Premier League: Chelsea to begin title defence

Chelsea begin their bid to win back-to-back titles for the first time since 2006 when the new Premier League season gets under way on Saturday. 

The Blues will have to fend off challenges from Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool - who have all strengthened over the summer - and boss Jose Mourinho, who signed a new four-year contract on Friday, expects the coming campaign to be one of the most competitive yet.
"Every club has very good players so I think it's difficult for the top teams in England because of the competitive nature," he said.

"None of the big leagues in Europe have started yet. Not Italy, not Germany, not Spain. So I think everyone is waiting for Saturday. Finally proper football starts."
This is set to be the most watched season in Premier League history, with matches broadcast in 212 territories and a global television audience of 4.7 billion.

The team to beat

Chelsea led from start to finish to win last season's Premier League title by eight points in the second year of Mourinho's second spell in charge at the club.

There is time yet in the transfer window, but so far Mourinho has resisted the urge to significantly improve his squad, with former Manchester United loanee Radamel Falcao and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic the highest-profile additions.

However, with a unit packed full of international talent, including Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, they remain favourites for this season's title with most bookmakers and pundits.
And with some of their rivals.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Chelsea and Mourinho - with whom he shares a spiky relationship - are the ones to beat. However he adds that a better start from his own side could propel them above the Blues.

"Chelsea won it by a margin last year so they are the favourites," he said.
"Last year after 12 games we were 15 points behind Chelsea, and in the next 26 we took 58 points and Chelsea 55.
"So let's start strong this season and I believe we have the needed ingredients."
Mourinho's men start against Swansea at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's evening kick-off, while Arsenal host West Ham on Sunday lunchtime.