As we prepare to start another chapter in the crazy novel that is Chelsea, it’s only right to reflect on what’s been a year like no other.
2022 will live long in the memory as the period that saw Stamford Bridge change owner for the first time in nearly two decades.
Roman Abramovich sold his empire to Todd Boehly, having been forced to hand over the keys due to sanctions imposed by the UK government.
Whilst all the off-field drama ensued, there was plenty of entertainment on it as well.
Chelsea claimed Club World Cup glory under Thomas Tuchel, and reached two domestic finals.
But Tuchel’s terrific tenure ended abruptly in September, as Boehly felt a fresh face was needed in the dugout.
In stepped Graham Potter, who initially appeared to be a sturdy appointment by going nine-games unbeaten.
Now winless in his last five Premier League matches, out of the Carabao Cup and looking leggy heading into the restart of domestic football, Potter is under serious pressure.
Will 2023 bring more luck for the Chelsea boss?
Below, we have predicted where we think the Blues will finish in each of the competitions they are still involved in.
Premier League = 6th
As painful as it is to write, it’s difficult to see Potter’s men getting into the European places.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool are all above Chelsea currently.
Brighton & Hove Albion are level on points but jump ahead of the South West Londoners thanks to goal difference.
The Seagulls are the side most likely to budge for the Blues, yet even that might be a stretch.
Potter does have a handful of winnable fixtures from Bournemouth on the 27th to Crystal Palace in the middle of January.
Fail to pick up a string of victories, and 6th place may also be unattainable.
Champions League = Semi-finals
Chelsea are no strangers to causing an upset in the Champions League, so why can’t it be Potter’s turn to defy the odds?
Borussia Dortmund is the first obstacle for Chelsea to overcome if they are to put together another run in the tournament.
Jude Bellingham and co will present a tricky task, but one that can be completed if the Blues are firing on all cylinders.
It’s not clear yet who Potter’s team will face if they reach the quarter-final.
Some big names will depart the tournament though, thanks to mouth-watering ties between Liverpool and Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
FA Cup = Third round
Chelsea’s FA Cup journey could end as soon as it’s begun.
That’s because Manchester City awaits them in the third-round next month.
Surely that’s not fair!?
Pep Guardiola has already knocked the Blues out of one domestic cup this campaign, winning 2-0 in the Carabao Cup in November.
A repeat score-line is certainly on the cards.