Are Chelsea serious contenders to win the 2020-21 Premier League title?Frank Lampard’s side finished fourth in the table last season after picking up 66 points from their 38 fixtures.This was the same tally as third-placed Manchester United but 15 points fewer than second-placed Manchester City and a whopping 33 fewer than champions Liverpool.However, Chelsea’s business in the current transfer window has been nothing short of remarkable.The Blues signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner earlier this summer and recently added Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Ben Chilwell to their ranks.And on Friday night, Chelsea completed the £71 million signing of Kai Havertz, one of European football’s most exciting young talents.
So, how does Chelsea’s current first-choice front six compare to their Premier League rivals’?Let’s have a go at ranking them in order…6. ArsenalFront six: Dani Ceballos, Granit Xhaka, Nicolas Pepe, Willian, Bukayo Saka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.Not bad. Dani Ceballos is now back at Arsenal, which is a boost for the club, while Willian has arrived from Chelsea.But there’s a lot of emphasis - perhaps too much - on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score the Gunners’ goals.
5. TottenhamFront six: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn, Son Heung-min, Harry Kane.Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has joined Tottenham from Southampton and strengthens Jose Mourinho’s midfield. Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Steven Bergwijn are all good players but will need to step it up a level this season in order for Spurs to challenge.Son Heung-min and Harry Kane, meanwhile, are among the Premier League’s best forwards.
4. Manchester UnitedFront six: Donny van de Beek, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial.Manchester United have splashed £40 million on midfielder Donny van de Beek, but they’re still pursuing their top target Jadon Sancho.Even if Sancho doesn’t arrive, United have a brilliant young forward in Mason Greenwood, who has the potential to become world-class.
3. ChelseaFront six: N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner.This looks a seriously strong front six on paper. However, it remains to be seen how Havertz, Ziyech and Werner adjust to the Premier League.If they all click, then Chelsea will be in with a chance of winning the title.
2. Liverpool
Front six: Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino.
Put Thiago Alcantara in that midfield ahead of Naby Keita and Liverpool may well have been top of this list.
That front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino is still arguably the best in world football.
1. Manchester City
Front six: Rodri, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero.
Fortunately for the rest of the Premier League, Manchester City are not signing Lionel Messi this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s front six is strong enough already.
Kevin De Bruyne is the Premier League’s best player, while Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero are also world class. Phil Foden is an exceptional talent and Rodri has slotted in seamlessly at the Etihad Stadium following his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
