What do the Chelsea want in their Christmas stocking ?

WITH the silly season in full swing, at Sports Analytics INC we thought we would provide some insight into what each Premier League team wants in their Christmas stockings and what they are likely to receive. Many teams use the upcoming January transfer window as an opportunity to strengthen and either consolidate themselves as a title challenger or at the end of the spectrum simply stay out of the drop zone.

So here they are in no particular order…

Chelsea

What they want

Roman may have decided that the some of the billions lying around on his armada of luxury yachts needs to be allocated to making Chelsea deeper and more creative. As recently discussed here at Sports Analytics INC, we feel these are the 2 fundamental requirements to ensure Chelsea win silverware this season. The biggest areas of concern are centre back, central midfield and striker.

Central back candidates

John Terry is a magnificent leader. He is also on the wrong side of 30 getting slower by the day and having regular complaints with his fragile back. Alex and Ivanovic are quality centre backs, though lack genuine pace and can be exposed by an electric attack. With that in mind we would recommend;

- Simon Kjaer

- Diego Godin

- Stefan Radu

Central Midfield Candidates

We have been over this in our previous piece so let’s cut to the chase;

- Luka Modric

- Mesut Ozil

- Wesley Sneijder

- Yoann Gourcuff

- Marek Hamsik

Strikers

Long has Chelsea needed quality reinforcements up front to provide competition for Drogba and to a lesser extend Anelka. Kalou is a decent forward, yet cannot lead the line on his own and the other forwards in the stables have yet to take the training wheels off their bikes. They need a marquee player who will provide goals from day 1. Adriy Shevchenko need not apply. Here are a few guys who could;

- Sergio Aguero

- Karim Benzema

- Romelu Lukaku

- Papiss Demba Cisse

- Edin Dzeko

What they’ll get

Chelsea has been known to sign big names in January to secure silverware ala Nicholas Anelka in 2008, and we at Sports Analytics INC think this season will be no exception. Down back any one of the 3 recommended defenders fit the profile of what Chelsea need, young, hungry with a surplus of speed. We foresee Kjaer or Radu as the most likely and will cost Chelsea in the order of £10 – 15 Million pound range. A creative midfielder would be welcomed to Stamford Bride with open arms and a truckload of cash. We doubt any of the recommended candidates will be

moving in this transfer window as they are cup-tied, meaning they cannot play in the Champions League for Chelsea. Watch this space after the season draws to a close. In the striking department we can see either Aguero or Dzeko moving toLondon. Aguero may cost Ambramovich one of his yachts, yet would provide Chelsea with goals and the type of signing that fans get excited about. And Dzeko has recently said that he would welcome a scenery change away from struggling Wolfsburg. The bottom line at Stamford Bridge is that they need to spend money to remain contenders this season. Lets hopeChelsea’s Russian Santa is in the Christmas spirit this year.