Chelsea will head into the 2023/24 season with one primary objective – to force their way back into the top four in the Premier League.
The Blues finished 12th last term to miss out on European qualification, but they head into the new campaign with renewed optimism after a positive summer.
Chelsea have shipped out plenty of deadwood while bringing in some quality new signings to work under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Finishing in the top four will be the minimum requirement next season, so let’s take a closer look at how the battle is likely to shape up.
Man City fancied to make it four-in-a-row
Manchester City are aiming to win the title for the fourth successive year and rated as odds-on favourites by Betway to get the job done.
Even if the bookmakers have called this one wrong, it is impossible to imagine Man City not finishing somewhere inside the top four.
Pep Guardiola has built a formidable squad at the Etihad Stadium and their experience of winning silverware will stand them in good stead next term.
While Man City are impossible to oppose in the outright betting market, which team will be their closest challengers is less clear.
Arsenal expecting to close the gap on City
Arsenal were in the title conversation for most of last season, but they were overhauled by Guardiola’s relentless City machine on the run-in.
The Gunners ended the campaign five points adrift of the champions and will expect to finish closer this time around.
However, with question marks hanging over their summer transfer business, it would be foolish to overestimate Arsenal’s chances of toppling City.
The odds suggest they should finish in the top four, but it is not beyond the realms of possibility for them to suffer a drop in performances this season.
Northern big guns will be troublesome
Manchester United were much-improved under manager Erik ten Hag last season and could be a good bet to emerge as Man City’s main challengers.
They have improved their squad this summer and should be firmly entrenched in the top four as the season progresses.
Liverpool will also expect to be in the mix after finishing fifth last season and may well be Chelsea’s main obstacle to getting back into the top four.
Newcastle United are another team who could be in contention, although they may find it tough to replicate last season’s third place this time around.
Top four return is on the cards for Chelsea
With no European football to distract them, Chelsea can fully focus their efforts on bagging a top four spot in the Premier League.
Man City look guaranteed to maintain their status at the top, while Man United are a good bet to make further progress under Ten Hag.
Arsenal and Liverpool should also be in contention and we anticipate that Jurgen Klopp’s side will be the biggest barrier to Chelsea’s hopes.
The Blues undoubtedly have a squad capable of finishing in the top four and they are fancied to get over the line, albeit narrowly ahead of Liverpool.
