Opinion | Chelsea to run off with league and a cup or two, despite Spurs setback
New Year crystal-ball gazing and some old-fashioned analysis says Jose Mourinho has the armoury to repel Manchester City & Co
Who would dare call the EPL finish line after the mad Christmas schedule? A tough call indeed, but here's our New Year's predictions:
Chelsea's additions of Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic completed a team in Jose Mourinho's image. But are they unstoppable after their loss 5-3 to Tottenham?
Yes, they are. Upsets may come. But such a formidable squad threatens to break not only their 95 points record of 2004-05 but claim the crown plus other trophies.
Do champions Manchester City have the capacity to rise to Chelsea's challenge? Maybe. Another striker is needed, and if Yaya Toure returns to form and Sergio Aguero to fitness, who can argue against a third title triumph in four years.
Too many Manchester United performances and results are no more impressive under Louis van Gaal than David Moyes, as the 1-1 draw against Stoke demonstrated. Yes, the old spirit is reawakening, yet for all the money spent the squad still lacks balance, resilience and pace.
After a tough December, Southampton entered 2015 in fourth place, and no one predicted such an inspirational campaign after losing so many key players and a manager last summer. After the 2-0 win over Arsenal, the Saints dream of Champions League qualification . . . and lose sleep over the vultures circling once more.