. From who will lift the Premier League trophy and win the Player of the Season award to which players will make the biggest impact, there are plenty of talking points to debate. And, of course, for the FPL managers among us, the question is simple: who is going to deliver the biggest points haul for our teams?
Therefore, we’re making four bold predictions for the 2026/27 season. Come back in May and see just how close, or how far away, Pride of London was from the truth.
Finish third
Chelsea finishing third would represent a huge turnaround after last season's disappointing 10th-place finish, but there are reasons to believe Xabi Alonso can make it happen. Experience, no Europe and added quality.
The Blues have added experience through Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, while Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix provide quality in key areas. Crucially, Chelsea have no European football this season, giving Alonso a full week to prepare for most league fixtures.
If Cole Palmer remains fit and João Pedro can maintain his impressive form, Chelsea have enough attacking quality to compete with the league’s best. A top-three finish may sound ambitious, but this squad has the potential to return to the Premier League’s top table, with pundits already predicting a closely fought title race.
Best defence in the league
Defensive inconsistency was one of Chelsea's biggest problems last season, with the Blues losing 14 of their 38 league matches and finishing 10th.
Alonso's arrival should bring a much more structured approach, as he is seen as a tactician and the potential for stronger defence focused formation. Plus, the signing ofMaxence Lacroix adds pace and experience to the defence, something that was often questioned last year in Levi Colwill’s absence.
The anticipated 3-4-2-1 system should also provide greater protection through an extra centre-back and two central deep-lying midfielders. Chelsea may have moments of vulnerability while adapting to Alonso's ideas, but the lack of European football should allow the manager to drill his defensive principles into the squad. A total below 33 goals conceded would represent a significant improvement and make them challenge for the trophies.
Enzo Fernandez will stay and become player of season
The villain of the piece after pushing for a move to Real Madrid towards the end of last season, only for Chelsea to reject the approach. Manchester City were also keen to reunite him with Enzo Maresca, but that opportunity has now passed, leaving Xabi Alonso to count on the Argentine for the coming season.
Fernandez can turn the narrative around this season and prove just how influential he can be in Alonso’s new-look midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and in attack could add another dimension to Chelsea’s play, making him a key figure as the Blues look to challenge at the top end of the Premier League.
Best record against the Top 4
Xabi Alonso has shown throughout his managerial career that he can get results against the biggest teams, particularly during his time in the Bundesliga, with glimpses of that same quality during his spell at Real Madrid. Now, with his future at Stamford Bridge, he will be looking to establish Chelsea as a side capable of dominating their biggest rivals.
We’re predicting just one defeat in Chelsea’s away fixtures against the traditional top sides, with the Blues expected to come out on top against both Liverpool and Manchester City. If Alonso can deliver in these big games, it could prove crucial in Chelsea’s push towards the top of the Premier League.
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