Predicting Chelsea Starting XI For the New Season

With the Community Shield just six days away, it is time to start looking for the opening of the new Premiership season that kicks off once again with Chelsea against Manchester United for the rights to the Shield. Last year, Chelsea prevailed on penalties just as United had the year before, but will new players and tactical changes seal it for the Blues in regulation time?

Another big question is what formation will Ancelotti use this season? Chelsea saw their Diamond work then falter, then the Christmas Tree showed mixed results, and when Carletto used the old 4-3-3 he saw a side that was absolutely rampant.

Considering the form of his players and health issues, it's safe to speculate that there will be five midfielders with Drogba as the lone striker once again, but whether it is the Christmas Tree, 4-3-3, or the in vogue 4-2-3-1 will be seen for sure when the Shield kicks off on Sunday.

Chelsea's Number One is Back!

A disastrous run of form from the back-up Chelsea keepers have made the Blues sweat through the pre-season. Luckily, Petr Cech will be back between the sticks and out to defend his Golden Glove award from last season, and first since his horrific head injury.

Centre Backs Stay Put

The best pair of Centre-Halves in the Premiership for the past half decade appear to be returning to start the season once again. Though Carvalho has been speculated to move to Real Madrid; there have been no concrete reports of a deal reaching fruition just yet. Ricardo was sparkling for Portugal this summer and seems to have finally regained full match fitness.

Captain John Terry however has had a poor run of form during the summer, but when he plays for Chelsea he is still one of the best defenders in Europe and will help to provide a solid back line that is the base for that will compete for the best defensive squad in Europe this season.

Left Back Drama At An End?

Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear in no uncertain terms that Ashley Cole will be staying at Stamford Bridge. When healthy, he is amongst the best at the position in the entire world and his speed provides problems for teams on both sides of the ball.

Solid on the Right

Branislav Ivanovic proved to be an amazing player all along the defense last season for the Blues and has cemented his place in the starting line-up.

While Jose Bosingwa is a better attacker; he is still returning to the fitness level that made him one of the best right backs in the world. Meanwhile, the Serbian international has proven himself to be an asset defensively and occasionally throws in the bombing run that gives the Chelsea team width at all angles.

Return of the Black Star

One of the most energetic and ferocious midfielders in the world today, Chelsea will welcome back Michael Essien after yet another injury lay-off that may have cost Ghana a chance at the semifinals of the World Cup.

Essien brings strong tackling, unmatched physicality, and intelligent ball winning to the pitch and will be expected to line-up as a midfield enforcer. Ancelotti will however give him more freedom to attack after his dazzling performances as a side midfielder instead of just a defensive midfielder.

The Engine of the Squad

Coming off a heartbreaking error at the World Cup and his 20 plus goal and 20 plus assist season, Lampard looks to erase the pain of the previous few years by retaining the double and completing the long coveted Treble.

Despite being on the other side of thirty, he has retained everything required to play box-to-box and has even shown some nifty passing and trickery in the midfield to go along with his natural goal scoring ability. It is rare for players to add a new dimension to their game at this point in their careers, but Ancelotti has certainly shown that his coaching can make Lampard even more irresistible than when he was runner-up for the World FIFA Player of the Year award.

The Phenomanal Frenchman

Another player coming off a poor World Cup experience, Florent Malouda was Chelsea's best player last season and looks to continue in a freer role from the left. Whether he lines up at the touchline or more centrally, his is the Chelsea's best playmaker and will create havoc along all back lines next season.

The Debutante

Gael Kakuta was formerly known just as the scandal that almost got Chelsea removed completely from the transfer market for two seasons.

After a few teasing performances with the first team last season, he was in absolutely fiery form for the Under-19 Championships and may have been the best player of the whole tournament.

He has shown himself to not only be a dangerous attacking player, but has the playmaking ability that Carletto desperately desires out of his squad to run formations and plays unseen in England. Look for Kakuta to be the breakout player of the Premiership season.

Solid Salomon

While Nicholas Anelka ranged from solid to spectacular at times playing alongside the striker, as the lone striker, and from the right; I think now is the time that Kalou steps into the starting line-up.

He is never great, but rarely bad. He scores timely goals, still has great pace, and lacks any type of lingering drama from the World Cup.

The Dagger

Didier Drogba was at times petulant and overexcited throughout the course of last season. However, he was at all times absolutely irresistible as a striker and won the Golden Boot with his best outing in quite a few years.

Deadly on the hold-up, able to create passes for teammates (he was a top five assist man in the Premiership), and finishing so clinical a surgeon would be jealous; Didier will look to light up the score sheet once again.

The Start of Something Beautiful

Perhaps more than anything, Chelsea will be looking to hoist what their former manager has bagged with the club before and after his stay at Stamford Bridge.

If there is one manager in Europe to win the Champions League, it is Carlo Ancelotti and a slightly tweaked and healthy Chelsea could see their European aspirations finally come to fruition.