Manager: Claudio Ranieri.

He came with a solid reputation but seemed at times to sort out the mess at Chelsea almost despite himself. Now, after spending a good deal of money a lot more will be expected of Ranieri and his men.

Last season's away form was abysmal but even then the club's form over the second half of the season was Champions League material. The target this year will be to avoid the early-season fiasco. Petit brings proven quality to midfield but Ranieri needs Gallas to prove a wise investment in central defence and Lampard to justify his price tag.

In: William Gallas (Marseille, £6.2m); Frank Lampard (West Ham, £11m); Emmanuel Petit (Barcelona, £7.5m), Boudewijn Zenden (Barcelona, £7.5m); Valerie de Cesare. Total £35.2m

Out: Jon Harley (Fulham, £3.5 m), Steven Broad (Southend United, free); Mark Nicholls (released); Gustavo Poyet (Tottenham, £1.5m); Dennis Wise (Leicester City, £1.6m); Bernard Lambourde (Bastia, £300,000); Stuart Reddington (Mansfield, £20,000); Neil Barrett (Portsmouth, free); Frank Leboeuf (Marseille, £1.2m); Sam Parkin (Northampton, loan); Robert Wolleaston (Northampton, loan); Warren Cummings (West Brom, loan), Jay Richardson (Exeter City, free), Pierre Issa (Marseille, loan return), Courtney Pitt (Portsmouth, tribunal). Total £8.1m Net spend: £27.1m

Rep of Ireland players: None.

Last year: Prem: 6th, FAC: 5th, Europe: UEFA1st.

This year: 5th.

Official website: www.chelseafc.co.uk/

Betting: 10-1.