EPL: Chelsea juggle the figures

Chelsea’s transfer dealings have always been a source of amazement ever since Roman Abramovich bought them.

For the most part, the club appears to have attracted some of the world’s best by chucking obscenely large wads of cash their way.

There has been a shift, in mentality if not quite the size of the cheques, this season.

The new Financial Fair Play rules are about to take hold and Jose Mourinho has spoken to the point of boredom about his long-term project.

The Blues’ latest dip into the transfer market is fascinating.

Firstly, they have resigned Nemanja Matic, a player they let go to Benfica as a makeweight in the David Luiz deal, for a staggering £20.5m.

He’s improved a huge amount and at 23 years old is obviously someone they now see playing a huge part in the club’s future.

Such a bold and, let’s face, potentially embarrassing U-turn, is massivley offset howver, by the sale of Kevin De Bruyne for a whopping £18m to Wolfsburg. The talented Belgian was signed in 2012 for £7m and has played just three Premier League games in the meantime.

And who says Chelsea can’t flip a player? 

Man Utd, their opponents on Sunday, are still scratching around for reinforcements, with David Moyes in need of some signings to really stamp his authority on the team.

You get the feeling Chelsea are building up steam for the years ahead. United are still in limbo. 

 TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Sunderland v Saints

8:45am

Just when Saints were going along nicely, Nicola Cortese exits. The former chairman’s influence can not be underestimated. The good news is manager Mauricio Pochettino is staying... for now.

Prediction: 0-2

Arsenal v Fulham

The Gunners are going along nicely, showing some grit to go with their undoubted flair. The Cottagers won’t be able to live with them.  

Prediction: 3-0

Crystal Palace v Stoke

Tony Pulis should get a good reception from the Stoke fans after his spell  in charge at the Potters but he’ll be more concerned with getting some points for Palace. Under Pulis, the Eagles now have a chance of survival. Impressive impact.

Prediction: 1-1

Man City v Cardiff

City look like a team  content with themselves at the moment. Sergio Aguero is back from injury and Alvaro Negredo has proved to be one of the buys of the season. Another goal and they have 100 for the season in all competitions. It’s going to happen!

Prediction: 3-0

Norwich v Hull

Hull have made some impressive additions to their front line. Nikica Jelavic from Everton could prove a masterstroke, while Shane Long is an underrated front man. 

The Canaries, meanwhile, have struggled for goals all campaign.

Prediction: 1-2

West Ham v Newcastle

The Hammers gave themselves a lifeline with the win against Cardiff. It may have even saved manager Sam Allardyce’s job. He still holds a big grudge against Newcastle, who have lost their past three in the league. 

Prediction: 2-2

Liverpool v Aston Villa

1:30pm

I, for one, thought Villa would build on last season but they have stagnated badly. Liverpool have their tails up after their five-star show at Stoke and are in a great position to push on and finish in the top four. 

Prediction: 3-1

SUNDAY

Swansea v Tottenham

9:30am

For all the turmoil and anti-AVB comments, Spurs — now under Tim Sherwood — are just two points of the Champions League places.

Christian Eriksen is flying at the moment and the wealth of talent at the Londoners is too impressive for them not to be favourites to get a win here.

Prediction: 1-2

Chelsea v Man Utd

12pm

United’s firepower in Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are afflicted with injuries and Chelsea’s defence looks increasingly tight and efficient, just how Mourinho likes it.

David Moyes’ side will have to find another gear if they are to trouble Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

Prediction: 2-0

MONDAY

West Brom v Everton

4pm

New era at the Baggies with Pepe Mel taking charge. They are just three points off the drop zone so he has to hit the ground running. 

Prediction: 1-2