Premier League 2013-14: Season Predictions

Chelsea

One of the reasons that many people look forward to Saturday and beyond are for press conferences of these next two managers: Crystal Palace's Ian Holloway, but first José Mourinho and his Chelsea side. Whatever shenanigans occur of the pitch, it is what happens on it that is of prime concern. Last season saw Frank Lampard break the all-time scoring record at the club and more notably, the emergence of the so-called 'Three Amigos': Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata, who all impressed greatly in periods of the season and in Mata, especially were the epitomy of all that was good going on at the West London outfit: consistency and class. The sole signing of André Schurrle suggests that there isn't too much that needs tinkering with at the club. Schurrle is versatile player, who can either be deployed as a winger or as a striker, has just come off a good season at Bayer Leverkusen. The fact he can play as a winger or a striker, is important because the frontmen were not as prolific as fans had all hoped. Fernando Torres did manage 22 goals last season (although, only 8 in the League), and Demba Ba's future is in the balance, so it was a shrewd acquisition to acquire Schurrle, as his goals add to a team where goals can be scored anywhere, but he plays in the position where it is most needed. Mourinho, though has to contend with the axis of Terry and Lampard growing ever older and thus not playing too much, so he has somewhat lost his regular leadership on the pitch and he must adapt to that and must become more trusting of the new breed that has arrived since his departure in 2007 Overall, a solid goals output coupled with a solid defence and the fans happy with the managerial appointment, will all lead to a more harmonious place. And that will make it easier to capture the League. Prediction: 1st