Top 5 Reasons Chelsea Will Dethrone Manchester United and Conquer Europe in 2012

Chelsea are ready to return to the top.

In 2009-10, the club won the FA Cup and Premier League double. That is an unbelievable achievement. Last year, however, Carlo Ancelotti's squad took a step back, and the two Manchester squads won those two titles (United: Premier League, City: FA Cup).

This year, Chelsea hope to regain their dominance in England. In turn, they hope to achieve Champions League glory that has mercilessly eluded them. I have compiled five reasons why Chelsea have the ability to overcome the doubters and obtain European (especially English) glory.

Defense Is Coming Together

When your captain is in the center of your defense (as well as one of the most talented defenders in the world), you usually have a pretty solid back line.

Chelsea have conceded 32 goals or fewer for seven straight seasons, but defense always seems to be a question.

Unfortunately, Chelsea are known for complete mental lapses in the back. This season, however, the defense is looking like it could be the surest it's been since Jose Mourinho.

Although John Terry is getting old and he always seems to have a nagging injury, he is still one of the best central defenders in the world. If David Luiz or Alex can't handle being Terry's center-back partner, Branislav Ivanovic has emerged as a solid option. Accordingly, Paulo Ferreira looks like he can finally be Chelsea's full-time right-back.

I would prefer to see Ivanovic on the right and Luiz in the middle. However, Luiz hasn't looked as sharp as he did in his first few matches (see: video above). Ferreira is a solid option on the outside, and he looks like he might be the choice for Sunday's match.

Plus, we shouldn't forget that Ashley Cole and Petr Cech remain in the back. They are some of the best players at their respective positions in the world.

Chelsea will have their mental lapses, just like any other team. However, they are a veteran squad that will minimize their lapses and concede fewer goals than last year.

So Many Options Up Top

Chelsea have an overflow of elite strikers. Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda, Daniel Sturridge and Fernando Torres make up one of the deepest striker corps in the EPL.

Unfortunately, Chelsea won't play with more than three at a time. If Andre Villas-Boas can find the right rotation, Chelsea could approach their 100-goal mark from two years ago.

Easier said than done.

Sometimes an abundance of riches can put too much pressure on a manager. However, if the fans (and Roman Abramovich) remain patient with AVB, he will find the right combination.

At the end of the day, a team would rather have too many options than not enough. Chelsea will figure out their problems sooner rather than later, and they should score goals in bunches.

Young Players Will Shine

Josh McEachran and Daniel Sturridge are very good players. Once they get their chance, they will become studs.

Sturridge scored eight goals in 11 starts while on loan to Bolton last year. For Chelsea, he will not be asked to score as much. In turn, he will be able to use his pace and skill to set up goals as well as score them. He took on the load as a leading scorer. With the pressure off, he will be able to contribute well for Chelsea.

McEachran is a developing midfielder that has adapted well to Andre Villas-Boas' system. The free-flowing attack fits well with the 18-year-old's style. After a few appearances last year, McEachran is ready to make an impact for the Blues this year. He is still a year or two away from being an impact player, but he still has the skills to affect big matches.

These two youngsters are ready to contribute to a Chelsea trophy. Mark my words: They will make the most of their opportunities.

Fernando Torres Is Ready To Make an Impact

How many Chelsea fans were frustrated with Fernando Torres at some point last season?

Everyone? OK, everyone.

Now, with half a season under his belt, Torres is ready to make a difference for the Blues. He is only 27, and he still has some great goals left in him. However, he does need to make a difference sooner rather than later.

Patience ran thin with the Spaniard last year. This year, I don't expect much slack from the Chelsea faithful. Torres is a world-class player, and world-class players respond to pressure, especially once they're comfortable.

Andre Villas-Boas' free-flowing system plays well into Torres' movement as a player. He makes fantastic runs. He just needs to finish them with goals. If he can finish his shots right away, I wouldn't be surprised if Torres has a dozen goals by Christmas.

Andre Villas-Boas Brings New Life

I have mentioned Andre Villas-Boas multiple times in this slideshow, and he deserves a lot of credit for the excitement he has brought to Stamford Bridge.

After his success with FC Porto last year, AVB was looking to move to a bigger club. Roman Abramovich gave him that opportunity. Although the personnel isn't ideal, AVB seems to be figuring things out.

He is still learning the strengths and weaknesses of all his players, but he will figure them out soon enough (if he hasn't already). Once he is fully tuned in with his players, the Blues will make a lot of noise this year.

That last paragraph should show my excitement for the season. AVB has brought that excitement to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were close to the top of the table for all of last year, but it never seemed like the Blues were going to win the league (after the first six weeks, of course).

This year, AVB has brought the confidence and excitement to the players. With the confidence and excitement comes results. I expect Chelsea to have plenty of good results from the beginning of the year to the end, finishing the year with multiple trophies.