Following Chelsea has been a wild ride over recent seasons. Heading into 2026/27 however, the Blues look in much better shape to sustain a challenge at the top of the Premier League. All 20 Premier League teams are being previewed in this series, stay up to date with all of the picks and action on the Premier League Gambling Podcast
Chelsea have been one of the Premier League’s defining forces since the early 2000s. They have won five titles and have built a reputation for consistency, resilience and big‑moment pedigree. Their first crown under José Mourinho in 2004–05 set a new defensive standard, and they backed it up immediately with another title the following year. Chelsea returned to the summit in 2010, then again in 2015 with a rebuilt, more attacking side. Their most recent triumph came in 2017, powered by Conte’s 3‑4‑3 system. Across eras, Chelsea have stayed competitive, adapting quickly and delivering trophies with a relentlessness few clubs can match.
Last Season
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League in 2025/26, but that barely tells the story. After a hot start, a late win v Liverpool in October saw Enzo Maresca put the West London club squarely into the title race. However, that didn’t last long, and Maresca was soon gone. A fractious relationship with the owners, and maybe one eye on the upcoming Manchester City job spelled the end for him. Liam Rosenior came in for a frankly preprosterous spell, before Chelsea stumbled over the finish line under caretaker stewardship. This time around has to be different. All of this season results and fixtures can be found here
Xabi Alonso
Chelsea’s new coach is Spaniard Xabi Alonso. As a player, rising through Real Sociedad, he became Liverpool’s midfield conductor, helping deliver the 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup. His move to Real Madrid brought La Liga (2012) and another Champions League (2014), before finishing at Bayern Munich with three Bundesliga titles. A cornerstone of Spain’s golden era, Alonso earned 114 caps, winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012.
Xabi Alonso’s coaching career has been a rapid, modern rise built on clarity, structure and tactical bravery. He started with Real Sociedad B, guiding a young side to promotion. In 2022, he took over a struggling Bayer Leverkusen and transformed them almost instantly. His breakthrough came in 2024–25, when he delivered Leverkusen’s first ever Bundesliga title, going unbeaten, and added a Europa League triumph, marking one of the most dominant seasons in German football history.
This success earned him the Real Madrid job, and whilst Alonso did ok, a Copa del Rey defeat to rivals Barcelona hurt him. Alongside that, there was an issue with Vinicius Jr that ended with player power winning out, and Alonso was dispensed with.
Players Out
Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid)
Tyrique George (Everton)
Andrey Santos (Manchester United)
Players In
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
Marco Pallestra (Atalanta)
Geovanny Quenda (Sporting)
Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
Valentin Barco (Strasbourg)
Chelsea have, you’ll never believe it. Spent a fortune. A British record transfer fee for Morgan Rogers headlines the business. His presence forms a great looking attack with Palmer, Estevao and Joao Pedro. At the back, Maxence Lacroix has Premier League experience and should have no issues making the step up from Crystal Palace.
Chelsea Premier League Odds
Premier League winners +800
Top 2 finish +350
Top 4 finish -120
Top 5 finish -175
Bottom half finish +1000
Relegation +6600
Strengths
Although Chelsea have become synonymous with Premier League unpredictability, I love the appointment of Xabi Alonso for this group. Also, Chelsea as a club have long been able to be successful in short bursts, without the need for a coach to spend a few years building towards success.
Chelsea’s 2026–27 squad looks stacked and ready to play on the front foot. The front four, Rogers, Palmer, Pedro, and Estevão, gives them pace, flair, and balance. Palmer dictates rhythm and end‑product, while Rogers and Pedro stretch defences and create space for Estevão’s explosive one‑v‑one ability. Behind them, the spine of Lacroix, Fofana, Enzo Fernández, and Moises Caicedo provides athleticism, control, and defensive bite.
There’s also depth, even if some of it lacks top‑end quality. Chelsea can rotate without losing structure, and the system suits their attacking strengths.
Weaknesses
The only glaring weakness I see is goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. However, most of his issues come when he’s asked to play out with his feet, which really doesn’t suit him. The Frenchman is not a bad shot-stopper, so if Alonso keeps it simple at the back then he might be serviceable.
Summary and Picks
Chelsea look primed for a serious push this season. The absence of European football is a huge bonus. One game per week gives them room to breathe, fresh legs, and the chance to have a proper run at everything. The squad is stacked, the front four of Rogers, Palmer, Pedro, and Estevão looks electric, and the spine of Lacroix, Fofana, Enzo, and Caicedo gives them structure and control. I’m in. I like them more than Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, which puts them firmly in my Top 4 at a minimum.
I think that Chelsea can run Liverpool and Manchester City close too. The points total line at over 68 feels very achievable. I’ve got them projected around 80, which makes the over 68 even more attractive. The handicap +10 doesn’t tally with that total, it’s not close to bringing them near the top, so the overs market looks the sharper play.
In the domestic cups, Chelsea have the depth and intensity to go deep. I think they win one, the FA Cup at 9/1 and League Cup at 8/1 both worth backing.
In the goalscorer markets I struggled to find much that appeals. The forward output should be spread across the front four. This is a side built to compete everywhere, not just survive.
I have more picks on Chelsea for 2026/27 than any other club currently, I like a ton of stuff, so here it is.
Chelsea Top 4 -120
Arsenal/Chelsea Exacta 16/1
Chelsea Top at Christmas 8/1
Chelsea to win FA Cup 9/1
Chelsea to win League Cup 8/1
