Last season: First.

Is there life after Cristiano Ronaldo? And can United cope without Carlos Tevez? Sir Alex Ferguson has sold the pair to Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively, while the in-tray has seen only Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen, so the pressure will be on Wayne Rooney to lead the attack.

United held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in the season's traditional curtain-raiser, the Community Shield, before losing 4-1 on penalties. But Rooney impressed, alongside Dimitar Berbatov, while Valencia and Owen - the biggest surprise in the summer transfer market - had to make do with substitute appearances. If Owen can stay fit, he could be the success of the season.

Predicition: First.

LIVERPOOL

Last season: Second.

Liverpool ran United close last season, finishing just four points behind the leaders and with Glen Johnson, signed for £17.5 million from Portsmouth, adding his weight to the Reds' defence, they will again prove key challengers to their rivals, even if they have lost Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has teamed up with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, but in his place has come Alberto Aquilari, the Italian international midfielder. While not in the same mould as Alonso, he is still only 25 and if he can adapt to the English game quickly, Liverpool will be a force, especially with Steven Gerrard preparing for next summer's World Cup finals.

Predicition: Second.

CHELSEA

Last season: Third.

Carlo Ancelotti is Chelsea's sixth boss in five years, but the Italian arrives with a reception for success - particularly in the Champions League - and will be expected to deliver, particularly having added to their not so considerable strike-force with Russian forward Yuri Zhirkov, from CSKA Moscow, for £18 million. Last season's third place was their worst for six years, so an improvement will be demanded.

Ancelotti has fended off Manchester City's interest in captain John Terry, while Didier Drogba, tipped to move on, remains a Blue, enhancing the belief that they will give United a run for their money in the title stakes.

Prediction: Third.

ARSENAL

Last season: Fourth

Arsenal's biggest problems appear to be in the boardroom, where a rift exists between major shareholders. Meanwhile, manager Arsene Wenger has stuck with his youth policy while, crucially, losing two of his most experienced players.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure were the mainstays of attack and defence, respectively, but they succumbed to the lure of Manchester City's millions. The only serious acquisition so far has been Ajax captain and defender Thomas Vermaelen, and the fans remain sceptical that the likes of Luke Wilshere and Theo Walcott can lead the club to their first trophy for five years.

Prediction: Fifth.

MANCHESTER CITY

Last season: 10th.

City's millions have added a new angle to the Premier League - if ever a team was threatening to bring into the 'Big Four', then it's Mark Hughes' Light Blues. Already he has spent £100 million in acquiring Tevez, Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz to attack, while Toure will anchor the defence and Gareth Barry, the England midfielder, could prove a massive signing.

City were strong at home last season, scoring 40 goals and winning 13 of their 19 games at Eastlands - only Manchester United had a better home return. But away from home they won only two and scored just 18 goals, so it is clear where Hughes' priorities lie.

Prediction: Fourth.