The Season Ahead - Who will be the Champions?

If Chelsea play the similar kind of football Guus Hiddink got them playing, then on their day, they can beat anybody. In truth, none of the big four have really strengthened from last season, though nowadays it's hard to imagine Arsenal as title challengers.

Man United will struggle to replace Ronaldo and Tevez, and as good players Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen are and as much as I think they'll be good signings, it will take time for them to become world class and turn United into world beaters again and I don't think this season will be their season.

As for Liverpool, they've got an interesting signing in Glen Johnson, who in my opinion cost a bit much ( 18 million pounds to be exact ). I think Alberto Aguilani might struggle to match the exploits of now Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso, Alonso was such a good player for Liverpool, I think they'll miss him. Aquilani is an established player but with nature of the EPL he might need a bit more time to settle. Another concern for Liverpool should be the fitness of Gerrard and Torres ( Without doubt their most important players). Speaking of which the latter is already set to miss the England game against Holland due to a groin injury - my point exactly. Liverpool don't really have much cover for them, particularly for Gerrard.

Chelsea haven't sold anybody ( at least not yet, reports claim that Bayern are keen on fullback Jose Bosingwa), and have got a new manager with a European pedigree, and have bought Ross Turnbull, Daniel Sturridge and Yuri Zhirkov. I'm of the opinion that Zhirkov will be good cover on the left for both Malouda and Ashley Cole. After watching Sturridge in pre-season I think he could turn out to be a real bargain by for Chelsea in the long term, with Anelka and Drogba in their thirties. Having thus said I think Chelsea's season might be great especially if Didier and Anelka are in top form.

So where do the Gunners come in? They do have quality players like Arshavin, Walcott, Fabregas, Nasri and Van Persie, and they have great potential in their youngsters. But Arsenal's problem is one of depth in opinion, they need a holding midfielder ( one in his mid 20's not the teenagers Wenger is always getting). They also need to strengthen that backline with Toure gone and Senderos looking likely to join Everton ( a team that could be competing for that fourth position). They have lost Adebayor and good deal for Arsenal in my opinion, so perhaps another striker might be good and with 25 million pounds I think Wenger can get a really good player, although I should say I am no fan of this Chamakh guy they are chasing. So thus said who will finish in pole position come May?

If you ask me it will be like this:

1. Chelsea
2. Man Utd
3. Liverpool
4. Man City/Arsenal/Everton/ Aston Villa ?