After winning their first European Cup last season through what can only be described as eight years of bad luck forming together to make a single cup run of sheer divine intervention, it seems Blues owner Roman Abramovich has got his mojo for the club back.

Big names have not just been linked to Chelsea but have arrived at the club. Eden Hazard and Oscar are the two that have created the most buzz in and around West London, and with the clear backing of the owner again, fans are expecting much better things in the league for their team this season.

There have however been some high profile departures, with the legend that is Didier Drogba being the most noticeable departee – note to AVB, that is how you let a player with multiple goals and years of service leave the club, as a hero, not as someone banned from the first team or Christmas Party.

How far these departures, especially the one of the big Ivorian centre forward, will affect the club remains to be seen, yet it is finally a chance for Fernando Torres to build on the end of last season and the relationship he evidently has with manager Di Matteo and flourish at the Bridge. Should this fail to happen, and another striker not arrive, the club could find themselves wanting in the goal department.

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The club also have to contend with the walking negative press story in the making that is John Terry and a potential FA ban, but Gary Cahill looks more than settled at Stamford Bridge, and whilst he may not be everyone’s cup of tea, David Luiz is growing in stature every game he plays. Likewise in the middle of the park, Ramires will be the one most people are watching and expecting to shine, with the player showing that not only does he have vision, never ending pace and ability, he also has a keen eye for a goal, and an important one at that – which I am sure Barcelona fans will attest to.

One thing that may have surprised a few, especially in the summer that Pep Guardiola departed Barcelona, is the fact that RDM remains in charge of the club. It seems clear that Abramovich tried in vain to persuade Pep to take over the club, and having failed turned to his backup plan of Di Matteo.

What cannot be argued with is the fact that every trophy RDM was able to win after rescuing the club from the dire situation the man more famous for his squat than results during his time at the club created, he did win. The team managed to win the FA Cup and Champions League, and could have made the push for fourth place in the league had they not been so focused on the trophy that had eluded them for so long.

Yet Chelsea are still a team in transition, that need a huge deal of work and overhaul, and whilst you can be lucky in a cup competition, over 38 games it is always the best team that wins out, and when you cast a glance in the direction of Manchester, it is debatable if Chelsea are this team.

Of course, a club with the pedigree and experience of Chelsea FC can never be ruled out of winning the title, and it is entirely feasible that more players will arrive and the golden oldies will push for one more title to add to the long list. Never say never for the title, but a top four finish is a must for the club, and it is this first and foremost that they must make sure they get.