Chelsea captain John Terry is predicting the most fiercely contested title race in years as the Premier League kicks-off on Saturday after a summer of lavish spending by English football's elite. Terry believes defending champions Manchester United remain the team to beat after bolstering their playing staff with the signings of England forward Ashley Young, Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea and Blackburn defender Phil Jones.
But the 30-year-old Stamford Bridge defender believes that half a dozen teams could realistically challenge for the title, pointing to Manchester City and Liverpool's bold raids in the transfer market. "I'm worried about a lot of teams this season. Everyone has strengthened," said Terry at this week's official launch of the Premier League.
"Manchester City and Manchester United have bought in some good players, Liverpool seemed to have strengthened a lot. "There are six or seven teams who can really push and have a chance of winning the trophy." Terry is adamant however that Manchester United will represent the biggest hurdle if Chelsea are to reclaim the crown they last won in 2010. "We can catch Manchester United," said Terry. "They have been the benchmark for 20 years. We pushed them to the end last season but missed out.
Chelsea open their campaign with a potentially awkward away trip to Stoke on Sunday, while Manchester United get their quest for a 20th league title under way against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. United are also bracing for a sustained challenge from local rivals Manchester City, who have spent more than £50 million this summer with the recruitment of Sergio Aguero, Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic. City, who secured Champions League football last year as well as ending their 35-year wait for a trophy, face newly-promoted Swansea at Eastlands on Monday.
Both Fabregas and Nasri are expected to complete moves to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively before the new season starts with Wenger admitting the Fabregas situation could be resolved "very quickly." Fixtures (all kick-offs 1400 GMT unless stated): Saturday: Blackburn v Wolverhampton, Fulham v Aston Villa, Liverpool v Sunderland, QPR v Bolton, Wigan v Norwich, Newcastle v Arsenal (1630) Sunday: Stoke v Chelsea (1230), West Brom v Man Utd (1500)
Monday: Manchester City v Swansea (1900).
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