After a dismal campaign last term,Chelsea will kick off their new campaign with a London derby against West Ham.The blues stuttered in the defence of the title which they had won so convincingly the previous season and were only two places off the relegation zone when Guus Hiddink was appointed on interim basis following Jose Mourinho's departure.

The Dutch boss steadied the Chelsea ship but could only achieve a tenth place finish in the top-flight while being dumped out of cup competitions in the knockout rounds.It was the worst Chelsea season for some decades.

However every Blues faithful will be expecting a quick turn around this season.Here are 3 signs that every expectation will be met.

1.Antonio Conte's Appointment

A relative number of blues faithful where underwhelmed with the appointment of the Italian as Chelsea manager in April.Three consecutive Scudetto with Juventus as a major highlight of his career was touted by some as underachievement.

However,masterminding Italy's run to the quarter final of this summer's European cup surely generated optimism in every blue mind.It was the worst team Italy has ever taken to an International tourney but that was rarely visible as the team soared past Belgium and Sweden to the knockout stages.Italy convincingly dumped favorites Spain with a Conte inspired performance before eventually loosing out on penalties to world champions Germany.

Conte resumed club duties following his country's exit.He repeated the word 'work' almost as frequently as Rihanna during his unveiling and has been working with the team for over a month.

Pre-season performances were just enough to convince any blue fan that their is a ray of light down the tunnel.The 4-2-4 were used in games against Rapid Wien,Wolfsberger,Atus Ferlache,Liverpool and Real Madrid before the 4-3-3 was featured in wins against Ac Milan and Werder Bremen.

The Italian tactician brings his experience and will to work to an already star studded squad which is a real sign the blues are in for a blissful season.

2.Lack Of European Action

Finishing in tenth place last season meant the blues will not take part in any sort of European football affording the squad a luxury of free midweeks to prepare for weekend games. Conte surely understands this having maximized similar opportunity to steer Juventus to a Serie A triumph having finished in seventh position the season before.

Perhaps it will be the only disappointment of last season that could serve as an advantage to Chelsea's title charge.

3.Eden Hazard's Resurgence

The Belgian superstar was perhaps the most disheartening to watch of all Chelsea players during the last campaign with the exception of his return to form in the closing weeks.Having won the PFA award during our title winning campaign,obviously more was expected from the winger.However he suffered a torrid season marred by injuries and a loss of the form that endeared him to every Chelsea fan.

However,if four goals in our last five games was anything to go by,he surely deserve credit for a record four assists and a goal at the Euros as Belgium skipper.Eden has contributed three goals and assist in pre-season,two of those coming against Real Madrid.

With Eden Hazard,Diego Costa,Michy Batshuayi and Chelsea Player of the year Willian firing from all cylinders,the blues are tipped to make a quick return to the summit of the Premier league.

The blues will surely navigate their way back to the top beginning with a crunch tie against West Ham on Monday night.