Chelsea prepares for title challenge under manager Xabi Alonso

Radio presenter Sam Matterface expects Chelsea to compete for the league title this season. After observing the squad at press conferences and recent training sessions, Matterface noted a clear sense of ambition from the ownership and manager Xabi Alonso. He suggested the club has moved beyond simply aiming for a top-five finish and credited recent recruitment as a key factor in their shift in standards. The team faces an away match against Arsenal today, which is widely considered a difficult test for the squad. As part of tactical adjustments, captain Reece James is expected to move into a midfield position for the match. The performance against Arsenal will serve as a primary indicator of whether the club is prepared to mount a serious challenge for the trophy this season.

• 11:35 AMYahoo Sports — “Not going to tolerate it” – Chelsea backed for title challenge THIS year by pund