Gary Lineker backs Chelsea to retain title but admits Arsenal will pose biggest threat to Mourinho’s crown

London Evening Standard

Gary Lineker may be a former Tottenham striker but his hope that Chelsea do not get off to a runaway start again this season has nothing to do with club allegiances.



Last term, it took until December for Jose Mourinho’s men to be beaten, losing 2-1 at Newcastle in their 15th game of the Premier League campaign.



Aside from a remarkable 5-3 defeat to Spurs on New Year’s Day it was pretty much plain sailing for the Blues after that as they eased to the title with an eight-point advantage over their closest challengers Manchester City.



This season kicks off on Saturday and, as host of Match of the Day, Lineker would love the title race to go the distance but he fears that will not happen if Chelsea build up a similar head of steam.



“You’d have to say Chelsea are very strong favourites for the title; they’ve added to their squad, they were comfortable last season so there has to be quite a big turnaround for another club to challenge them,” says the former England striker. “Obviously the other clubs are making additions and they desperately need it. But it often takes time when you’re bringing in lots of different faces to find the balance to your side.