Michael Owen believes that Chelsea are the favourites to win the Premier League title next season.
Last term, Jose Mourinho's men had the best defensive record in the division, but their return of 71 goals was well short of Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom finished above the West Londoners.
However, this summer, Mourinho has added Diego Costa, who scored 36 goals for Atletico Madrid over the course of the last campaign, to his squad, as well as the creativity of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Veteran centre-forward Didier Drogba has also returned for a second stint at Stamford Bridge, while left-back Filipe Luis, like Costa, has been recruited from Atletico.
With those signings in mind, BT Sport pundit Owen has told Sports Mole that Chelsea are the team "to beat" when it comes to who will win the Premier League title.
"Chelsea's weak point from last season was obviously scoring goals and having a reliable striker up front. They've never properly replaced Drogba from the first time around. He's back, but I can't imagine that he is going to be quite the player that he was, although he could weigh in with a few goals," said the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker.
"Costa is a sensational signing and he should be scoring at least 20 goals next season. As it stands, Chelsea are the team that everyone has got to beat. I've been impressed with their signings, they've got a strong squad and the right manager. Everything looks right for them at the moment."
The Blues last won the title back in 2010.
Owen was speaking after he had trained with Chester City to launch BT Sport's exclusive live coverage of the Vanarama Conference which kicks off this weekend. BT Sport will show up to 30 exclusively live games from the Vanarama Conference this season including the Promotion Final at Wembley. BT Sport is free with BT broadband, to find out more visit www.btsport.com.
Liam Apicella
