Dr Joseph Kamugisha The Premier League is only one month old and with only five matches played, Chelsea already carry favorite’s tag to win the title come May 2015. There has been massive deviation from pre-season football predictor’s as Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho seems to be the most consistent team so far. Before the beginning of the season, many football pundits had hopes in Arsenal and Liverpool whereas Chelsea and Manchester city had lesser odds to win the 2014-2015 Premier League title. Though it is too early to predict on possible outcome of the title winners now, there are already some predictive values that favor some teams and other values that exclude some teams to become champions. One of the most obvious title contenders this season are Mourinho team, who currently sit top of the table standings with 13 points out of possible 15. Chelsea has won convincingly their previous four premier league games and was only forced to 1-all draw by Manchester City last weekend. The only factor that can exclude Chelsea from premier league title contention is the injury or injuries to their key players. Chelsea is looking strong in every department and Jose Mourinho seems to have well balanced, strong squad that can challenge for every title in Europe. Most importantly, there has been an alarm for goals at Stamford Bridge ever since Diego Costa arrived at the club. The Spanish-adopted international player has adopted well at Chelsea and has scored 7 goals in five games. He has made history to score more goals than any other striker at the start of the Premier League in his first season. If he continues his fine form, Costa will be Mourinho’s leader in attack and will provide cutting edge to win games. He was very instrumental for Atletico Madrid to win the Spanish La Liga last season and if he can replicate the fine form that guided Atletico to their historical title, he will become an instant hero for Chelsea. Costa has good technical ability and his accuracy shooting ability makes him a complete striker especially for the blues. The blues have recently resorted to quick ball passes style and like to penetrate the opponent from the middle of the field. They possess dynamic and skilled midfielders who are very good at one –on- one. Their game style suits Costa who possess a sharp feet in-front of the goalmouth and he is a natural flicker. Chelsea is arguably much better than last season with a lot of creativity coming from the new recruit Cesc Fabregas who was signed from Spanish outfit Barcelona. Fabregas has started to act as the pace-maker for the new-look Blues, and drives balls well from the heart of the midfield as seen during his time at Arsenal. Fabregas and Brazilian international Willian, who signed from Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine last season, have added a lot of quality in the current Chelsea team. The duo’s style of the duo has give Eden Hazard more allowance to attack opponents from all angles. Hazard’s role in the Chelsea starting eleven looks more free than last season and this gives opponents much difficulty to target him. Chelsea defensive options are another key factor. Mourinho is known for his good defensive record as his teams do not usually concede goals easily. This season they look even more secure with many options at centre-half and the full-back positions with the arrival of Filipe Luis and Nemanja Matic who are top professionals. The duo will offer strong protection to Belgian keeper Courtois, one of the best in Europe. The versatility of Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta is another major factor.
