Chelsea haven't won the Premier League since 2017; Enzo Maresca led them to fourth last season; The Blues have made several new additions; Paul Merson provides expert analysis; Watch Chelsea v Crystal Palace on Super Sunday live on Sky Sports; kick-off 2pm
Pictured: Liam Delap and Joao Pedro celebrate Chelsea's Club World Cup win
In Enzo Maresca's first season in charge, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League, won the Conference League and became FIFA Club World Cup champions.
Can they now challenge for the Premier League title?
Sky Sports' Paul Merson believes Maresca's young squad will not be stable enough.
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“Winning the Club World Cup was an outstanding achievement for Chelsea. I didn't expect it to happen. They were brilliant in the final against Paris Saint-Germain,” he said.
“It's a trophy that can't be ignored, and there are financial benefits that helped in the transfer campaign. But we shouldn't get too carried away.”
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“Winning the Premier League is a completely different matter to winning the Club World Cup. Chelsea will have a tough time fighting for the Premier League title this season.
Success in the summer tournament doesn't change anything for me. To go all the way in the league you need incredible consistency and with Chelsea's young squad I don't think they will do that this year. There are no easy games in the Premier League and you have to give it your all every week.
“The goal is to get into the Champions League again and maybe win another trophy.”
But there are reasons for optimism…
Maresca – Ball lands after poor start
Chelsea fans expressed their displeasure with Maresca at half-time during the match against Fulham in April.
Having won just one of their last four games, their Champions League hopes were fading until Tyric Georges and Pedro Neto made a late turnaround that proved to be the turning point of their season.
Chelsea have won 13 of their last 15 matches, with Maresca tweaking his strategy a little and experimenting at the Club World Cup by using all outfield players.
Reece James played alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield, allowing Enzo Fernandes to progress forward successfully.
Defenders Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto played wide at the Club World Cup rather than cutting inside, while Cole Palmer excelled playing on the right flank rather than behind the striker.
It was also noticeable how often Chelsea played longer against PSG, bypassing their trademark pressing and using their speed and physicality to advance up the pitch.
Maresca's style of ball control has become exciting.
Pedro and Delap guarantee goals
Pictured: Joao Pedro scored twice on his Chelsea debut
Chelsea faced difficulties when Nicholas Jackson injured his ankle
Sourse: skysports.com
