Chelsea

Chelsea have played in the top division of English football since 1989/90, and have always played in the top two divisions of English football. Chelsea have won the Premier League five times. Only Manchester Utd have won it more often.

• Stadium: Stamford Bridge  
• Stadium Capacity: 41,631
• Location: West London
• Founded: 1905
• Nickname: The Blues
• Manager: Maurizio Sarri
• Kit: Dark blue shirts and shorts with white socks 

Chelsea was formed in 1905 but the Blues most successful era has been the last twenty years. Chelsea are the only London club to have won the Champions League. Some famous Chelsea fans include: Emma Watson, Will Ferrell, Michael Caine and Ed Sheeran. Here are some of the highlights:

• League Champions: 6 times
• FA Cup Winners: 8 times
• League Cup Winners: 5 times
• Champions League Winners: 2011/12
• UEFA Europa League: Winners in 2012/13
• Premier League best finish: Winners in 2004/5, 2005/06, 2009/10, 2011/12 & 2016/17 

The Manager

Maurizio Sarri took over from Antonio Conte his fellow Italian, in July 2018. The 2018/19 season will be Sarri’s first n the Premier League. Sarri worked as a banker until he was 40 years old before taking up coaching full-time. He has managed 12 different clubs in Italy and had the most success with Napoli. Napoli finished in third in 2016/17 and second in 2017/18 with Sarri in charge. Chelsea will be Sarri’s first job away from Italy but he will have someone to help him at Chelsea. Gianfranco Zola, who played 229 times for Chelsea, will be Sarri’s assistant at Stamford Bridge.

Three to Watch

Here are three Chelsea players to keep an eye on in the Premier League this season:

Eden Hazard

Hazard has been one of the best Premier League players of his generation. Since his arrival at Chelsea in 2012, Hazard has won the Premier League twice and been named Premier League player of the season. If Chelsea keep hold of Hazard, the Blues will have one of the world’s most creative talents in their starting line-up. 

Jorginho

Chelsea paid Napoli over £50 million for Jorginho in July 2018. The midfielder was born in Brazil but plays for the Italian national team. He has arrived in London at the same time as the former-Napoli manager, Maurizio Sarri. Jorginho usually plays as a creative midfielder and has a similar style to Cesc Fabregas. 

Thibaut Courtois

Courtois joined Chelsea in 2011 and is now recognised as one of the world’s best goalkeepers. He won the Golden Glove for Belgium at the World Cup in Russia and has won the Premier League twice with Chelsea. 

Last season

Chelsea finished fifth in the Premier League last season and failed to qualify for the Champions League. It was a disappointing season for the team that had won the Premier League in 2016/17. This prompted a change in manager with ex-Napoli manager, Maurizio Sarri, arriving in the summer. Chelsea’s top scorer was Eden Hazard with 12 Premier League goals.

Prediction 2018/19: 3rd

Chelsea will be looking to break back into the top four and to claim Champions League football this season. If Chelsea can hold on to players such as Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois they should have a good season under their new manager. If that doesn’t happen then a top four place may be out of reach.