Prem Win Market

For the first time in Premier League history, I believe that four teams have a genuine chance of lifting the title. Although some see the domination of the quartet as detrimental to the enjoyment of the game, there can be little doubt about their quality and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it will unfold.

Chelsea

Absolutely everything went against the Blues last season and the fact that they still got so close to Manchester United is worrying for the other trio. Cech, Terry, Carvalho, Lampard and Drogba all missed long periods of the campaign through injury but they got within one win of the title and a penalty kick of Champions League glory and there is no doubt they were the form side in the latter stages of last term.

Having added a genuinely quality right back, in Jose Bosingwa, and another option in midfield in the shape of the outstanding Deco, the only question mark that surrounds their credentials is that of their manager. Having said that, Scolari is a World Cup winner and were he able to also lure Robinho to Stamford Bridge then the rest could be playing for second place.

The potential problems surrounding their striking options will be heavily reduced given the goal scoring prowess of Ballack, Lampard, Cole and Essien from midfield but this may just be the season when Nicolas Anelka shines anyway. Possessing all the talent in the world, he could thrive if Dider Drogba finally decides he’s had enough of life in England. Let’s hope, for all lovers of the beautiful, that he has.

Predicted finishing position: 1st

Manchester United

While United relied heavily on the indescribably brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo last term it would be unfair to overlook the contributions of the whole of their double winning squad.

Playing behind the best defence in the league, Edwin van der Sar has enjoyed an Indian summer in goal while United have such a wealth of options in midfield it is scary. Any two from Carrick, Anderson, Scholes or Hargreaves can dominate opponents in the middle of the park while Carlos Tevez is an unsung hero wherever he is asked to play.

The Champions are not dismissed lightly but the worry, as perhaps with Chelsea, is where a regular goal supply will come from if Ronaldo doesn’t come up with the goods. Dimitar Berbatov would be an excellent addition but his arrival would only balance out the hugely significant departure of Carlos Queiroz. He was massively influential in all things good about the Red Devils over the past two seasons and will be sorely missed.

What should also not be forgotten is that Sir Alex Ferguson was very fortunate not to have to contend with any semblance of an injury crisis last season and I think the men from West London hold sway in the quality of squad. While there is nothing to chose between their first elevens, August to May is a very long time indeed, especially contending on numerous fronts, and that may just be the difference.

In a year when the title race looks so competitive United look short to me at under 3.00 and a lay of the holders, to small stakes, is the recommendation.

Predicted finishing position: 2nd

Liverpool

Of the much vaunted foursome it is the Anfield side intrigue me most for the coming term and I think they can get much closer to the principles than in recent seasons. Robbie Keane’s arrival is a good one, but signing two quality fullbacks is just as important and the return to fitness of Daniel Agger is also a massive boost.

Andrea Dossena and Philip Degen have come in to play either side of a likely Carragher-Agger pairing and that should make them even more formidable at the back. The two new signings also possess an abundance of talent going forward however, something Liverpool have lacked in the past in these areas, and they can provide the width to what is usually a narrow looking midfield when in possession.

The one area that does concern me however regards Rafa Benitez’s intentions on where to play Steven Gerrard. He was brilliant last season off Fernando Torres but were he deployed in a similiar role then Keane would almost certainly feature wide left and spending £20m on a forward only to play him out of position is probably not on the cards. That would mean Gerrard slotting back to sit alongside Javier Mascherano and, for me, he’s far less effective in there.

Predicted finishing position: 3rd

Arsenal

The departures of Flamini and Hleb are blows, but it would be foolish to rule Arsenal out of contending given how close they got last season and crucially they have held on to Emmanuel Adebayor. He is massive player for the Gunners and the return of Robin van Persie to play alongside him is also a huge plus. The Dutch forward is unplayable on his day and, with emerging talent such as Walcott and Bendtner to deputise when required, Arsenal should have no problem scoring plenty of goals.

The big worry for Arsene Wenger as the season approaches is his failure to replace Flamini. Diaby limped out of training this week, he has already waved goodbye to Lassana Diarra, and Wenger may be forced into poaching Gareth Barry. That move would suit all involved and if Wenger fancies him then he would be the perfect foil for Cesc Fabregas.

The back four is stable, but while the other three possess world class ‘keepers I am not sure Almunia is quite up to it and he could also be a weak link.

Arsenal will entertain us all once more, but their failure to add to their squad significantly over the summer could well be their undoing and I think they’ll fall just short.

Predicted finishing position: 4th