Ever since the takeover from Roman Abramovich back in 2003, a mountain of expectation has been put on the shoulders of Chelsea players.

Now they go into every campaign as title contenders, and when they fall short the fans that have been spoiled by a decade of success become disgruntled.

However last season the Blues came a very close third, and with the signings of Cesc Fabregas, Filipe Luis, and especially Diego Costa, they may possibly go all the way this time around.

Here are SIX things to expect from Chelsea this season...

Chelsea

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Chelsea will be tight at the back

Terry Ivanovic

A team with Jose Mourinho in charge tend to be extremely solid at the back, and you can expect the same this time around.

Last season with an un-natural left-back in Cesar Azpilicueta and a sometimes eccentric David Luiz in defence, Chelsea still conceded only 27 goals the entire season... 10 less than champions Manchester City who was second in the defensive table.

Now with the signing of Filipe Luis at left-back and the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from Atletico Madrid, expect them to be an even harder unit to break down.

Diego Costa will score goals

Diego Costa 1

At £32million, Costa is expected to bang in the goals for Jose Mourinho’s side this coming season.

With 27 league goals in La Liga which propelled Atletico to the league title, the Spaniard has the ability to repeat the feat in the Premier League.

His strength and finishing ability makes him the perfect fit for the English top flight, and defences throughout the country will tremble with his presence in their box.

And if he’s having a bad day, well there’s always Didier Drogba.

Chelsea will now beat smaller opponents

Chelsea

Last season the Blues were magnificent in the big games.

They were able to beat their title challengers, but when it came to teams struggling to stay in the division, Chelsea seemed to have no answer in breaking down their stubborn defences.

Mourinho relied on being reactive to the tactics from bigger teams, but was unable to force themselves upon smaller squads who were doing the same.

But now with a reliable striker in Diego Costa and a much more creative outlet in Cesc Fabregas, expect the Blues to coming out all firing this time around.

Chelsea will challenge in the Champions League

Chelsea

Even without the best squad last year, Chelsea managed to reach the semi-finals of Europe’s elite cup competition.

Jose Mourinho is a master in navigating his pay past opponents in cup matches and with everybody looking at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid as favourites, Chelsea is the team that can pull a surprise and win the entire competition.

Can he be the first manager to win the Champions League with three different clubs?

Jose Mourinho will continue his mind games

Jose Mourinho

Like Mario Balotelli as a player, there is no other manager that gets as much attention as Jose Mourinho.

The self proclaimed ‘Special One’ will force himself into the papers for direct jibes at other managers, players, referees, the FA, you name it.

But if he gets the job done and keeps the results ticking positively for the Blues, their supporters won’t give a hoot since we believe that...

Chelsea will win the Premier League

Chelsea

In his first year in charge Jose Mourinho kept insisting that his side were not challenging for the title. Yet he was so close, as the Blues were still in with a shout come last game of the season.

They had the best defence last year, and look very likely to score more goals and see off small opponents this time around.

Now with their main weaknesses being resolved over the summer, there is no doubt that Manchester City’s main rival for the Premier League title will be coming from Stamford Bridge.