In the past ten years, Chelsea has lifted the Premier League trophy a total of three times, second most in that span of time. With that in mind, the Blues have always been considered hot favourites to challenge for the title by fans and pundits. Meanwhile, this season, they're in a superb position to lift it for a fourth time, but Jose Mourinho insists that Chelsea cannot lift the trophy come May. However, there are two ways to interpret Mourinho's comments:
- He's being serious
- He's playing his usual 'Mind Games'
Having known Mourinho ever since his first tenure at Chelsea, it's very likely that 'The Special One' is up to his usual antics and is trying to push the pressure of winning the league away from his players. But still, one must consider the Blue's chances of lifting the trophy regardless of Mourinho's comments, especially after that stunning 1-0 win at The Etihad last week.
Currently, the Blues sit 1st in the Premier League table, a point clear of Arsenal and three clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand (vs Sunderland). Should the Citizens win that match, Chelsea would drop to 2nd on goal difference.
Going into the final three months of the Premier League season, Chelsea still have to play Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, but only one of those matches is away (Liverpool). Given Chelsea's outstanding home record in the league under Jose Mourinho, Chelsea should be taking nine points in those three matches. However, Chelsea have also proved tough to beat on the road as the Blues are the third best team in the Premier League with regards to away matches. Also, Chelsea have only lost once (Everton) in their five away matches to top six clubs (and Manchester United), drawing three times and winning once in the other four matches; that win includes the 1-0 victory at the Etihad where Chelsea became the only English side to beat Manchester City at their home ground and the first to keep a clean-sheet there since 2010. That being said, it looks unlikely that Chelsea drop points at Anfield, bringing them up to an expected 10 out of 12 points in their four matches against top six clubs.
On the contrary, Manchester City won't host anyone in their remaining matches against the top six (and United). Manchester City's home form has been almost impeccable under Manuel Pellegrini as they've routed just about everyone who's travelled to the Etihad, bar Chelsea. However, Manchester City's away form against bigger sides is mixed as they lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, but defeated Tottenham 5-1 at White Hart Lane. Nonetheless, City will travel to Old Trafford, The Emirates, Anfield and Goodison Park with the hopes of keeping up with Chelsea and Arsenal. Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal have only lost once this season at home, which poses a tough challenge for Pellegrini's men. Overall, Manchester City have the fourth best away form (21 points), but a majority of those matches has been against mid-table or worse sides.
Arsenal will mostly be on the road for the remaining matches against the top six as they will host Manchester City, but travel to Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea. Arsenal most recently lost 5-1 to Liverpool at Anfield and drew 0-0 with Manchester United at The Emirates. In their home matches against top six sides (and United), Arsenal have drawn three times and won twice; wins against Spurs and Liverpool while dropping points to Everton, Chelsea and United. However, their away form against the bigger sides is along the lines of poor as they lost 1-0 to United, 5-1 to Liverpool and 6-3 to City. However, Arsenal's form against the lesser sides on the road is promising as they've won eight and drawn twice against sides below Manchester United; the Gunners boast the second best away form with 26 points (Tottenham are first with 29).
Then there's Liverpool, a side that has gone under the radar as of late and they bolster the 2nd best home form with 34 points (Chelsea are first with 35). Liverpool will host Chelsea and Manchester City while travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Liverpool have recently beaten Arsenal 5-1 and Everton 4-0 at home, earning the plaudits of many pundits across the country. Liverpool's away form is a bit shaky as they've picked up 19 points in 13 matches, winning five, drawing four and losing four; most of their road struggles have come against the lesser sides. However, Liverpool's main concern will be whether they can fend off injuries as their lack of squad depth poses a threat to Brendan Rodgers. Nonetheless, Liverpool are in fine form and will hope to lift the Premier League trophy for the first time (they last won the league in 1990 before the Premier League was founded).
With all that being said, it looks like it's going to come down to who takes the most points out of their matches against the biggers sides, but also who can make it count against the lesser sides. All teams are in a good position to win the Premier League title, but Chelsea will have to go down as favorites to win the title. My prediction is that Chelsea will win the 2013-14 Barclay's Premier League title with Manchester City coming 2nd, Liverpool 3rd and Arsenal 4th.