Football Predictions | SoccerAss

Chelsea’s Premier League hopes have been dealt a blow before a ball has been kicked, as goalkeeper Petr Cech’s calf injury has ruled him out for a month.

The Czech stopper’s muscle tear means that he will be unavailable for Chelsea’s opening match of the Premier League season, against West Brom on August 14th.

13/8 favourites to win the title, Chelsea will be hoping that Cech can make a swift recovery, as their only cover in goal is the erratic Hilario and the inexperienced former Middlesbrough reserve Ross Turnbull.

Turnbull spent most of his time on the bench last season, though he did feature in the Carling Cup, which Chelsea are 4/1 to win this season.

There is also bad news for the Stamford Bridge club in the transfer market, as Santos have rejected a bid from Chelsea for their precociously talented playmaker Neymar.

Still just 18 years old, Neymar has been compared in Brazil to his club-mate Robinho, and with 12 goals from 35 appearances for Santos, he is in high demand.

There has been a conspicuous lack of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge this summer, though one of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s most difficult tasks will be keeping hold of the players already at his disposal.

Ashley Cole is reportedly a target for Real Madrid, and the England left-back is priced at 3/1 not to be at Chelsea on the first day of the season.

Can Chelsea win another domestic double this year? They are 14/1 to win the Premier League and the Carling Cup. See the full Chelsea Specials market.