There seems to be widespread consensus that Chelsea are comfortable favourites to take the Premier League trophy at the end of the season. The Blues have a strong squad, bolstered by the addition of key signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, while possible rivals Liverpool lost their key player from last season and Arsenal and Manchester United continue to struggle in their rebuilding efforts. Their 3-1 win against Burley last Monday was certainly an impressive and controlled show of intent. We know what the so-called experts think when it comes to Chelsea's chances, but we thought we'd turn the question over to you to find out the opinion of the people who really count: the fans. There are certainly some variables worth taking into account before you make your selection, however. While Chelsea have a packed squad, there appears to be a bit of a shortfall in defence, where injuries to Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill or Filipe Luis would leave Mourinho reliant on teenagers to fill the gaps. In attack, only a 36-year old Didier Drogba and the hapless Fernando Torres would be waiting should Diego Costa's dodgy hamstrings act up again or if he has more difficulty adapting to the rigours of a Premier League season than expected Man City have also strengthened intelligently, adding Eliaquim Mangala to a defence which was the second most solid in the league last season and Fernando as a more defensive option to compete with the fearsome pairing of Fernandinho and Yaya Toure. They may have the strongest overall squad in the league, though manager Manuel Pellegrini is a less experienced title campaigner than the wily Mourinho. None of that is to deny that Chelsea have an outstanding chance this season and even Mourinho is saying there will be no excuses if the trophy does not return to Stamford Bridge next May. Vote in the poll below so we can find out your thoughts and be sure to explain your decision in the comments below!
28-year old English writer with a borderline obsessive passion for films, videogames, Chelsea FC, incomprehensible words and indefensible puns. Follow me on Twitter if you like infrequent outbursts of absolute drivel.
