Why Chelsea Will Launch a Major EPL Title Bid in 2013-14

Chelsea have won every major title available in the past 10 years. Despite their heaving trophy cabinet, they have missed out on all available domestic trophies in 2013-14. Their only chance at consolation is the Europa League, the second tier competition to the Champions League that the Blues dramatically clinched in 2012.

Great teams are judged on domestic championships, and Chelsea's total of four from a 108-year history is a long way off league leaders Manchester United. The Red Devils are set to win their 20th English title in 2012-13 after a poor start to their season. Chelsea on the other hand find themselves in a battle to qualify for the 2013-14 Champions League by finishing in the top four of the Premier League. With their early season form collapsing under massive upheaval and horrible in-fighting at the club, the Blues will need to rebuild their reputation by finishing at least third in 2012-13 before going all out to win the league in 2013-14.

Chelsea certainly don't lack the talent to carry out a season-long campaign. Juan Mata hasn't had a proper break since the summer of 2011 and yet he is still one of the Blues' best players. Eden Hazard and Oscar have proven to be exceptional buys, while Romelu Lukaku has scored 13 goals on loan at West Bromwich Albion. If he returns to Chelsea in the summer, he will provide the perfect amount of brawn to the beauty of Mata and Hazard, allowing the more defensively minded Oscar to take a central role behind the attacking trio.

Roman Abramovich will need to open his wallet again to finance the transfer of an additional centre-back to bolster the defence, but a sensible rotation policy will get the best out of the current players. The main concern at the moment is who will be the manager to lead the Blues to their fifth league title?

Jose Mourinho won the Premier League in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, and the story of his potential return this summer has been the perfect will-they-won't-they romance. If he does take charge of Chelsea, there is no doubt that they will be far closer to the top than they are this season.