That leaves the three promoted clubs, Reading, Sheffield United and Watford. It is unusual for the three promoted teams to go straight back down, yet that is what the pundits are predicting. Reading, the Royals, won the Championship last season in a canter, and in their manager Steve Coppell, they have a thinking man's manager. I have followed his career closely ever since his league debut for Tranmere Rovers in the early seventies, a match I witnessed. They haven't added greatly to their squad, and it is uncertain how much cash he has at his disposal. Reading have never played in the top tier before, and the fans can't wait. A bad start could mean a long and painful season. A good start could be enough to see them safe. It's a fifty-fifty call.

Sheffield United, the Blades are back, and under the abrasive manager Neil Warnock for his first time in the EPL. No one will relish the trip to Brammall Lane, Yorkshire, not least the match officials who will surely hear the wrath of Neil's considerable tongue. United have shown in recent seasons that they can compete with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in FA Cup matches, but whether they can do that week in week out is an entirely different matter. You look at their squad of battlers, and you don't see quality, and ultimately, that could cost them.

Watford are an amazing story. They scrambled up through the play-offs defeating the much fancied Leeds United, and in their interesting young manager Adie Boothroyd, they have someone who demands listening to. He certainly talks a good season ahead for the Hornets, but can they really stay up? The bookmakers and the pundits say a definite no, but it has happened before. This situation reminds me of Jewell at Bradford City a few years ago, when everyone said they didn't have a cat in hells chance. But Jewell kept Bradford City up, and Boothroyd could do the same. If he did, much bigger clubs might come calling. Boothroyd seems destined to succeed, but whether it is at Watford, only time will tell. Incidentally, you can still get a free $30 bet at betfair.com by inputting the code 6CHE3VPWJ where required.

As for my choices: I will take Liverpool to break their duck, and win the Premier League. Chelsea might take the Champions League, and sorry, but Sheffield United, Fulham and Watford could be relegated. But what do I know? Don't follow my thoughts. Pick your own!

Let's hope it’s a great season, with close finishes at either end of the table, which for once, it could be.