Chelsea

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  1. Is James' return key to improving the defence? published at 08:24 18 October

    Your views banner
    Reece James and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Chelsea during a training sessionImage source, Getty Images

    We asked you to tell us one thing - good or bad - that no-one is talking about at Chelsea.

    Here are some of your comments:

    James: Nobody is talking about Reece James as he returns to training. A lot has been made of his ability to hack it in the Premier League with his injury but the reality is that Chelsea need their captain. They are desperately missing leadership on the field to settle games and avoid chaotic high-scoring encounters every week.

    Stevie: The fact James can't stay fit and even when he is, he is going to have to earn his place in the side as Malo Gusto has emerged as a fantastic right-back. It may be time to cash in on a player who is unable to play even half a season and also has problems with reckless challenges.

    Chris: We are OK going forward, but Enzo Maresca needs to sort the defence out - and quickly. A clean sheet would be nice, but every time Robert Sanchez or any of the back four get the ball, everyone's hearts go to their mouths!

    John: The one thing people aren't talking about is how bad the defence is. Chelsea beating teams that they should be beating should not be as lauded as it has been. It just shows how rubbish we were last year that "hooray, we beat Wolves" is accepted. Benoit Badashile and Axel Disasi are just awful and will be exposed against bigger teams.

    Richard: We have some tough games coming up with little respite until mid-November. We've won simply by outscoring in some matches, so there's plenty to improve on and we'll need to be on the top of our game to come through against Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham with enforced changes. I'll be impressed if we can!

    Mathew: I would say the thing that isn't being spoken about enough is how good it was to get rid of Mauricio Pochettino in May. I know it's early in the season but Maresca has started well for us despite half of the fanbase getting on his back after the pre-season we had and the first game of the season. I’m now just hoping that the good run continues.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  2. Gossip: Casadei encouraged to reconsider Chelsea futurepublished at 07:03 18 October

    Gossip graphic

    Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei has been advised by Italy Under-21 boss Carmine Nunziata to consider his Blues future in January if he is not getting game time. (Rai Radio 1 via Metro), external

    New England boss Thomas Tuchel could make approaches for staff currently at his former club Chelsea, with the German keen to assemble a new backroom team he trusts. (Mail), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

  3. The Opta supercomputer October update on race for Europepublished at 18:33 17 October

    Predicted Premier League final table by Opta AnalystImage source, Opta

    After the October international break, the Opta supercomputer has updated its projected final Premier League table.

    It is only seven matches into the campaign so much can still change, but the season is beginning to take shape. The supercomputer simulates thousands of seasons and takes the percentage each side finishes in each league position.

    After a strong start under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's chances of finishing fourth have increased from 19.5% to 37.1%.

    Newcastle are second favourites for fourth spot at 15.1% - down slightly from 17.5% at the start of the campaign - followed by Tottenham at 14% which is up slightly from 11.6% before a ball was kicked.

    Aston Villa's continued good form has seen their probability of finishing fourth go from 5.6% to 13.2%, with their most likely finish now fifth at 18.1%. Before the start of the season it was seventh or eighth, both at 11.1%.

    Manchester United's poor start is reflected in their chance of finishing fourth dropping from 12.9% to just 2.1%.

  4. The Opta supercomputer October update on the title racepublished at 18:33 17 October

    Predicted Premier League final table by Opta AnalystImage source, Opta

    After the October international break, the Opta supercomputer, external has updated its projected final Premier League table.

    It is only seven matches into the campaign so much can still change but the season is beginning to take shape. The supercomputer simulates thousands of seasons and takes the percentage each side finishes in each league position.

    As at the start of the campaign, Manchester City remain favourites for the title, but the supercomputer is not as convinced, suggesting the chance of them winning a fifth in a row has fallen from 82.2% to 69.4% of simulations.

    Arsenal are still the second favourites and after a strong start have seen their chances improve from 12.2% to 19.6%.

    Current leaders Liverpool are currently projected to win their second Premier League title in 10.8% of simulations, which is more than double their pre-season projection of 5.1%.

    According to Opta, Chelsea are the only other side to have any chance, but Enzo Maresca's side won the title in only 140 of the 10,000 simulations!

    The Blues are fancied to finish in the top four though, making the Champions League places 37.9% of the time.

  5. Who is Chelsea's fastest player?published at 16:50 17 October

    A yellow question mark on a background overlays an image of Stamford BridgeImage source, BBC Sport

    Who is Chelsea's fastest player?

    HINT: It is one of the summer signings.

    Find out here

  6. 'Variance is far bigger for younger players'published at 16:01 17 October

    BBC Planet Premier League podcast logo

    Before Chelsea's trip to Liverpool on Sunday, former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha has been speaking about the Blues and the possibility their young team may "collapse" in certain games.

    Speaking on BBC Sounds' Planet Premier League podcast, Onuoha said: "They use this talk in a lot of American sports, they spend a lot of time talking about the ceiling and the floor.

    "I think for younger players that variance is far bigger than those that are more established.

    "Going into this game against Liverpool at Anfield, you could talk me into believing they're going to win, but you could talk me into believing they're going to lose 6-0.

    "Some of that is due to some of the traits young players tend to have. Their ceiling can be so high but at times things can just cave in and they can just collapse - we saw this last season."

    Former Aston Villa and West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger believes there have been signs of progress from Chelsea this season, but still thinks they are some way from winning the title.

    "They're fun to watch - and still there are so many options in the squad, a lot of talent," he said.

    "I think that was the long-term goal of the Chelsea owners; to bring in a lot of talent and eventually [challenge]. They need time to get going but then with this talent and a good manager is needed to get it all together.

    "This season we have seen glimpses of it, a lot of people are surprised to see them doing this well already but I think it's going to take even longer to become real title contenders."

    Listen to the episode here

    Listen on BBC Sounds banner
  7. Liverpool v Chelsea: Fan questionspublished at 12:30 17 October

    Split image of Arne Slot and Enzo MarescaImage source, Getty Images

    It may still be early days, but Liverpool and Chelsea are preparing to face each other in a crunch Premier League game at Anfield on Sunday.

    While they go head to head on the pitch, we have asked our fan writers for each club to go head to head off it.

    Each fan got to ask three questions to each other before the big game...

  8. Where Chelsea could exploit Liverpool 'weakness'published at 12:29 17 October

    Josh Sexton
    Fan writer

    Split fan's voice graphic for Liverpool and Chelsea

    Here is what our Reds fan Josh Sexton had to say in response to questions from our Blues fan Will Faulks.

    What do you make of Enzo Maresca's beginnings at Chelsea compared to Arne Slot's at Liverpool?

    Both Maresca and Slot have had relatively promising starts at their new clubs, especially when you consider the size of the job that both were inheriting - in very different ways.

    It is little secret that Maresca was inheriting more of a mess in terms of his new squad, but both seem to have already implemented their ideas and have their teams playing some great football at times.

    What are Liverpool's weaknesses which Chelsea can try to take advantage of this weekend - and what are their main strengths?

    Liverpool's biggest weakness so far this season is concentration over 90 minutes.

    There will always be a point within games where either tired minds or legs kick in and the Reds conspire to shoot themselves in the foot, which is where Chelsea may be able to capitalise.

    In terms of strengths, Slot's side are mostly great in possession, do not allow teams to create too many big chances and are absolute menaces in the offensive transition - particularly through Ryan Gravenberch, who has been a revelation this campaign.

    Apart from Cole Palmer, if you could take one player from this Chelsea team, who would it be?

    I am not even sure I could have confidently said Palmer, because Mohamed Salah plays the same position!

    The obvious answer is Moises Caicedo, since Liverpool were Chelsea's closest rival for his signature.

    Although I do not think he has necessarily justified the price tag yet (in fairness to him, perhaps that is an impossible task), I would still argue it is generally the area of the squad where the Reds require more natural options as the season progresses.

    Josh Sexton can be found at The Anfield Wrap, external

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  9. Chelsea have 'only had one test so far'published at 12:29 17 October

    Will Faulks
    Fan writer

    Split Liverpool Chelsea fan's voice graphic

    Here is what our Chelsea fan Will Faulks had to say on questions put to him by our Liverpool supporter Josh Sexton.

    What have you made of the transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot?

    It has been amazingly smooth. The quiet transfer window seemed to help, as did the chaos at other top teams, which took attention away from the club.

    Slot is already building up credit to see him through any wobbles later in the season, and I am curious to see how the football develops with time.

    Which Liverpool player impresses you the most?

    There are so many impressive players, from Alisson to Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk. However this season, I am really interested in Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.

    This is the year where they can go up a gear and prove they are good enough to take up the mantle from the Klopp team as that fades into history.

    Are you worried about the possible impact the Anfield atmosphere can have?

    It is always an important factor, and this Sunday it could play an even bigger role than usual.

    For all the promise of their good start, Chelsea have only had one really tough game this season and it was at home against Manchester City.

    Anfield is going to be a huge test for a team that is still young and growing together. They can prove a lot to people just by standing up to it.

    Will Faulks can be found at Chelsea News, external

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  10. Decision-making 'has been Mudryk's problem'published at 08:56 17 October

    Fara Williams, BBC Sport columnist banner
    Enzo Maresca gives instructions to Mikhailo MudrykImage source, Getty Images

    We asked you to send in your questions for Fara Williams and the former England midfielder and BBC Sport pundit has been answering a selection.

    Sean asked: What do you think of Enzo Maresca's impact on Mykhailo Mudryk so far? I feel like he is taking steps in the right direction with his decision-making under the Italian, but there is still a way to go. I believe there is a player in there, do you?

    Maresca has had a positive effect on the whole squad.

    He has got a big group of young players who have had a lot of uncertainty since they signed. Maresca got a lot of stick at the beginning of the season for being direct but that might actually have helped these players, in terms of communication and knowing where they stand.

    Maresca has been patient with Mudryk too. There is a definitely a talented player there, you can see that with his strengths of speed, getting in advanced positions and carrying the ball.

    However, for young players, knowing what your strengths are and using them is difficult. Sometimes you want to do other things that might not suit you and you want to do too much.

    Decision-making, which is the most important part of the game, is then not clear and that has been Mudryk's problem. You can, however, slowly see it coming and that is the same with the whole of Chelsea team.

    We are seeing an identity with Chelsea now that we have not seen in a while and the young players are buying into that.

    It will be difficult for Mudryk to force his way into this team as I do not think he is really giving competition to those players in front of him right now. However, with patience under Maresca he can definitely improve from the erratic player we first saw and push his way into the starting line-up in the future.

    Fara was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  11. Palmer 'lights up my eyes' - Zolapublished at 18:10 16 October

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Cole Palmer ChelseaImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola says Cole Palmer "lights up his eyes" and has urged him to target being one of the best players in the world.

    The 22-year-old has 28 goals and 16 assists since the start of last season, more than any other player in the Premier League, and is widely regarded as Chelsea's star player.

    When asked about the England international's form, Zola said at Leaders Week London: "I’m very impressed with Palmer because he’s doing amazing things and has been doing them for more than a season now.

    "He’s probably one of the players that has surprised me the most. I could see straight away that he had qualities, but I didn’t see all of this coming.

    "He has the ability to entertain. He always produces good passes and very good assists. What I love about him is when he receives the ball he is always looking up and many times he has the pass in mind before he receives the ball. This is a quality only the really big players have. I’m impressed.

    "In the last game, I saw a wonderful free kick from him, which is something that lights up my eyes all the time.

    "This is all down to him and the people who have coached and helped him. Now he needs to continue because he is becoming a sensational player."

    Despite Palmer's outstanding form, Zola believes the England forward must not grow complacent but instead aim to become a world star.

    "You never settle for what you have achieved," Zola said. "The big players want to be the man of the match, then the player of the month, then the best in the year and then the best in the country and abroad.

    "You have to have this ambition, to get better all the time, because the demands of modern football are very high.

    "If you don’t have high motivation you can’t make it."

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  12. What's the one thing nobody is talking about?published at 16:43 16 October

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    After all the talk of chaos and uncertainty at Chelsea over the summer, Enzo Maresca has started his reign at Stamford Bridge impressively.

    The Blues are fourth in the early Premier League table after seven games with Maresca and Cole Palmer being named manager and player of the month for September.

    But you know your club best. The wider noise may have died down, but what's the one thing nobody is talking about - good or bad?

    Tell us here, external

  13. 'Liverpool beware' - Chelsea are Reds' 'biggest challenge yet'published at 11:56 16 October

    Pat Nevin
    Former footballer and presenter

    Split image of Arne Slot and Enzo MarescaImage source, Getty Images

    I can't wait to get back to the real action on the field in the Premier League this weekend. There are the usual raft of stories and intrigues, but it is hard to look past the game of the weekend.

    Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday and if there was ever a match to prove a major point, this is it for both sides.

    A Chelsea win and they can claim they are bona fide challengers for the top four, as they would only be a point behind the Reds, who are currently top.

    With home advantage, Arne Slot's Liverpool would love to put a seven-point gap between them and the wealthy whippersnappers from down south.

    It is a tough one to call. Liverpool must be favourites as Chelsea haven't beaten them in the past nine meetings but this is the current league leaders' biggest challenge yet.

    For once, playing away from home might not be a negative for the Blues.

    They have won all three of their away Premier League games this season with a combined score of 10-2. Liverpool beware.

    Sign up to read more from Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter here

  14. Gossip: Barca target Blues midfield duopublished at 07:12 16 October

    Gossip graphic

    Barcelona could target Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka in January. (Sport - in Spanish, external)

    However, the Blues are not prepared to entertain offers for forward Christopher Nkunku, amid links with Paris St-Germain. (Football Insider, external)

    Manchester City have joined Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham in monitoring on Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, 22. (I Sport, external)

    Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

  15. 'James will have some difficulty regaining his starting place'published at 18:01 15 October

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Reece James and Malo Gusto of ChelseaImage source, Getty Images

    Reece James is back training on grass this week as Chelsea prepare to return to Premier League action, but Malo Gusto's emergence has ensured he has not been missed.

    The 21-year-old has started every game he has been fit for under Enzo Maresca.

    In pre-season, it felt like Gusto might suffer a similar fate to exiled Ben Chilwell but his adaptation to his Italian boss' approach has been exemplary.

    The Frenchman delivered more assists last season under Mauricio Pochettino but is playing a very different role. Instead of overlapping and putting in crosses, he is entering midfield and either playing as part of the build-up or like a number eight - what Marseca describes as a "pocket player".

    Having played in Lyon's academy as an attacking midfielder, Gusto is drawing upon his old experiences to not only survive but thrive in a tactical approach where Chelsea adapt to the opposition.

    It means James will have some difficulty regaining his starting place, despite being club captain, and it makes Gusto's international omission by France manager Didier Deschamps seem a little harsh.

    Of course, Chelsea are battling on five fronts so bringing back James will also be a boost in a potential 80-game season.

  16. Ask our pundit - send in your questionspublished at 18:11 14 October

    BBC Sport columnist Fara Williams graphic

    BBC Sport pundit Fara Williams will be answering your questions, giving her insight and opinion around your club.

    So what would you like to ask the former England midfielder?

    What can your team achieve after their start to the season? Who has been your best player so far? What does the manager's future hold?

    Send in your questions here, external

  17. What will Maresca's plan be without Cucurella and Fofana?published at 17:00 14 October

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are involved in an argument with multiple Wolves playersImage source, Getty Images

    The accumulation of five yellow cards for defenders Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana rules them out of the match at Liverpool on Sunday.

    This will cause a break in manager Enzo Maresca's steady team selections. He has picked the same side for the past two Premier League games, having also selected both Cucurella and Fofana as starters in every match so far.

    The question for the Italian now is: who will come in to replace the duo?

    At left-back, there are both Ben Chilwell and Renato Veiga.

    Chilwell is firmly out of favour and has only appeared as a substitute against Barrow in the Carabao Cup. However, recent Portugal debutant Veiga is both in form and greatly in favour, excelling in the recent Conference League match at home against Gent.

    Veiga is likely to get his second league start at Anfield, having been deployed in midfield at Bournemouth last month.

    Fofana will also be difficult to replace as he brings physicality, speed and quality on the ball at centre-back.

    A similar profile is Tosin Adarabioyo, who stepped in at West Ham last month when Chelsea were left without right-backs as Malo Gusto was briefly injured, joining captain Reece James on the sidelines.

    There are also options to use Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi.

    It will be an interesting team selection to kick off a difficult run of fixtures that will test the good early form the Blues have enjoyed this season.

  18. 'Palmer was too much within himself'published at 15:05 14 October

    Chief football writer Phil McNulty byline banner
    Cole Palmer in action for EnglandImage source, Getty Images

    On Monday, Phil McNulty took questions from fans, including on Chelsea forward Cole Palmer's role with England.

    Mike asked: What do you think is the issue with Cole Palmer and England? He looks very nervous and plays almost everything back. He appears much more confident and adventurous with Chelsea.

    Phil answered: It is still very early days for Palmer and England. He has already shown his class at senior level at the Euros, but the past two games have been a disappointment.

    He was poor against Greece but, in his defence, he was playing a position that did not suit him lying deep in midfield, while he did struggle against Finland.

    He did not play with his usual ambition. He was too much within himself. I've got no doubts that, in time, Palmer will be an excellent player for England.

    Read more of the Q&A with Phil and the rest of the day's football news

  19. Tough night for Palmer on England dutypublished at 08:26 14 October

    Phil McNulty
    Chief football writer

    Cole Palmer playing for EnglandImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea's Cole Palmer was used in a more familiar right-flank role in Finland after looking lost as a deep-lying midfielder against Greece.

    Disappointingly for a player who has sprinkled stardust on the Premier League this season, Palmer was literally left on the margins of the action and unable to make an impact.

    Palmer has already shown his quality at full England level, especially with his goal in the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin, and his time will surely come.

    On this occasion, however, he struggled and played without his usual ambition and confidence. It was no surprise when he was replaced by Chelsea team-mate Noni Madueke after 68 minutes.

    England captain Harry Kane was back as Carsley's attacking spearhead but he looked well short of sharpness after missing the Greece game through injury and was laboured until he suffered the same fate at the same time as Palmer.

    They will both be hoping to improve when England reconvene for what is scheduled to be the final camp with Carsley as interim manager in November.

    Read McNulty's full analyis on Sunday's match here