I thought about Manchester City, but I just can't help but think that their play in the first several games was somewhat fluky. On the other hand, looking through the table, I don't believe it could be Portsmouth, Everton, Villa, Newcastle or Blackburn, who look to be the top competitors for the UEFA Cup spots. So if not Chelsea, perhaps Manchester City, but I might fancy Chelsea's chances even without Jose and now A. Cole out for a few months and Terry for maybe a month.
I don't think Chelsea will lose the Champions League spot. They have too much quality, even if they are running amok, Lord of the Flies style, in the locker room. That said, I'm taking Man City more and more seriously. I too thought the first few games were a fluke, but by all accounts they have a great game and continue to get results.
