A Premier view. Part one.

Arsenal

Five years is too long for once perennial challengers. The signings of Laurent Koscielny and Marouane Chamakh are good ones while the jettisoning of William Gallas can only improve the dressing room harmony. Much will depend on how Cesc Fabregas recovers from a summer blushing at Catalonia.

Prediction: 2nd.

Aston Villa.

The stunning loss of Martin 'O Neill has turned a season of promise into one of consolidation. Whoever comes in needs to keep Young and Agbonlahor and persude Randy Lerner to lossen the purse strings.

Prediction: 11th.

Birmingham.

A wonderful if unattractive season last year saw Alex McLeish’s side finish ninth but many of their victories last season came courtesy of single goal wins. A feat they will struggle to repeat. The signing of Nikola Zigic suggests that Birmingham’s plan B will be route one.

Prediction: 14th.

Blackburn Rovers.

Like him or loathe him Sam Allardyce generally gets the job done when it comes to premier league survival. Last season’s was based on a good home record and Rovers will need to repeat that. Not pretty but effective.

Prediction 12th.

Blackpool.

This year’s Derby? It seems so. Ian Holloway has a cult following of neutral fans for his idiosyncratic interviews but it has not helped him attract players to Blackpool. His is working on a minimal budget and as sad a fact it is, no investment equals no chance.

Prediction: 20th.

Bolton Wanderers

A canny summer from Owen Coyle has seen him recruit some quality in Ivan Klasnic and Martin Petrov. That should ensure Bolton are away from the dogfight below.

Prediction: 13th.

Chelsea.

The champions have been quiet in the summer with only Yossi Benayoun replacing Joe Cole though the signing of Ramires is expected to be completed before the big kick-off. Much will be needed from Drogba and Frank Lampard and one wonders how often they can go to the well. Michael Essien also needs a big, injury free season.

Prediction: 3rd.

Everton.

Seemingly always slow out of the traps, if David Moyes’s side start well they can bloody the supposed big guns. Too light a squad to challenge the top four but Everton have enough for the Europa.

Prediction: 6th.

Fulham.

The loss of Roy Hodgson could have seriously disabled them but the appointment of Mark Hughes could actually see the Cottagers rise in the league. Another striker is needed to ease the burden on Bobby Zamora but the absence of Europe on a small squad should see them nudge their way into the top ten.

Prediction: 9th.

Liverpool.

A summer played out in the business section has not been the ideal setting for a start to the season but the appointment of the calm Ray Hodgson and the retention of Fernando Torres means they can again push their way to the top table.

Prediction 4th.