Chelsea to take advantage of most open Premier League season in years

Things are beginning to look up for Chelsea fans.

With Blues’ legend Frank Lampard penning a new deal after the club secured yet another trophy, and the likely appointment of fan favourite Jose Mourinho, next year could be the perfect opportunity for Chelsea to re-establish themselves as genuine title challengers.

11/4 for the west London club to usurp the Manchester stronghold on the Premier League could represent real value, with Roman Abramovich likely to see the forthcoming season as potentially one of the most open in years.

Perhaps most importantly, defending champions Manchester United will be facing life after Sir Alex Ferguson and are 15/8 to retain their crown.

The legendary manager has left his successor David Moyes with a squad of irrefutable quality. However, the influence that Ferguson has had over that group of players is undeniable and whether Moyes, in his first season competing at the very pinnacle of English football, can prove to be as tactically astute and extract the same level of performance as his predecessor, remains to be seen.

Ferguson himself said that the new man needs time and, although the club are infinitely better placed than when he took over, the most successful Premier League manager ever took the best part of eight seasons to finally win the league.

Of course in recent years neighbours Manchester City have provided the stiffest competition, reigning triumphant in the previous season and are 15/8 to win the league. They are also facing a change at the top after the sacking of Roberto Mancini after what was, truthfully, a dismal defence of their title.

The squad is still in decent shape, but there are some players whose desire and ability has been questioned this year. Whoever takes over, they will surely have money to spend and some big name signings can be expected. However, winning the league at the first time of asking is a huge ask, with only Carlo Ancelotti presiding over a victorious Premier league campaign in his first season at a new club.

While a change at the top also looks likely at Chelsea, the successful candidate is perhaps more predictable. Former Blues boss Mourinho looks likely to return to Stamford Bridge and the talismanic manager knows what it takes to win the league. He recorded back to back Premier Leagues at Chelsea, accrued the most points in a single season and assembled a team many consider the best to ever grace the top flight.

With Chelsea stalwarts Frank Lampard and John Terry still present after lauding the Portuguese so highly, Mourinho could inspire his ageing stars to one more league title before bowing out.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.