The Barclays Premier League is in full swing already, and everyone knows what that means: the impassioned debates on who will emerge victorious are beginning with a vengeance. The fans don't usually tend to make their judgement based on anything but fervour for their team, which is perfectly understandable. But there is something to be said for careful analysis of the competing teams.
On the
top of the stats right now is Manchester City.
.jpg "Image By: George M. Groutas")
With their crushing defeat of Aston Villa on the October 15th, Man City has catapulted themselves to first place. With strong performances from Milner and Balotelli, they were able to triumph over Villa with relative ease. However, it remains to be seen whether they will make it to hold out against a stronger line-up.
In second place are the ever-popular bookies favourite team: Manchester United. Though replete with such stars as Wayne Rooney and Chicharito Hernandez, Manchester United had a spot of defensive trouble in their 15th October game against Liverpool, especially defending against Stephen Gerrard's free kick. If their defence can hold, United can certainly give any other team in the league a run for their money.
At third, we have the powerhouse that is Chelsea. The team has been one of the primary contenders for both the Barclays and the UEFA leagues in recent years, due to the efforts of stars like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres and Cole. With a strong squad and solid tactics, Chelsea will almost certainly give a good account of themselves.
So which is the favourite? Well, many people give this honour to Manchester United. And this idea has some merit. Others think Chelsea will emerge victorious. Man Utd lacked fluidity when they played against Liverpool. Their playing felt a bit uneven. They had ball possession the majority of the game with an absolutely average squad, but even though Rooney and Hernandez entered, it didn't feel like they were Manchester from the past.