Premier League Preview - Chelsea

By Martin Caparrotta

Chelsea drew their pre-season preparations to a close yesterday with a penalty shoot-out win over Manchester United in the Community Shield in a fiery encounter at Wembley.
The game's controversial moment came when Michael Ballack blocked off Patrice Evra, who stayed down injured. Chelsea though played on, and scored from the resulting attack and infuriating Sir Alex Ferguson.
Carlo Ancelotti has impressed since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. The 50-year-old has come across as a likeable figure in his press conferences. His determined efforts to pick up the English language with speed and his light-hearted nature make it difficult not to warm to the Italian coach.
The Blues have been relatively quiet with their summer transfer dealings thus far. Their only major signing concerns Yuri Zhirkov and his £18 million fee that makes the 25-year-old the most expensive Russian player in history. Left winger Zhirkov scored on his debut for Chelsea in a friendly against AC Milan.
At the beginning of last season, Chelsea greatly missed the presence of midfield rock Michael Essien when he was sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. The fit-again midfielder coupled with Zhirkov on the left wing will add quality to an already impressive midfield line up.
19-year-old Daniel Sturridge joined from Manchester City, but the two clubs were unable to settle on a fee for the forward, meaning that his price tag will be chosen by a tribunal. Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull also joined the Blues from Middlesbrough on a free transfer.
Despite not coming up against any of the 'big four' until October, Chelsea face trips up to Sunderland and to Fulham the latter of which have proved to be a tough team to beat under Roy Hodgson.
With patience, stability and a solid start, Chelsea will be strong contenders for the title. But surely Ancelotti must be given more time than Scolari, stability is now key, even if the Italian should endure a slow start or a mid-season blip.

By Martin Caparrotta