Four Chelsea Predictions for 2023/24
After a hugely disappointing 2022/23 campaign, Chelsea will head into the new season with renewed optimism following a largely positive summer.
Several positive results during pre-season have raised hopes that the Blues can return to the upper echelons of the Premier League this term.
The latest Betway odds put Chelsea firmly in the mix for a top four finish, with the online bookmaker rating them as 13/8 shots to qualify for the Champions League.
Read on as we offer our Chelsea predictions for 2023/24, starting with a shout-out for a player we expect to be a big hit this season.
Jackson to be a thriller for Chelsea
Having netted just 38 goals in the Premier League last season, Chelsea desperately needed to bring in some additional firepower.
Their £30.1 million acquisition of Nicolas Jackson has gone under the radar a little, but early impressions of him are extremely promising.
Jackson was on the target a couple of times during Chelsea’s tour of the United States to continue the excellent goalscoring form he showed for Villarreal at the end of last season.
His ability to travel with the ball at pace and excellent shooting accuracy will ensure he is a handful for Premier League defences this term.
Ageless Silva set for another stellar campaign
Given that he will celebrate his 39th birthday in September, you would be forgiven for thinking Thiago Silva is in wind down mode.
However, he has looked in excellent shape during pre-season and will likely play a key role under Mauricio Pochettino this season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager is famed for developing younger players, but is savvy enough to know that Silva’s experience remains vital to Chelsea.
While the club are still in the market for defensive reinforcements, Silva will continue to feature regularly in the first team next term.
Pochettino may regret not replacing Arrizabalaga
With Edouard Mendy joining the exodus to the Saudi Pro League this summer, Kepa Arrizabalaga will be Pochettino’s first choice goalkeeper this season.
It is an extremely big call by the new Chelsea boss and is one he could end up regretting given the Spaniard’s previous performances for the club.
Arrizabalaga arrived at Chelsea with a massive reputation, but he has largely failed to live up to expectations since his big-money move from Athletic Bilbao.
The 28-year-old should now be entering the peak of his career and can ill-afford to show the frailties he has previously demonstrated.
Chelsea worth backing in the domestic cups
While Pochettino failed to win silverware with Tottenham, he did guide them to the finals of the League Cup (2014/15) and Champions League (2018/19).
With a more talented squad at his disposal, the Chelsea boss will fancy his chances of getting his hands on a trophy next season.
The Blues do not have Europe to distract them, which will allow them to focus on finishing in the top four and making progress in the domestic cups.
They are a best-priced 10/1 to win the FA Cup and 11/1 to claim the League Cup – covering both outcomes may well deliver a winning return.
