Chelsea: Five reasons why Chelsea will be Premier League winners this year

Since Roman Abramovich's arrival, Chelsea have replaced their midtable tag with the one of serious title contenders. Every season Chelsea are now predicted to win silverware. They have been mostly right with the sole exception of 2010/11 since 2004.

This year though is all the more competitive with the rise of the blue moon at Manchester City, the long standing empire at Manchester United, the perrenial underachievers Arsenal and the new kids on the block Newcastle United and Spurs.

Never before has the league seen this kind of open race since maybe Fergie's arrival. But without further ado, here are five reasons that set Chelsea apart from the other horses in the race.

1. High on confidence

Last season, though a disappointment in the league, was a revelation in the end with the FA Cup and Champions League double. This achievement came on the back of wins against European heavyweights including Barca, Munich, resurgent Napoli, Benfica and Liverpool (at least in the cups). Thus, it is surely a huge confidence boost for both the old and the new players. And we know how far confidence can take us!

2. Excellent transfers

Like all seasons, this transfer window has also been very hectic for Chelsea, but unlike last time, when we made disappointing signings like Meireles and Benayoun, this summer's signings are those which are highly rated and more importantly, young. Any team which boasts players like Hazard, Marin, DeBruyne and most probably, Oscar, can be easily touted as serious contenders for any competition in the world. Also, offloading the significant others like Kalou and in all probability Malouda, Essien and Benayoun, we have a prepared 25 member squad for conquering any mountain.

3. Players in form

All the players involved in the first XI come on the back of superior showings in recent matches. Torres was the Golden Boot winner at the Euros, Hazard and Marin performed especially well in the friendlies, if not at their international clubs, Lukaku has shown that he is truly a potent replacement to Drogba and maybe Torres in future, and the defence is already the best in Europe.

4. Manager has the backing of all the players

Roberto Di Matteo has grown such a fondness and belonging in his squad that even Fergie, Mancini and especially Wenger would be really envious of. His handling of the dressing room is only second to Terry (for obvious reasons) and it has been proven time and again in the world of football that if a manager does not have the backing of his squad, the title is already lost (France at the World Cup, Euros, Chelsea under AVB).

5. Luck factor

Under RDM, Chelsea have been more than a bit lucky. The shots that hit the post over the two fixtures at Barca, the unlikely tactical mistake of subbing Muller in the final, the shaky defence which somehow contained Liverpool, all indicate the luck factor with Chelsea. Also, this season, added luck is provided with the recent win against Seattle. Every time we have had a friendly against Seattle, it has been the dawn of a new era at Chelsea (2004 and 2009) and we won the double. Let's hope that the luck carries through!

Calling all Chelsea fans: How confident are you ahead of the big kick off? Do you believe Chelsea can reclaim the Premier League title this season? What are your expectations for this season? Whatever your view, we'd love to hear from you.

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