Counterattack: Who Is The Favorite For This Year's EPL Crown - Chelsea Or Manchester United?

Posted Friday, August 13, 2010 by YAHOO Sport

QUESTION: Who is the favorite for this year's EPL crown - Chelsea or Manchester United?

Shane Evans: With the EPL season set to start this weekend, I believe that it's going to be Chelsea's year once again. Filled with enough savvy veterans and a few young faces (some incoming), the Blues have what it takes to repeat as Champions and keep Sir Alex away from that elusive 19th title.

Allen Ramsey: Chelsea certainly have the talent to retain the title, but there is plenty of reason for me to believe that Sir Alex won't be waiting to get number 19. Like you I feel like Chelsea might have the most talented squad in the EPL, but with Javier Hernandez in the side and Dimitar Berbatov showing signs of being good again in the preseason, United are poised to score tons of goals. I think it will be another year of Manchester United on top.

Evans: I'm not convinced by either Hernandez or Berbatov. The young Mexican is going to learn quickly what it's like to play in an aggressive, physical league like the EPL and he may have a tough time. Also, Chelsea are getting back a key man in Michael Essien who missed half of last season. His presence in the middle will be massive for their repeat hopes.

Counterattack: Who Is The Favorite For This Year's EPL Crown - Chelsea Or Manchester United?

Ramsey: Don't Chelsea get Essien back every year? Doesn't he miss half the year every year? I love Essien as a player, but hanging your hopes on him is dangerous. As for Berbatov and Hernandez, both have plenty of talent and will add to United this year. I can't see another season of where the big Bulgarian missing as many sitters as he did last year. As for Hernandez, his pace is frightening, even in a league as fast as the EPL. My point is basically that with Berba playing horribly last season and without Hernandez, United were still in the chase. I think they'll do enough to overtake the Blues this time around.

Evans: Yeah, we'll see about that. Chelsea just seem to have depth in most areas and can slot in players to fill voids where need be. Manchester United aren't so lucky. Chris Smalling was a good signing, but he isn't ready. I just get the feeling that Chelsea, led by that Drogba fella and the perennial 20-goal scorer Frank Lampard, have enough to win it again this season…especially with Carlo at the helm.

Counterattack: Who Is The Favorite For This Year's EPL Crown - Chelsea Or Manchester United?

Ramsey: You could be right. Unfortunately, I don't think they have as many players to slot in this year as they did last. Joe Cole is gone as are Michael Ballack and Deco, and though none of the three were great last year, they all played some significant minutes. Plus, I'm not so sure Ancelotti is as trusting of his youth as Sir Alex is. Either way, it should be another great season in the EPL and I'm ready for it to get kicked off.

Evans: Chelsea may have lost some players, but they also look to be gaining a couple young guns before the transfer window closes, effectively plugging those 'holes' left by the aforementioned trio. Oh, and Yossi? Shrewd pick-up. Having said that, it'll be a fight to the finish and it could just be the one point between the two sides when May rolls around. I thoroughly look forward to it.