After 2015-16 -- probably the most unpredictable and turbulent year in Chelsea history -- Antonio Conte's men are ready for the challenge of the new season. Or are they?
West Ham, buoyed by their ascendancy to European competition and riding on the crest of a wave that comes from playing in a new stadium, visit Stamford Bridge on Monday night with full intention to put the skids under Conte's ambitions while furthering their own.
Ahead of the opening-day match against Swansea a year ago, Chelsea supporters never envisaged the forthcoming debacle that would transform their club from Premier League champions to also-rans in the space of a few short months.