{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/681ccb505acb8b715f1f1330/6a8719a0037681afc7c46db1?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Does Alonso make Chelsea genuine challengers?","description":"<p>Do Chelsea head into the 2026-27 Premier League season as serious contenders for titles again?</p><p><br></p><p>Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to Monday's trip to Fulham as Xabi Alonso's reign in charge officially begins.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus - a closer look at the players the Blues are still hoping to shift in the closing stages of the transfer window, some broader predictions about the season as a whole - and big news off the pitch with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter in talks to sell their shares in the club to Clearlake Capital.</p><p><br></p><p>HOST:&nbsp;Matt Davies-Adams </p><p>WITH:&nbsp;Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey  </p><p>PRODUCER:&nbsp;Lucy Oliva</p>","author_name":"The Athletic"}