Last season: Sixth

It is impossible to predict what will happen in the next 20 minutes at Chelsea, let alone what might have happened by May.

Another season and another new manager. This time it’s Enzo Maresca, recruited by Leicester City to replace Mauricio Pochettino. He brought together the small community that made up his Chelsea squad and led them to Europe, despite a disappointment in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

Maresca has a squad full of talent. He also has a squad that is full to bursting.

Chelsea fans are disappointed that Conor Gallagher may be sold, but the revolving door keeps turning and will continue to do so until the transfer window closes. Pedro Neto is an exciting signing from Wolves, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is another good signing, but where is the structure and what is the plan?

Once again, it seems that shotguns are being used at Stamford Bridge.

There is real talent in this team, and a brilliant new signing in Cole Palmer made a big impression for England at Euro 2024, scoring in the final against Spain, so if Maresca is right, this prediction may not be particularly flattering.

However, Maresca still has a lot to prove. Is he actually an improvement on Pochettino or is someone simply more at the mercy of Todd Boehly and the Chelsea hierarchy?

Chelsea fan writer Will Faulks on BBC Sport’s Chelsea page

“Chelsea will finish in seventh place, again far from the top teams. We hope that this season the fans can rebuild a bond with this group of players and the club before they lose touch completely.”