Chelsea could be gunning for Manchester City’s title next season

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This season’s title race has been a none event, as Manchester City have been clear of their title rivals since hitting form at the end of November.

Since then, the Citizens have steamrollered most of their opponents. There has been the odd hiccup along the way, but Pep Guardiola’s team’s form for the last six months will make them worthy champions at the end of the season.

On Saturday, a 2-1 home reverse by Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium delayed City’s title party. However, it is unlikely to stop it completely, as they are too far ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United going into the final stretch of the campaign to fall now.

Next season could be a different proposition though. New Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has now proven twice that he has the tactical nous to compete with his counterpart in the City dugout.

Tuchel has provided an amazing turnaround in fortunes that has not only took the Blues up to third place in the table but also took his team to the Champions League final, where they will meet City in the final.

For the German to outthink Guardiola once more at the end of the month is not unthinkable after two wins over the Citizens in his short tenure as Blues head coach.

The 47-year-old head coach is the sort of person who will relish a clash of wits with Guardiola in the Champions League final and next season.

No doubt the Blues will strengthen their squad in the transfer market this summer too, with players that may fit into Tuchel’s philosophy even better than the squad he inherited.

Liverpool are likely to come back stronger next season, while City’s arch-rivals Manchester United will expect improvement too.

However, from recent evidence, Chelsea could be Citizens nearest challengers for the Premier League title next season.