The 2014/2015 Premier League season is already giving all indications that it will throw up one of the most intriguing title races in recent memory. Despite an early sprint by favourites Chelsea, Manchester City have successfully clawed their way back into the reckoning. They currently sit behind Chelsea in the table, although only by alphabetical order. Manchester United, without any European assignment this season are in the running too as the outsiders. It’s a three horse race for the league title. Here is a look at the chances of the teams according to my predicted final table standings
3. Manchester United
Louis Van Gaal, since his appointment in the summer, has had a slow start to life at United despite making several expensive signings. A lot of people are still trying to figure out why he didn’t sign a top class centre-back after the departure of Nemanja Vidic. United’s early season form was so poor that the previous league season was even looking a better campaign. Van Gaal actually had 4 fewer points and 2 fewer wins than Moyes after 10 league games culminating in his “I was stupid to say ‘judge me after 3 months'” comments. However, they’ve had an upsurge in form. With no mid-week European fixtures to negotiate, United will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Despite the attacking brilliance being shown by United, defensive frailties will ultimately lead to more points dropped by the Red Devils. For this reason, a third place finish is the best they will achieve this Premier League, which is a massive progress from last year. All in all, it won’t be considered a bad first season for van Gaal.
2. Manchester City
Despite early jitters from the Citizens, they’ve being able to claw back an eight point gulf to level up with the Premier League title favourites, Chelsea. Manuel Pellegrini has built a side that is virtually unstoppable on their day. However, they’ve had their fair share of problems this season, with Toure’s early season form, Mangala’s defending, injuries to key payers, and poor Champions League performances being just a few of them. Talking of Mangala, he is yet to defend his massive transfer fee of £32 million (which is the British transfer record for a defender). After an impressive debut against Chelsea where he kept Diego Costa in his pocket all game long, occasional woeful defending has plagued his game. Points will be dropped this season by City in games they should easily win. They would be a sure thing to win the title if they had two Vincent Kompanys, but as it is, they still look frail at the back at times. If a team like Burnley (with all due respect) can get a result at the Etihad while 2-0 down at half time, then surely other team will face up against them with more belief. The title race will definitely go down to the wire. The likes of Aguero and Toure will lead the charge, but Manchester City will ultimately fall short of this season’s league title, surely by no more than three points though.
1. Chelsea
Jose Mourinho has successfully nurtured his ‘little horse’ into a gigantic stallion. With the signings of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, Chelsea has been dispatching the lesser sides in the Premier League with utter ruthlessness. Their summer signings have gelled in seamlessly. The Blues had a very strong first half of the season, maintaining an unbeaten run which stretched back to the defeat to Atletico Madrid in May. Premature talks of an ‘invincible season’ were ended up north by Newcastle and a Harry Kane inspired Tottenham dispatched Chelsea on New Year’s day. Both defeats were partly due to Mourinho’s reluctance to rotate, despite fixture congestion. The Blues will drop points too over the course of the season but expect this to be minimal. The hallmark of this team is their professionalism and winning mentality. Having negotiated a vast majority of their most difficult fixtures on paper, as well as maintaining an impressive home form, the Premier League title will be moving to London come May.
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