Lessons from last season

The 2013-14 campaign did not yield any trophies, a state of affairs that no previous manager has been able to survive under the attentive glare of owner Roman Abramovich. But the reason for this apparent change of tack from the Russian is clear. The acquisition last summer of arguably the world's greatest working manager would have been rendered pointless had he been shipped out at the earliest opportunity; it would also have made a farce of Chelsea's stated aim of building a new squad and identity to go with it. Patience is required for such a transition to take place effectively, and the development of the team over the past 12 months has been very encouraging.

Mourinho showed a willingness to play progressive, attacking football as well as the intelligence to eschew those principles should he be required to do so in order to get results. With more weaponry at his disposal for this coming season, there should be less need to make so many compromises.

Predicted starting lineup

New signings throughout the Blues' starting XI have them looking strong from front to back. ESPN Stats & Information

What's new?

To augment their squad, Chelsea have gone shopping in Spain and have made some excellent purchases. Diego Costa has arrived as the next contender attempting to become the prolific striker that has been so desperately needed, a position that has been vacant since Chelsea last won the Premier League in 2009-10. Preseason impressions have been excellent, with his combative nature complementing his accuracy in front of goal.

Filipe Luis has swapped the Spanish capital for life in London and will add further steel to an already miserly defence, as well as an ability to raid down the left flank. Cesc Fabregas' arrival from Barcelona is arguably as important as Costa's, filling the void for a creative central midfield player that has been evident over the past couple of seasons. His ability to both score and create could be a crucial element behind any success the Blues might achieve this season.

Finally, Thibaut Courtois has returned from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid to challenge Petr Cech's previously undisputed status as No. 1, with the suspicion being that the young pretender will win the battle with his more senior teammate. But whichever way Mourinho chooses to go, Chelsea will have a world-class goalkeeper.