Chelsea finished in fourth place last year, and it’s expected that Frank Lampard’s side should make the step up, after the massive signings done this summer.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has said that Lampard has a good squad now, and there is no excuse not to deliver.
However, Murphy insists that the Chelsea team won’t fight for the title until next year.
He told the Football Index Podcast: “There’s certainly going to be more pressure on Frank Lampard to deliver a trophy this season than there was in his first year, particularly with Abramovich bankrolling such a huge spending spree this summer.
“I don’t think that pressure will impact Lampard at all though because it’s no more than the pressure he puts on himself to succeed.
“He has a great squad now and there are no excuses not to deliver.
“They’ve had a few injury problems, but I expect Chelsea to grow and grow as the season progresses and I think they’re guaranteed to finish in the top four.
“I think Chelsea are still 12 months away from competing for the Premier League.”