Chelsea begin the 2026-27 season with cautious optimism after finishing 10th amid managerial upheaval and regression. The appointment of Xabi Alonso is seen as a potential turning point, with the club hoping his experience and tactical flexibility can bring stability and return them to the Champions League places.

The Guardian’s writers predict a third-place finish, while Chelsea’s immediate aim is likely a top-four or top-five position and stronger domestic cup runs, helped by having no European fixtures. The club have spent more than £300m despite a £10m fine, a suspended transfer ban and an English-record £262.4m pre-tax loss in 2024-25; they also avoided a six-point deduction on appeal. New arrivals including Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra are intended to improve a young squad, while Cole Palmer returns refreshed after addressing the groin problem that affected last season.