Fourth last year, albeit by only two points from their closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur, were Arsenal. It is all change for them as they go into their spanking brand new home at the Emirates Stadium. They have also lost three stalwarts in Pires, Bergkamp, and Campbell, and are on the brink of losing England's full back Ashley Cole too, to Chelsea. The blues have reportedly bid £20 million, Arsenal want £30 million. They do have good young players coming through, and a much larger crowd this season judging by early ticket sales and greater ground capacity. Don't forget they did make the Champions League final last season. Add to that Thierry Henry's renewed commitment to the club, and it would be foolish to write off their chances. But the competition will be hotter than ever for the Gunners, not least from their near neighbours, Spurs. Arsenal are also 8/1 for the title, but might do well to finish in the top four.

That brings us to England's most improved club, Spurs. They have been getting stronger for several seasons now, and under their likeable manager Martin Jol, they should be stronger again this year. They have concentrated on buying the best young players they can find, and being patient with them as they grow into the team. They have consistently bought young English players too, something that Arsenal have noticeably not done, though selling Michael Carrick to Manchester United is a blow, (Arsenal are now regularly putting out an eleven containing not a single British player) and one senses that the spirit in the Spurs' camp continues to rise. But can they break into the top four this year? They could do so, and if any of the top four slip up, or have a bad year, then expect the whites to step up and take their place. Spurs are currently 80/1 to win the league and even that may not be too fanciful.

So what of the rest? The black and white shirted hordes will still turn out at Saint James's Park to support Newcastle, and in Damien Duff for £5 million they must surely have landed the buy of the season. The new captain Scottie Parker will drive them on, but the loss of England's centre forward Michael Owen through injury during the World Cup, he may miss the whole season, is a big blow. Newcastle are improving, but still need more firepower to compete with the elite.