Now down to business. And a couple of obvious questions, that everyone will be thinking about. Firstly, can anyone steal Manchester City's title from them? Well, I certainly think that Man United have made an astute signing in Shinji Kagawa. Kagawa will give United the extra creativity that they have lacked in the attacking midfield role over the past season or two. He will run at defenders with the ball, he can play those killer passes into the areas behind the defence, and he will almost certainly chip in with nice goal tally. Let's not forget as well though, that the current pursuit of Robin van Persie will give United arguably the best strike force in England, only contested by close neighbours Man City. And with van Persie, Sir Alex will be sure of being fired to another League title. Now Man United aren't the only side who've made the right signings. Chelsea have been this summers biggest spenders, splashing around £65m on new faces, most notably, Eden Hazard. The big question with Hazard, is how he settles. If he's able to gel in with his teammates early, and doesn't feel the pressure of the £35m fee, then he will have the whole world talking about him, for the right reasons. Another factor is the enigma that is, Fernando Torres. If Torres can score the goals that Didier Drogba has scored in previous years, then I know, that Chelsea will have a strong season. Finally, the only other genuine title contenders, in my mind, could be Arsenal. The question is, can Wenger keep RvP? If he doesn't then the good signings of Podolski, Cazorla and Giroud will surely be overshadowed. But Wenger can also use this to an advantage, with everyone writing them off, the underdogs might just feel the pressure is off, and with that, play their best possible football. Also, if those aforementioned new signings have the pressure taken away, this will help shorten the settling in period, and give them a quicker impact.
Right then, now that I've talked about the top of the table, it's only fair I get on to the bottom. I think that this season, there are 5 main candidates, although a couple more may easily slip into the mire.
First of all, I think Wigan are in for another tough season. Roberto Martinez has done a good job there, but I think with the newly promoted teams faring much better in recent years, it's going to keep getting harder for Wigan to stay up. If they are to stay in the Premier League though, it will be in no small way down to the impact of loan signing Ryo Miyaichi. Miyaichi is a player with a lot of potential, and a loan spell at a club like Wigan will serve well, just like it did for Tom Cleverley two season ago. The next team I think will be engulfed in a relegation battle is Southampton. They are new to the league, and with them having played in League 1 as recently as two seasons ago, it'll take a big effort to stay up, especially when you take into account that they haven't signed many players with Premier League experience, although if Norwich could stay up in this blueprint; I'm sure Southampton will fancy their chances as well! Thirdly I think Norwich may be in for a hard year. With Paul Lambert having left, and the chance of 'Second Season Syndrome' kicking in, Chris Hughton is going to be reliant on a fast start to life at Carrow Road. Also, after Grant Holt handed in a transfer request only to sign a new contract, it could be interesting to see whether he'll take his foot off the gas now and won't feel he has a point to prove. One things for sure, Holt and Morison, will be big players for Hughton over the next nine months. My next choice is a tough one. But, I think another team who'll get stuck down at the wrong end of table, are West Brom. Roy Hodgson gave them the stability that they craved, and now that he's gone, it could prove a make or break season for the Baggies. The way that Roy set them up defensively was the biggest attribute to the side, with not conceding goals and being effective on the counter attack his philosophy. Whether Steve Clarke can continue the good work is the all important question. So finally, onto the final candidate for the drop. Reading. I've chose Reading; not because I think they are a bad team, but more because they have a very hard start to the season. With a game against Stoke to kick off with, and then Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle all within their first six games, it could put them into a downward spiral, which is hard to recover from in the top flight.
Now for the usual lottery of predictions.
Firstly, Who Will Win the League? Well I genuinely think Chelsea will give a big challenge but Man United will prevail.
The Three to Go Down?
I can't see past Wigan and Southampton for relegation; the third spot, however will be a long, arduous battle, and one that I think West Brom may will lose out in.
Top Scorer?
A few contenders, but I think Sergio Aguero will hit top form again and this time beat the rest. RvP however could be a challenger, if injury free.
The Signing to Have Biggest Impact?
Although there are a few, in my opinion it will be Santi Cazorla. For Arsenal, he will be the player that makes things happen, how he plays will be key.
Finally, the 'Surprise Package'?
Queens Park Rangers are my pick here. I've chose Rangers because they've been signalling their intent for the new season by making plenty of signings, with Premier League experience.
With all of these opinions, only time will tell if I'm right. One thing I know for sure though, the new season will have all the thrills and spills of last season, with plenty more on the way.
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