How might Chelsea line up? Strengths, weaknesses and predicted finish

There is a wave of excitement surrounding Chelsea this season following their spectacular summer blow out and a title challenge is now the minimum requirement for Frank Lampard for the new campaign.

Having already previewed Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, it's time to turn our focus to Chelsea. What are Chelsea's strengths and weaknesses and where will they finish the season?

Last Season

Chelsea battled to a fourth place finish in the Premier League last season in Frank Lampard's first season in charge. Lampard was unable to sign any players this time last year due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban but did just enough to clinch a Champions League qualification spot. They finished level on points with third place Manchester United and have gone big in this transfer window to aim even higher. Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Arsenal, were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Manchester United in the fourth round and were dumped out of the Champions League by eventual-winners Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

Strengths

Where to start with this one. Chelsea have strengthened all over the pitch this summer and have assembled a formidable squad. Despite bolstering their defensive options, with Rennes' shot-stopper Edouard Mendy also on the verge of signing, Chelsea still remain top heavy.

The arrival of German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in big money deals is particularly exciting for Chelsea supporters. With Christian Pulisic and fellow summer arrival Hakim Ziyech on the flanks, Chelsea arguably have the best attacking unit in the Premier League.

Weaknesses

Once Chelsea get a deal over the line for Kepa's replacement, it's difficult to really pinpoint a weakness in the squad. There are doubts whether a 35-year-old Thiago Silva is the solution to their defensive woes but on a free transfer the ex-PSG captain it's a hugely intriguing signing.

Now Chelsea appear sorted on the pitch, the biggest questions are now being asked of Lampad and his managerial credentials. Into just his third season as a coach, is he cut out to get the best from Chelsea's star-studded squad and turn them into Premier League champions?

Transfer roundup

Chelsea have spent more than £200m on new players this summer and are set to continue their extraordinary spending spree with the arrival of Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy imminent.

Frank Lampard has bolstered at the back with big money arrival of Leicester's Ben Chilwell for £50m and the free signings of Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr following their release from PSG and Nice, respectively.

A deal to sign Hakim Ziyech from Ajax was done in May, while Chelsea have signed welcomed German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz from RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively, for more than £100m combined.

Veteran wingers Pedro and Willian have left after their contracts expired and Chelsea are still working to sell players like Tiemoue Bakayoko, Kepa, Michy Batshuayi and Emerson.

Prediction

Chelsea finished last season in fourth place but after spending more than £200m on new players they must challenge for the title at the very least in 2020/21. The problem is Chelsea finished 15 points off second and 33 adrift of champions Liverpool. It would require Chelsea's new signings to gel instantly and a solution to last season's defensive woes. Nonetheless, anything lower than a third place finish would be considered a real disappointment for Chelsea.

Predicted League Finish: 3rd