Let the shows begin

The wait is over and the boredom is set to be replaced by the excitement of the new Premier League season which gets underway today.

For Chelsea fans, it’s a refreshing feeling that was triggered by the arrival of the Jose Mourinho in June and now is the time when that bubbly buzz will be tested, beginning from the visit of Hull City Tigers to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The arrival of Felipe Scolari in July 2008 comes to mind with similar feeling of optimism ahead of the new Premier League season. He had won the with Brazil in style in 2002 and guided Portugal to the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany before leading them to the quarter finals of 2008 European Championship.

Though Avram Grant led the Blues to the UEFA Champions League final, the Israeli coach never really won over the fans who were still peeved at the treatment meted out to Mourinho , his predecessor who won back-to-back league titles among other other trophies.

Scolari’s arrival thus became a huge lift, particularly as the fans expected him to bring flair to the side following criticisms of Mourinho’s style of play which was considered less expansive. The rest is history.

Carlo Ancelotti, who eventually won the domestic double, came in with scepticisms concerning his poor domestic championship record-he had just one Scudetto title in a decade both as Juventus and AC Milan manager. His successor Andre Villas-Boas’s appointment, though signed with a huge release clause, was seen a long-term project rather than immediate expectation of triumph.

So the return of The Special One has brought back the declining feel-good factor among the Blues faithful and everyone is looking forward to a remarkable challenge for the league title last won by the team in 2010.

Mourinho has tried to play down the expectations from his team this season, insisting he would be working with a talented group of young players whose best years are still ahead of them. Yet we know the Portuguese will be determined to go for every available honour beginning from this season. Such is his spirit of competitiveness, an attitude he has started inculcating in the current Chelsea team.

Real Madrid was their biggest challenge during their pre-season games yet the manner they fought back to level scores at 1-1 gave the glimpses of the fighting spirit typical of Mourinho’s teams. They however succumbed to the genius of Cristiano Ronaldo before stepping up their resilience to record a victory over Roma, again after being a goal down.

Ahead of the Blues kick off tomorrow, here is the XI  I believe could be the strongest side for the season and why:

PETR CECH: Remains the undisputed first choice for the team, and certainly one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. Cech took the reign from Carlo Cudicini at the start of Mourinho’s first spell and was hugely influential to the back-to-back EPL title success. The Czech goalkeeper will still be crucial to a great campaign this season.

CESAR AZPILICUETA: He gradually came into the team last season after arriving from Olympic Marseille and later took the right back mantle from Branislav Ivanovic. Azpi, like other players who took part in this year's FIFA Confederations Cup, hasn't enjoyed good a pre-season, but his defensive tenacity and ability to move swiftly into attacking positions still give him the edge. He only turns 24 later this month, he's got plenty of time to improve, especially on his crosses.

DAVID LUIZ: Mourinho insists he is key to his plans amidst interest from Barcelona and it is no surprise as Luiz remains one of the best modern day centre backs in Europe, with great personality on the pitch and ability to dictate play from the defence. Prone to occasional ill-timed enthusiasm on or off  the ball, he can be decisive at both ends of the pitch during games.

JOHN TERRY: Injuries troubled his performances last season and consequently lost confidence in his game. The skipper has been pumped up in pre-season but he will have to stay fit and perform to keep his place. Terry is still a leader to have in the team, especially for this young Chelsea team.

ASHLEY COLE: His performance dropped a bit last season but he is undoubtedly still the best in the team and among the best in the country. Cole’s energy has not actually waned with age and he is wary of Ryan Bertrand’s determination to take the spot off him. Still a great player.

MARCO VAN GINKEL: One of the team’s top performers in pre-season, he is an energetic midfielder who offers tremendous support on and off the ball, with huge prowess in helping the team’s transition. The former Vitesse star will have to learn fast in the EPL, but he already looks a shrewd acquisition in the midfield with his tidy passing and his desire to get the tackles in. One to watch.

RAMIRES: He is great asset in counter attack with his athleticism. Ramires, though not impressively endowed with passing finesse, scores goals and graft well defensively. Two qualities that could make him a Mourinho man in this season.

EDEN HAZARD: Clearly one of the most intelligent players in the team, his creativity and sheer class are evident. The Belgian star's maturity, after an impressive first season in England, will really play a crucial part in the team’s campaign this season. Hazard will need to brush up his scoring boots. His main strength lies on the left side of the attack and the freedom to rove around as well.

JUAN MATA: He has had a busy yet successful last two years and hopefully he is not hampered by injuries. Oscar has enjoyed the number 10 role in pre-season but Mata remains the brain of the team. His touches are sublime and his decision making is second to none as a traditional playmaker. Always a delight to watch.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE: One of the most exciting young talents in the team. De Bruyne exudes confidence and maturity beyound his age. His crosses are excellent and his decision making very good. He really improved his game while on loan at Werder Bremen last season and he looks ready to play a big part this season. His versatility-can play in central midfield and across the three spots behind the striker- will be of great importance to the squad.

ROMELU LUKAKU: The striking position is a tough call but among the options currently available (Wayne Rooney still a big target for the club), Lukaku seems to me the most motivated ahead the new season. His spell at West Brom last season, where he scored 17 goals has boosted his belief  and I won't be surprised to see him ahead of Fernando Torres in the pecking order.