Rafa Benitez finally dispelled a great deal of managerial demons by giving the League a go last term. This time there is no reason why they can’t continue that form and this should be very much a 3-horse race. They still lack width, but Glen Johnson and Alberto Aquilani are excellent additions. The loss of Xabi Alonso is a blow, but great business and Abeloa won’t be missed. I can’t see them winning it all without another top striker added, but they will be a considerable force both domestically and in Europe. So much to look forward to for Liverpool fans, though at present, they can’t win it all.

 Manchester City’s Saudi billionaires may have been patient last season but unless Mark Hughes delivers this time around, expect an out-of-work big name to swiftly replace him. I don’t think it’s possible for them to not have a strong season with only domestic competition to focus on and such a strong team. Toure, Barry, Adebayor, Tevez and Santa Cruz will all improve a side lacking consistency. I would be extremely surprised if they can’t break the top four with their side and the financial clout available to them in January. Whether Sparky can keep them all happy is surely, the impossible task.

Sir Alex has a job on his hands grabbing a record 4th consecutive title and I don’t believe it’s possible, even with their luck. The loss of Ronaldo, the heart of Tevez and a lack of real replacements could see them fall down the table. Michael Owen is a good buy, considering the price; Gabriel Obertan will be a good player one day and Antonio Valencia is perhaps a little out of his depth. Expect to see more of Macheda, the da Silvas and less of Giggs, Scholes and Red Nev. Whilst 4th is probably wishful thinking, I think they have seriously underestimated the void Ronaldo will leave.

  I don’t see particularly good things for Paul Hart and his fire-sale of a team. If the new owners were really serious about transforming the club, they should have replaced draw-master Hart and they may realize that mistake by Halloween at least. Goals from Kanu come as often as eclipses and Nugent is no better. Their midfield is the strongest part, in front of an ageing, creaking defence and I forsee a very difficult season ahead. One glimmer of hope is the proposed wealth of their owners and January could be a busy time for the club.

 Tony Pulis’ achievement of 12th last season seems more of a miracle the more you look at it, though the bottom half was very close. Rory Delap will be a marked man as he launches those missiles into the area, still I can’t see how it can be effectively dealt with. The acquisition of Dean Whitehead is shrewd in what has been a quiet summer at the Potteries. I would be astounded if they get anywhere higher than last term but Pulis has proven himself a master tactician and innovator, so expect more surprises. They will stay up, but it might be a bumpy ride.

  Steve Bruce has made a smart move busting out of Wigan, though Sunderland, even with Ellis Short’s dollars, are still only a slightly better prospect. A great deal of support, it will be interesting to see whether the fans have a loving relationship with a self-confessed Geordie. Bruce has brought in some quality attackers in Darren Bent and Frazier Campbell, alongside what was already a half-decent side. I think there may be more signings to come too and I can see the Wearsiders having a decent, if unspectacular season in mid-table obscurity.

 Harry Redknapp probably made the smartest move of last season - out of a job that couldn’t possibly get any better, into a job that couldn’t possibly get any worse. Narrowly missing out on Europe, it could be similar heartbreak this season too. The signing of Peter Crouch is tit-for-tat with the sale of Darren Bent and it is surprising that more additions haven’t been made as Daniel Levy tightens the considerably loose purse strings. The two Sheffield United boys won’t elevate the team either and I can see them finishing exactly where they did before.

  The nicest man in football, Franco Zola and his assistant, Steve Clarke delivered stability and prospect to the Hammers last season and this time around, I can see a similar journey. Young Savio will be looking to make an impact, alongside the very talented Luis Jimenez. Elsewhere, it was just a case of clearing out the rubbish and trimming down, rather like Spurs, and also like Spurs, they will most likely finish exactly below them, where they did last season. Still this will be another good season for West Ham and maybe even a cup run for good measure.

 Roberto Martinez inherits a strong and organized Wigan side with particular starlets in Hugo Rodallega and the vastly improved Titus Bramble. The signings of Jordi Gomez and Scott Sinclair are very smart too, Sinclair in particular should help to fill the void left by Valencia’s departure to United - which was a great price for the club. Whether Martinez can bring his Swansea team’s attractive football to the JJB is perhaps debateable, still Martinez has at least proved himself adept in the transfer market. With a chairman like Dave Whelan, he should be given the chance to succeed.

  Mick McCarthy certainly knows enough about the Premier League dogfight and I actually think he might survive the big fight this time around. The club has made some excellent signings in Ronald Zubar, Michael Mancienne Kevin Doyle and Marcus Hahnemann and there just seems to be a nice mix of youth and experience at the club. Clearly McCarthy’s experience has shown in one of the most active sides in the window. I think Wolves will surprise a few people this season and very much have the players to stay in the elite.