It is the half way point of the season and it is time to review those who will be challenging for the title and those who are more likely to go down by the end of the season.
Title Contenders
Let’s begin with Chelsea and they have more or less shown they can compete with the best and cause a stir. Certainly Diego Costa can because if he isn’t stamping his authority with his studs on someone face, ask John O’Shea of Sunderland, then he is sticking his studs on a football to smash into the net with a decent return of 14 goals in 17 Premier League games. If he doesn’t kick out and can remain fit he could fire the Blues to the title. There is the manager Jose Mourinho, who has won numerous trophies across Europe and wearing various overcoats will fancy his chances of leading his troops to a third title. Best not to mention diving however, how Jose hates diving.
If he can deliver the title, maybe Roman Abramovich may buy him a boat. Full steam ahead for SS. Special One.
At this stage of the season of course, Chelsea find themselves level on points and goal difference to fellow moneybags Manchester City, who are arguably their biggest challengers to the title. There is the jinking and dinking Sergio Aguero, who has been on fire this season with 19 goals in all competitions this season. A striker with a classy finish and an eye for goal will always be important. Not to mention, the African beast Yaya Toure, who could punch his way through midfield and rifle shots quicker then led. City need these two at their best for the title.
Manuel Pellegrini was known as the Engineer in his native Chile, well if he can engineer the best out of City then they’ll have a chance.
Relegation Contenders
The relegation battle couldn’t be any closer this season with the newly promoted clubs Leicester, Burnley and QPR or doing their best impressions to make the big boys cry. Most notably Burnley and Leicester who have made Brendan Rogers and Manuel Pellegrini take note by grabbing credible draws against them. Burnley fans will be hoping the ginger Mourinho Sean Dyche can do a job. As for Nigel Pearson, the Leicester manger, if Leornado Ulloa can keep scoring then they have a chance.
They could be crying Argentine tears of joy by the end.
QPR have Charlie Austin to call upon. It wasn’t long ago that the striker was scrubbing his own laundry when playing in the non-league of English football but now helping keep Harry Redknapp’s side in the top flight. It would a great story if Charlie could go from scrubbing dirt himself to rubbing the big boy’s nose in it. 12 goals in 18 games in the Premier League suggests he can. If anyone can do it Charlie can.
