Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, Championship, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Hull City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Premier League, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham, Wigan

Avram Grant was a puppet out-of-his-depth; tactically naïve; and unable to control his side. Whatever the media made of him, he came extraordinarily close to a league and Champions League double. With a ‘proper manager’ in Luis Scolari at the helm, surely Chelsea can prevent Man Utd securing a hat-trick of titles?

As ever, it is not as simple as that. Man Utd may not have strengthened but they retained Cristiano Ronaldo – so phenomenal in the last two seasons – and, even if he does not quite match that form, quality seeps through their side. Age is also on their side: the likes of Carrick, Hargreaves, Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo should only be improving, while Vidic and Ferdinand are imperious in central defence. If Ferguson can succeed in adding Dimitar Berbatov then there is little to suggest he won’t be celebrating yet again.

Chelsea have been unusually frugal in the transfer market this summer – but should not suffer injury problems to rival last season’s. John Terry’s desire to make amends for the Champions League final should not be discounted, but a combination of Scolari’s Premier League inexperience and a lack of forward potency – compared to Man Utd at least – could mean they are just edged put once more.

Liverpool have arguably the world’s best striker in the clinical and dynamic Fernando Torres. If Robbie Keane is able to combine with him as he did Berbatov defences should beware. Yet Chelsea and Man Utd possess more formidable squads – only in central midfield and up front can Liverpool rival them – and second would constitute a major achievement.

Arsenal were only four points off top spot last campaign – something easily forgotten – but they will have problems replacing Hleb and especially Flamini, who formed a superb partnership with Cesc Fabregas last season. If Robin van Persie, who possesses a lethal shot and intricate ball-control, and Emmanuel Adebayor rely gel, fans could be salivating, But a chronic lack of depth – above all in defence – will preclude a major title challenge, though there is a chance of silverware elsewhere.

Tottenham could yet lose both parts of their formidable strike-force before August is out. Yet they have recruited sagaciously, especially in the exciting trio of David Bentley, Luka Modic and Giovanni dos Santos. With Juande Ramos having had the benefit of ten months to shape the squad he wants then he will feel he has the resources to challenge the top four, especially if Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate do not miss too many games.

It has been a somewhat tumultuous summer at Man City. However, they have an excellent new manager in Mark Hughes, so impressive at Blackburn. Add in the signing of Jo, who should add some of the penetration that prevented a top-six finish last time around and, with Dunne, Richards and Hart keeping the goals down, prospects are rather better than many have made out.

Fifth and sixth places guarantee entry into the Uefa Cup and Intertoto Cup respectively, though in the likely event of one of the top four winning one of the domestic cups, seventh position might be enough for entry into European competition. Aston Villa made it to the Intertoto last season and look well-poised for another stab despite the turmoil over Gareth Barry. Sidwell, Friedel, Young, Cuellar and Shorey have all entered and another challenge for the top positions is anticipated. Portsmouth’s spending has been limited but Crouch and Sahar have come in, adding much-needed strength to the forward line, while Everton have spent nothing and will struggle to imitate last season’s exceptional form resultantly. Outside bets come in the form of Tyne pair Newcastle and Middlesbrough, though neither club’s spending has suggests they can challenge the existing favourites.

The perennial battle for the newly promoted sides against the drop begins in earnest and once again, it seems all three will be in the vicinity of the relegation zone this season. West Brom are best equipped to survive - not least because of their recent experiences - and should manage it, but the futures of Stoke and Hull look far gloomier. Both surprise promotions, the pair have not spent diligently enough in the summer to justify survival although, hopefully, they should avoid the embarrassments suffered by the likes of Watford and Derby in previous years. Bolton are also sitting precariously. Questions linger over Gary Megson’s ability and Johann Elmander’s contribution will be key - the Swede is a direct replacement for Nicolas Anelka.

Fulham have spent even more money than last season but far more wisely this time around and the attacking duo of Zamora and Johnson should be enough to keep them above the drop zone while Blackburn’s whirlwind summer has left the club destabilised - and potentially at risk from relegation. Mark Hughes’s exit has caused mass confusion and Paul Ince is facing a player revolt from those who remain after Brad Friedel and David Bentley’s significant departures. Much depends on Roque Santa Cruz staying the entire season - and recreating the form of last season - along with Benni McCarthy up front. Blackburn could be a decent outside bet for relegation. Wigan have done some good summer business and should have enough quality to steer clear of the bottom three.

Tags: Andy Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Brad Friedel, David Bentley, Dimitar Berbatov, Gareth Barry, Giovanni Dos Santos, Johann Elmander, Luka Modric, Luke Young, Nicky Shorey, Peter Crouch, Premier League Predictions, Robbie Keane, Steve Sidwell

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