Alan Shearer tips Chelsea for title

Former Premier League winner Alan Shearer has backed Jose Mourinho to mastermind a Chelsea title triumph this season.

Shearer believes that Mourinho's experience of winning the top flight in 2005 and 2006 will give him the edge over managerial rivals David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester United and Manchester City.

"Going into a Premier League season without Sir Alex Ferguson is strange in itself," Shearer told BBC Sport. "But Moyes is going in there for the first time and that brings its own pressures.

"You look at Manchester City and Pellegrini hasn't won any trophies. When you look at Arsenal, can you say they are anywhere near winning trophies? I don't think so.

"And Chelsea? Mourinho has been there and done it and, at this stage, that could be the difference."

City start the season as the bookmakers' favourites at a best price of 9/4, while Chelsea's best odds - 23/10 - are only marginally bigger.

Meanwhile, United are available at 3/1, with Arsenal at 23/2.