Chelsea are preparing for the return of the Premier League, after all 20 clubs voted to resume the season this month.
All matches were postponed indefinitely in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, but the campaign is set to get back underway on 17 June.
In west London, Frank Lampard's side had started to regain momentum before the season was interrupted, with an impressive win over Liverpool in the FA Cup and league victories over Tottenham and Everton.
The Blues had hit a patchy run of form prior to that, suffering a thrashing by Bayern Munich in the Champions League to leave their European hopes hanging on by a thread, and a disappointing home defeat to Manchester United.
But when the campaign finally does resume, Lampard will be confident that his players can continue where they left off against Carlo Ancelotti's Everton, and consolidate their place in the top four to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Once they do, Chelsea will be in a strong position to continue their summer recruitment plans ahead of 2020/21. Hakim Ziyech has already completed a deal to join from Ajax, while the Blues are also keen to add in several other areas.
In goal, there were doubts over Kepa Arrizabalaga's future after the Spaniard was dropped earlier in the season. But the club record signing had regained the number one spot with a series of impressive performances, and looks to have regained Lampard's trust.
The back four appears to be more settled, with Kurt Zouma's partnership with Antonio Rudiger looking a solid one. Marcos Alonso's return at left-back was a slightly more surprising development, but the Spaniard has been excellent since his recall before the season was postponed.
However, Chelsea are still intent on strengthening, with Leicester's Ben Chilwell thought to be one of Lampard's top transfer targets.
Reece James will compete with Cesar Azpilicueta for the right-back berth, but Lampard's faith in the Chelsea youth graduate could see him start the new season as first choice.
N'Golo Kante has endured an injury-hit campaign, but the Frenchman is still one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Billy Gilmour has been a revelation since deputising for Jorginho. The young Scot impressed in the FA Cup win over Liverpool with a man-of-the-match performance, and followed it up with another stand-out display against Everton.
But Lampard will be wary of overusing the teenager, and he could start the new season battling with any new signings for a spot in midfield.
Christian Pulisic has missed the last few months, but his return ahead of the new campaign will be a welcome one, with the Blues missing his pace and goal threat from wide areas.
Mason Mount seemingly cemented his place in Lampard's first team plans before the break, with some impressive performances coming from an advanced position in a midfield three.
Olivier Giroud deputised to excellent effect for Tammy Abraham before the break, but the Frenchman could still leave in the summer if an acceptable offer arrives.
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, which would offer even more competition for Giroud.
Werner has established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after players, after enjoying a stunning season at Leipzig.
And football.london understands Chelsea are closing in on a deal with the Blues in advanced talks with the German side.
Frank Lampard's side have reportedly made an offer to activate the Germany striker's €55million release clause before it expires on June 15.
Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Kepa; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic, Mount; Pulisic, Ziyech, Werner.
