Kalou dismisses City title challenge
Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou has rubbished talk that Manchester City could be title contenders by the end of the season.
Kalou is speaking from a very gifted position as he played a vital role over the course of last season, which led to Chelsea winning back their Premier League crown.
Kalou argues that the millions spent by Manchester City means nothing and that the team lack the consistency needed to challenge for English honours. He also states that City have far too many players and it will be impossible for them to all play together efficiently.
Kalou is part of a well organised and efficient Chelsea team that have the ability to retain their Premier League title with ease. However, Manchester City do have all of the talent to win the league but are being held back by a few minor problems.
Chelsea's experience and efficiency
Chelsea's experience and efficiency mean that they will be in with a shout of winning the Premier League by the end of the season, regardless of the teams that are around them.
Kalou and a number of other players in the side have learnt a very specific way to play football and it's important they continue to get big results at big times. Chelsea score seven goals at home on three occasions last season, which proves the fluency of their attack.
They have the right balance across their side and have the right players to come in as replacements when others fall out of the side with injury. This has allowed them to trim their spending and create a very organised squad.
Kalou said: "Just because you bring in 10 new players every year doesn't mean you are going to finish top of the table. City did the same thing last season and finished fifth and I am not sure if they'll be any stronger this time."
City's title challenge
There is going to be a lot of pressure on Manchester City this season to form some sort of title challenge. They certainly have the players needed to win the league but what they lack is the right balance and consistency across the team.
The problem is that with so many players the manager is going to have to employ some form of rotation system in order to keep everyone at the club happy. The money that has so far been spent at the club is well over £300 million in the last three seasons and a lot of people will face the axe if City go unsuccessful for another year. High-profile players such as Yaya Toure have bolstered the club's roster, but also the pressure and expectations on the team.
Kalou added: "Spending a lot of money on new signings doesn't guarantee anything. City have to remember there are still teams like Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Liverpool and Arsenal who will always be at the top. And this year we will all be up there fighting for the title again."
Betting advice
Chelsea are the huge favourites to win the Premier League again this season and keep their crown. City are a punt and nothing more than this. The best option is to wait and see how City start the season if you fancy backing them.
Kalou is one player who could score a lot of goals at Chelsea by the end of the season. If you want to pick someone from City's team then you will be spoilt for choice.
This will let you see the team they start with and whether they have the right sort of consistency to be pushing for the title by the end of the season. They play well against bigger teams but always seem to trip up at some point.
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