Cole Palmer is undoubtedly one of the most in-form players in the Premier League right now and potentially world football. After a breakout season in 2023/24, he’s already proving it was no fluke. As Chelsea’s main man, it’s vital they have him available more often than not, which means they must manage his minutes.

Palmer, 22, has been a revelation since swapping Manchester City for Chelsea just over a year ago. The attacking midfielder has quickly established himself as a serious talent, scoring goals and providing assists. But after so much football since arriving at Stamford Bridge, it’s key that his fitness load is monitored, which will allow him to play consistently at the top of his game for the West Londoners and England.

In all competitions in 2023/24, Palmer made forty-eight appearances, scoring a stunning twenty-seven goals from his attacking midfield berth while also weighing in with fifteen assists. He made forty-eight appearances in total, but crucially, he only started forty-three of those games, with his combined minutes registering at 3,734, which works out at 41.5 full games completed.

It appears as though Chelsea and manager Enzo Maresca are keen to manage how much football their talisman is playing in 2024/25, as he was left out of the club’s squad for the UEFA Conference League group stage, although he is expected to be registered if Chelsea advance as expected. Palmer was also absent from the matchday squad for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Barrow.

Chelsea have played seven Premier League games at the time of writing, with Palmer starting all seven. However, he has been withdrawn before full-time on two occasions. The first time came against Wolves, where Palmer had scored once and supplied three assists. Maresca also withdrew him against West Ham, another game in which he scored.

There’s arguably no player more in form than Palmer right now. From the seven games he’s started domestically, he’s scored six and made five assists. That’s eleven direct goal involvements in just seven outings. Palmer starts games and is expected to score, which is why he’s often searched for in the various Premier League betting markets that exist.

Every time Chelsea play and Palmer is on the pitch, there’s a big chance that both will be successful. Chelsea lost to Palmer’s former club, Manchester City, in their first fixture of the season, but since then, they’ve won four and drawn two, and it’s in these games that Palmer has scored six and made five assists. He scored four first-half goals against Brighton in stunning fashion, too.

If Chelsea and their fitness and medical staff are clever in tandem with Maresca, they could keep the England international at the top of his game consistently throughout the campaign. This will involve being subbed off in some games, usually when he’s already wreaked havoc on the opposition. He may also have to start a few matches on the bench. It will probably infuriate Palmer, but it will be a case of short-term pain for long-term gain.

Following a strong finish to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Chelsea have begun the current season in impressive form, to the delight of the Stamford Bridge faithful and punters supporting the Blues at the best betting websites.

Several factors have contributed to this solid start – notably the deadly counterattacking play and Nicolas Jackson’s improvement in front of goal. Another noteworthy element has been the influential introduction of a man who found himself in the shadows at Old Trafford.

Excellent Start to Loan Spell

Jadon Sancho’s arrival at Chelsea has brought an immediate spark, putting pressure on his teammates, particularly Mykhaylo Mudryk, whose struggles have been further highlighted by Sancho’s impressive start. Although Sancho hasn’t even completed a full 90 minutes on the pitch for Chelsea, his influence is already undeniable, with two assists in just two appearances.

In his debut start against West Ham, the 24-year-old delivered a sublime assist to set up Nicolas Jackson for the opening goal, just days after coming off the bench to help Christopher Nkunku net the winning goal against Bournemouth. With these two assists, Sancho has already matched Mudryk’s assist tally from last season — a concerning comparison for the Ukrainian winger.

£25m Bargain?

Mudryk, 23, who was signed for an eye-watering potential fee of £88 million, has struggled to make his mark at Stamford Bridge since arriving in January 2023. Despite making 18 Premier League starts last season and scoring five goals, his overall creativity has been lacking, with only two assists to his name throughout the campaign. On the other hand, Sancho, who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester United, has made an immediate impact and seems ready to cement his place in the starting lineup under Enzo Maresca.

Sancho’s loan deal includes an obligation to buy for around £25 million — a fraction of the price Chelsea paid for Mudryk. The contrast in value makes Sancho’s rapid adaptation even more impressive and a further indictment of Mudryk’s underwhelming 20-month spell in London.

All Round Contributor

The ripple effect of Sancho’s impressive performances also extends to the lingering questions surrounding his departure from Manchester United. After being exiled by Erik ten Hag, Sancho revived his form during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, helping the team reach the Champions League final. Although a permanent return to Germany never materialized, Chelsea quickly capitalized on the situation, benefiting from Sancho’s fresh determination and quality.

Sancho’s impact isn’t just in attack. His willingness to track back and contribute defensively has also impressed Maresca, who praised the winger’s work ethic on and off the pitch. This contrasts with Mudryk, who has struggled to adapt to the tactical demands of the Premier League, particularly defensively.

Mudryk Down the Pecking Order

With Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto competing for attacking roles, Mudryk could soon find himself sidelined if he fails to step up. Despite this, Mudryk will likely have opportunities to prove himself in upcoming fixtures, such as Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Barrow and their UEFA Conference League campaign. These matches could provide the 23-year-old with crucial minutes to rebuild his confidence and fight for his place in the team.

While Mudryk’s future at Chelsea is not under immediate threat, the January transfer window could bring renewed speculation about his role in Maresca’s squad. For now, it’s essential that he finds consistency and follows Sancho’s lead in taking advantage of his opportunities on the pitch.

Ultimately, Sancho’s brilliant start has raised the bar at Chelsea, leaving Mudryk with a clear challenge — to fight for his place and prove his worth. Whether he can do so remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that Sancho has reinvigorated Chelsea’s attack, and his presence could play a pivotal role in the club’s pursuit of success this season.

As one of the most decorated clubs in English football history, Chelsea have tasted success in every domestic and European competition at least once and are always a popular choice for punters taking advantage of the best free bets available online.

On the back of a solid start to the Premier League season, Chelsea kicks off their 2024/25 Carabao Cup campaign with a home clash against League Two outfit Barrow A.F.C. on Tuesday, 24th of September. Will this be the beginning of a journey towards Wembley and a place alongside the following five League Cup-winning sides?

1965 Final: Chelsea 3–2 Leicester City (First League Cup Win)

Chelsea’s first significant achievement in the League Cup came in 1965, under manager Tommy Docherty. The final was played over two legs against Leicester City. Chelsea won the first leg at Stamford Bridge 3–2 and then secured a 0-0 draw in the second leg at Filbert Street to win their first-ever major trophy.

Led by stars like Bobby Tambling and Peter Bonetti, Chelsea showed resilience throughout the tournament. This victory was particularly historic as it marked the club’s emergence as a competitive force in English football. Though the League Cup wasn’t yet regarded as highly as other domestic competitions, this win laid the foundation for future successes.

1998 Final: Chelsea 2–0 Middlesbrough (Gianluca Vialli’s Era)

The late 1990s marked the rise of Chelsea as a true domestic and European power. Under player-manager Gianluca Vialli, Chelsea beat Blackburn Rovers, Southampton, Ipswich Town and London rivals Arsenal en route to a clash with a Bryan Robson-led Middlesbrough in the final.

With the North East club putting up stern resistance, the Blues needed extra time to get their hands on the trophy, thanks to strikes from Frank Sinclair and Roberto Di Matteo.

2005 Final: Chelsea 3–2 Liverpool (José Mourinho’s First Trophy)

Perhaps one of the most memorable League Cup finals for Chelsea fans came in 2005 when José Mourinho led the club to victory over Liverpool. The match was a thrilling encounter that required extra time. Liverpool took the lead after one minute through John Arne Riise, but Chelsea equalized in the 79th minute, courtesy of an own goal from Steven Gerrard.

In extra time, Chelsea took control with goals from Didier Drogba and Mateja Kežman to secure a 3–2 victory. This triumph was significant because it marked José Mourinho’s first trophy in English football, setting the stage for Chelsea’s domestic dominance in the years to come. The victory also solidified the reputation of Mourinho as a master tactician and Chelsea as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League and cup competitions.

2007 Final: Chelsea 2–1 Arsenal (Drogba’s Masterclass)

Two years after Mourinho’s first League Cup triumph, Chelsea once again reached the final in 2007 – this time facing a young Arsenal side brimming with talent. Arsenal took the lead early in the game through Theo Walcott, but Didier Drogba, who had developed a reputation for stepping up in big moments, equalized soon after with a smart finish from inside the area.

The match looked destined for extra time, but Drogba struck again late in the second half, scoring the winner with a trademark header. This 2–1 victory gave Chelsea their fourth League Cup trophy and reinforced the club’s winning mentality under Mourinho.

2015 Final: Chelsea 2–0 Tottenham Hotspur (Mourinho’s Return)

In 2015, José Mourinho was back at Chelsea for his second stint, and he once again guided the club to League Cup success. In the final, Chelsea faced their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, a team that had beaten them 5-3 in the Premier League earlier in the season.

However, the final was a completely different affair, with Chelsea delivering a controlled and clinical performance. John Terry scored the opener just before halftime, and a Kyle Walker own goal in the second half secured a 2–0 victory for Chelsea. This win was significant as it was Mourinho’s first trophy during his second tenure at the club and set the tone for Chelsea’s Premier League title win later that season.

Since winning the Champions League back in 2021, a lot has changed for Chelsea. Todd Boehly is the new chairman, three managers have been fired, and the club has ultimately struggled to stay inside the top 4, having finished 12th and 6th in recent seasons. Not to mention, only Ben Chilwell and Reece James remain from the 2021 Champions League winning XI, symbolizing how much has changed in just over three years.

Now, it’s a new era for Chelsea. With Enzo Meraesca at the helm, the aim for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign is to make a huge push for the top 4 and finally return to Champions League football. Is this possible? Yes — especially now that Chelsea’s bloated £1bn squad finally looks like it’s starting to click, which was apparent towards the backend of last season when the club went on a great run of form under Mauricio Pochettino.

Premier League 2024/25: Chelsea Top 4 Odds 

According to the sportsbook insider site, Gamble USA, most sportsbooks have Chelsea listed with 9/4 odds to make the top 4. Unlike Manchester City and Arsenal, Chelsea aren’t an outright favorite to land a Champions League position, but the odds still reflect that most sportsbooks believe there’s a strong possibility they will. However, Chelsea are in the race against Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham, who are also tipped by bookies to push for a top 4 place during the 2024/25 season.

What Chelsea Need to Finish in the Top 4

If Chelsea are to finish inside the top 4, several things need to happen.

Firstly, Chelsea are in urgent need of an out-and-out striker, which the club has desperately missed over recent years. If Chelsea can get their hands on a top number 9 before the transfer window closes or even later on in January, then it’ll swing the top 4 odds in their favor.

Without signing a striker, though, they’ll be left to rely on Nicolas Jackson, who many believe isn’t the level that Chelsea need to reestablish themselves as a top 4 team. There’s also Christopher Nkunku and returning signing João Félix, who (despite being excellent players) are not out-and-out strikers. This is why Chelsea are currently pushing to sign Victor Osimhen, as the Napoli striker could be the missing part of the puzzle and turn them into a legitimate Premier League threat once again.

Another major plus for Chelsea will be if Cole Palmer can maintain his red-hot form from the 2023-24 season, where he truly put his name on the map. Palmer is also coming off an impressive Euro 2024, after making some exciting cameo appearances off the bench and even grabbing a goal in the final against Spain. Undoubtedly, if Palmer manages to improve on his form from last season and progress even further, Chelsea will be right up there during the business end of the campaign.

Just like in previous seasons, though, there are some factors that might hold Chelsea back during the 2024-25 season. As mentioned earlier, Chelsea’s squad is still extremely bloated and consists largely of young and unproven players. On top of this, new manager Enzo Maresca is lacking in “big club” experience, which could leave him vulnerable if Chelsea don’t get off to a good start. Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, and Thomas Tuchel have all been sacked before him, so Maresca will have to start picking up results fast if he wants to avoid being added to Todd Boehly’s long list of sackings.

Who Are Chelsea’s New Signings? 

Todd Boehly has faced intense criticism since taking over at Chelsea, but nobody can deny that he isn’t afraid to spend big. Already, the squad he’s amassed is worth over £1bn, with many of the star players being signed to huge bumper contracts. And even though Chelsea’s spending has slowed down over recent months so that they can avoid FFP charges, the club has made (and is still making) some exciting moves in the transfer market. For the 2024/25 campaign alone, the Blues have signed:

• João Félix
• Tosin Adarabioyo
• Omari Kellyman
• Marc Guiu
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
• Renato Veiga

There’s also an extremely strong chance that Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, and Jadon Sancho, will be added to Chelsea’s list of summer signings, making the current squad one of the most valuable in European football history. However, signing players is the easy part — it’s getting the most out of them on the pitch that matters. Naturally, because Chelsea have so many players, Enzo Maresca will have to become a master at squad rotation and man management in a short space of time if he wants this season to be a success.

What’s clear is that Chelsea are sticking with their new transfer policy of signing players on extended deals in order to spread transfer fee costs while also maintaining player market value. For example, Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez are currently signed to nine-year deals, while the returning João Félix has just penned a 7-year contract. It’s certainly a controversial way of doing transfers, but time will tell whether it’s a business masterstroke by club owner Todd Boehly.

Will Chelsea Play Europa League Football This Season? 

Despite finishing 6th place under Pochettino, Chelsea will be playing Europa League football this season. Specifically, they’re playing in the Europa Conference League, which is only possible thanks to Chelsea’s excellent run of form towards the backend of last season. It will provide the Blues with an excellent opportunity to grab a trophy this season while earning automatic qualification for next season’s Europa League, too. This would also be Enzo Maresca’s first major trophy as a manager, so he’ll be desperate to go far in the competition.

Summary 

All signs point to Chelsea being in and around the top 4 come the end of the 2024/25 season. Enzo Maresca is looking to get off to a flying start, a large bulk of the squad now appears to be settled, and some big summer signings have just come through the door, including fan-favorite João Félix. So, if everything can click into place and the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle have poor seasons, there’s nothing to stop Chelsea from landing third or fourth position in the Premier League table.