From 10th to champions? Why Chelsea are Premier League contenders this season

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Xabi Alonso begins his first Premier League campaign as Chelsea manager with a home clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage

- Chelsea finished 10th last season but have made significant additions, including a mega Morgan Rogers deal, ahead of the new campaign

- We take a look at why Chelsea should contest for the league title as Alonso looks to banish the demons of last season

Chelsea kick off the new Premier League season at Craven Cottage tonight as Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first top-flight English match, with the Blues determined to turn the page on a 10th-place finish last term and mount an unlikely title challenge.

While few are backing Chelsea as genuine contenders, a closer look at their situation reveals four concrete reasons why Alonso's side could push for the title.

1. Alonso Brings Stability to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea's managerial record in recent years has been marked by constant change, but Alonso arrives with a well-earned reputation for tactical clarity and building cohesive squads, his short time at Real Madrid notwithstanding.

His ability to establish a settled system early could allow Chelsea to make a dramatic jump up the table compared to last season.

2. No European Distraction

Chelsea's absence from European competition this season may turn out to be their most significant edge. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City will all have to rotate and recover across midweek fixtures throughout the campaign. Alonso's squad, by contrast, can dedicate full weeks to Premier League preparation, a factor that could prove decisive during the gruelling final months of the season.

3. Attacking Firepower Across the Board

João Pedro was one of the standout forwards in the Premier League last season, contributing 20 goals and nine assists in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge. He now carries the No. 9 shirt heading into the new season.

Alongside him, Morgan Rogers has arrived as Chelsea's British-record signing, adding further depth to an attack that already includes Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto. The variety and quality of Chelsea's attacking options give Alonso genuine tools to hurt every side in the division.

4. Experience Added to a Young Squad

Chelsea's youth-heavy dressing room has at times lacked the composure needed in high-pressure moments, but the club has moved to address that weakness by signing Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, two players with substantial Premier League experience. Their influence could prove invaluable during difficult away fixtures and the intensity of a title race.

Chelsea remain outside the top picks for the league, but should Alonso quickly mould this squad into a disciplined unit, the argument for a genuine title challenge becomes difficult to dismiss.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.