In many respects recent seasons have been unprecedented for the Premier League. Unforeseen disruption and squad depth being tested to its limits have seen difficulties arise for most teams. With the World Cup on it's way in November and December, new challenges are once again on the horizon.
A truncated pre-season period and very hectic October of fixtures are in place to ensure the regular football calendar does not fall too far behind. Thomas Tuchel's wish has been granted for the use of five substitutes which will go some way to managing the workload of the Chelsea squad.
That will make the nine players named on any Chelsea bench more important to alter matches, rest legs and to build momentum. With the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Tuchel's available numbers have already taken a hit and it is something that will have to be acknowledged and rectified this summer.
