Jose Mourinho may have lost the Community Shield to Arsenal. But, his side is widely expected to be strong enough to defend their Premier League crown. However, with other sides strengthening in the summer and trying to pose a threat, the new season comes with an interesting outlook. Let us look at the possible competitors for the Blues.
Manchester City
Last season runners-up and the big spending City have continued with their large money moves so far. The new £49 million man Raheem Sterling is expected to solve all of their problems: lack of pace, youth and English quota players. He will definitely improve the side but other problem areas remain.
There are question marks on Vincent Kompany and the central defence as also on Fernando. The signing of Fabian Delph may give them depth in the central midfield but the side looks out of pace and depth to be a serious threat.
Arsenal
For all the noise created by the Gunners before and after the Community Shield, Arsene Wenger’s side still isn’t competent enough to fight and win over 38 games. They are still in search of a striker as we speak, but if things remain the same, Olivier Giroud doesn’t look good as a spearhead.
There are big doubts on the fitness front too with the club notorious for the time spent by players on the doctors’ table. The North London club has an efficient unit but will they be able to sustain over the entire year is a riddle even to their supporters.
Manchester United
The most successful English club is trying very hard to buy their way to success this season under Louis van Gaal. The arrivals of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger has definitely solved one of Van Gaal’s problems – midfield.
But, the confusion around De Gea’s stay at the club and the departures of van Persie and Di Maria cast serious doubts on their title credentials. It will shock even their ardent supporters if the title is won by the Red Devils this season.
Liverpool
The Merseyside club has been one of the busiest in the transfer window. They tried buying as many attacking options as they could to give them an edge in front of the goal. Ever since the departure of Luis Suarez, Liverpool lacked the goals and it hurt them big last season.
Whether all the signings will adjust and integrate quickly will decide the club’s path for the season. Qualifying to Champions League should be at the forefront of Brendan Rodgers’ plans. Anything more will be an absolute bonus.
Unless Arsenal or City can improve by leaps and bounds, it looks like the only thing that can stop Chelsea at the moment is injuries.
