Title Contenders: Chelsea go into this season looking for a 3rd straight title. Chelsea have yet again recruited big name players with 3 strikers; Ukraine star Andriy Schevchenko, the Nigerian John Obi Mikel, Ivory Coast World Cup star Samolon Kalou and German midfielder Michael Ballack all arriving. If these players perform as Mourhino expects then Chelsea may romp home to another title but some predict these players may find it difficult to settle and other teams may finally get a chance. Liverpool have spent slightly less during the summer but have also got many new signings; Fabio Aurelio, Craig Bellamy, Mark Gonzalez, Gabriel Paletta and Jermaine Pennant. Bellamy is possibly Liverpool's biggest hope but he and Pennant are not always the most consistent players. While supporters will want a top 2 finish, Liverpool may struggle for this if Bellamy isn't so magic. Meanwhile Manchester UTD have only signed Michael Carrick. He is a top midfielder but not one who can carry the team through games alone. If Man U get a few more signings they may hav a chance but otherwise they will probably not be able to catch Chelsea. The last title contender is Arsenal who struggled to achieve 4th place last season, just two years after they were nicknamed 'the invincibles'. However, this year they have a much better chance with their young team of last year having matured and with the great new signing : Rosicky. It may still be one year too early for this young team but Arsenal have some great players who could see them mount a strong title challenge.
Europe: Tottenham look as strong as ever with only their loss of Michael Carrick hindering their top 4 chances. Still Tottenham could easily reach the Champions League this season where last time they were so unlucky to miss out. Benoit is Tottenham's new signing at left back. Zokora was extremely impressive for Ivory Coast in the World Cup and he will bolster Spurs' midfield this season. Thier biggest signing is Berbatov, an �11m striker who has been scoring prolificly in pre-season. Blackburn's chances of reaching Europe for a second season have been hit after they lost Bellamy cheaply to Liverpool. They have however recruited new strikers Benni Mccarthy, Francis Jeffers and Jason Roberts as replacements. If Blackburn keep their defence as tight as last season and Pedersen keeps playing as he is then they have a good chance of European qualification this season. Newcastle did finish very strongly last season, just missing out on a European place but their captain and club legend, Alan Shearer, has retired. Their expensive striker who was supposed to be his replacement, Michael Owen, faces a long time out injured. Newcastle will have to hope they can find goals from elsewhere (like from new midfielder Damien Duff) or sign a new striker if they really want to get into Europe this season. Bolton are always in with a chance of reaching Europe despite consistently spending low. It would no longer be a suprise if Allardyce rallies his team to have another great season and gain qualification for Europe. Bolton's only signings have been left back/midfielder Quinton Fortune and centre back Abdoulaye Meite.
Relegation Candidates: Watford are in most people's eyes certainties to go down and this is probably fair seeing as how they only got promoted through the play-offs and have not spent loads during the summer trying to achieve safety. After Wigan last year however, there is no guarantee. Most people will believe Reading will have a great chance having been one of the best ever Championship teams last season but are their players real Premiership quality? Many of their players would seem to be more suited the Championship and Reading have not recruited Premiership players but maybe Steve Coppel can perform a miracle. The last of the Championship teams promoted is Sheffield United, who I believe have the best chance of survival. They have the potential to be a long-term Premiership team, their manager knows the team very well and Warnock's signings may be astute enough to save them. Portsmouth finished last season so strongly, little other than Redknapp leaving again could put them in real danger. Martin O' Neill has a massive job trying to keep Villa safe with no signings to date but if anyone can do it he can. Middlesbrough, Manchester City and Charlton especially may also be dragged in to the relegation battle.