Who ever thought the alphabet was going to play a factor so far into the Premier League season.
After 20 league games, all that separates Chelsea and Manchester City at the top of the league is a handful of letters. A huge if it may be, but IF it stayed this way after 38 games then the title would be decided by way of a play-off.
And what a game that would be. However, there are many months and mishaps to be had before the curtain closes on another season.
Sniffing behind them are Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United in third place, but whether this is down to luck or class is a matter of debate.
Predictions rarely go well, but here at MM we’ve taken a look into the footballing crystal ball and had a punt on what we believe may happen when the silver trophies come out to play in May.
Can City defend the title or will Jose Mourinho’s men wrestle the trophy from their grasp?
The majority of our newsroom believe it is stil Chelsea’s to lose
Staying in Manchester
Ross Kelsall: “City to win because Chelsea have clearly been the better team, playing the better football so far this season and City are still level.
“So when it all comes together and they hit top form I think they’ll just pip Chelsea for the title. I also think Chelsea will go further in Europe so that may have an impact in the closing months.”
Steph Brawn: “City will win the league due to their consistent form even without strikers. They seem to be able to pull results out of the bag when they need them the most and never accept defeat.”
Adam Lacey: “The players know they are capable of winning the league, it’s just the stumbling blocks that are Aguero’s fitness and the danger of complacency.
“Having already dropped points to let City back into the title race, Chelsea have attempted to deflect away from poor performances by blaming a campaign of bad refereeing. Are we starting to see the cracks appearing in the Special One?”
Heading down to London
Ben Southworth: “Chelsea are going win the league because they have the strongest squad and mentality.
“Mourinho has been there before and with leaders such as John Terry, they have the know-how and determination that, at times, is missing from Pellegrini’s expensively assembled flock.”
James Gray: “There’s a remarkable maturity and chemistry in this City squad. However, it may well come down to the match-up of the two teams against each other.
“Mourinho is, love him or hate him, one of the great tacticians and that could be the difference. I said when Chelsea signed Cesc Fabregas that they would win the title and I stand by that. It’s going to be no cake walk though.”
Ben Weich: “Besides his pragmatism, Mourinho’s man management is his other great attribute. It’s based on creating a siege mentality within his group, hence the protestations about a ‘campaign’ against Chelsea.
“To an extent he may believe what he says to the media, but part of it is to create an ‘us against them’ feeling, thereby tightening the bonds between his players.”
Esther Jackson: “Manchester City have got a great chance of winning the league but only if they can keep Sergio Aguero fit. Chelsea have more strength in depth so I think they will win the league.”
And what of Manchester United?
With Van Gaal at the helm, United appear to be in a brighter spot than they were last year when David Moyes took the seemingly unsinkable ship to new depths of despair. Though they may sit third, their total of 37 would have seen them in sixth this time last season.
So has fortune favoured United or will they come unstuck before May?
Michael Hincks: “Southampton and West Ham have played out of their skin to keep up with the big guns while Manchester United have been criticised in all positions bar the wall that is David De Gea.
“However, they find themselves third and no team but Arsenal behind them are capable of replacing them in third. Champions League football surely beckons for the Old Trafford faithful once more.”
Ben Pringle: “United will finish fourth this season by playing a brand of boring, ugly, effective football, grinding down teams and getting the results. Van Gaal has done no better than Moyes, but his reputation has given him time.”
Patric Ridge: “United have come alive in recent months and look to have finally settled into Van Gaal’s philosophy.
“Their 11-match unbeaten run has seen them solidify their place in the top four thanks to goalkeeper De Gea’s in spectacular form. They look all set to return to the Champions League in 2015/16.”
Tom Nightingale: “United have a great chance of making third, despite some struggles they have the best squad and manager in the league aside from City and Chelsea.
“Everyone needs bedding in time and once Van Gaal has added to his side and made more of his own imprint on their football they’ll find consistency over long periods.”
Main image courtesy of Man City via YouTube, with thanks.
