Chelsea Season Preview: Shake-Ups, Break-Ups and Big Dreams

What an off-season it has been for the Blues.

After a season that came this close to being spectacular the West London club retooled and restocked in an effort to usurp the Premier League-Champions League double from holders Manchester United.

The moves have been widely publicized, and are talked about as much as the moves that never were or haven't happened yet.

The biggest move that was made during the post-Avram Grant era was to appoint the Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari as the new boss. After a month or so of speculation, and numerous names linked to the post, Chelsea announced their number one target would be taking the reins for 2008-2009.

The impact of this move will be the most important upon the new season, and has already begun to show some fruition. The growing Portuguese contingent and the refreshed commitment of Ricardo Carvalho speak volumes about the ability of the coach. The supposed interest from Robinho likewise exemplifies the type of rapport that the coach has with his players.

Many of the Chelsea elite have backed their new coach, including captain John Terry and John Obi Mikel, who is known for his ways as a national team misfit. Scolari, in turn, has shown his players that he is committed to them just as much. He encouraged Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard to stick with the club and win the Champions League with him.

With Drogba out of action from the Asia tour it is difficult to tell how his story will pan out, but Lampard's involvement in all 90-minutes of the first exhibition may tell what his future with the club holds, at least for this season.

Another addition the West Londoners made in the off-season that is sure to make an impact is Portuguese play maker Deco.

The Portugese international strengthens a midfield that was strong to begin with. Alongside Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Mikel, Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole the Chelsea midfield could very well turn into a goal scoring machine and a death zone for opponents.

Should Lampard stick with the club, I believe that his style and Deco's style will work very well together. When matched with the attacking of Ballack, the defense of Essien and Mikel or the wingers Wright-Phillips and Cole Chelsea could pose an ominous threat to even the strongest of sides.

Of the players that have departed from Chelsea this offseason, only one (Makálélé) played a significant role. Though his role was pivotal over the past five years, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel have stepped up in a similar role and have the ability to fill his boots and even offer a bit more firepower.

Other departures, Boulharouz, Sidwell, etc. do not appear likely to shake-up the balance among the players at the top, and certainly not the starting eleven. In fact, since there is still time left in the off-season, Chelsea should look to unload more of their surplus talent. Players like Shevchenko and Pizarro are simply keeping the bench warm and blocking youth from earning any legitimate playing time.

Should more players be unloaded prior to the season the team would have more money to pursue additional options to strengthen the side further.

Further additions would certainly help this club; adding the likes of Robinho, or (far-fetched) Kaka would push this team to closer to invincibility and allow Chelsea to run rampant over the competition.

As it stands this club is set for a run at every title that it competes in. As of July 23rd the team was carrying 25 players on the roster, which provides them with enough depth to win domestic cups by playing only bench players.

Depth of talent and strength of the starting eleven are going to push Chelsea to greatness this season. Felipao has stated his desires with this club, and after winning nearly all of the other competitions he has been in, I believe that he can succeed at Chelsea.

With holders Manchester United still looking unimproved, and worse for wear without Cristiano Ronaldo for a few months, a strong start might be what helps the Blues to reclaim the Premier League.

In the Champions League Chelsea will look to improve on their second place finish, and just like in the EPL, with the determination of the team and coach it appears as though someone will have to stop them.

Chelsea is (still) a team of promise. Abramovich has yet to find the right man to deliver on that promise, but with Scolari chances appear to be as good as they have ever been.