Football Season Guide

Chelsea embark on yet an other campaign with a new manager, their seventh in as many seasons. The chosen one is Andre Villas Boas, a 33-year old who, having propelled Porto to the forefront of the European scene, is hailed as the next Mourinho. The new man has been prudently treading the waters so far at Stamford Bridge, only bringing in the promising Oriol Romeu on a buy back deal with Barcelona to make up for the absence of Michael Essien, who has fallen victim to another severe injury. Of course, some transfer action is likely until the end of August. The Blues have reached an agreement with Anderlecht for the signing of promising youngster Romelu Lukaku but it should be a rather familiar squad that comes out at Stoke on opening day. In fact, most of the big names will be expected to perform more consistently than last season, as Lampard, Malouda, Drogba and Anelka were all good only in patches while defensively John Terry could never really settle with a partner in central defence due to injuries and rotation. Yossi Benayoun will look to make up for lost time having spend last season in the treatment room while Danny Sturridge will look to force his way in the starting 11 after a good loan spell at Bolton last season. David Luiz and Ramires will be expected to establish themselves as starters along with Cole and Ivanovic, who look destined to return at wing backs. In the attack, all eyes will be on Fernando Torres, who had a nightmarish start of his career at Chelsea since January