This is my prediction for the current season. Initially, it was different with Chelsea being in 2nd place and Manchester 3rd place. But this is somewhat based on the way the teams played (though I have yet to see Chelsea field it's new team)

Arsenal's the same team as before, if not better. The plus point for them is their predictable goalkeeper and their unpredictable midfielders (please note that unpredictable does not mean inconsistency).

Manchester, if they were to play the way they did in the Charity Shield and if Jaap Stam were to play the way he did for Holland and in the Charity Shield, Manchester can kiss their title hopes goodbye. But we have to take note that Manchester is a rather lucky team as compared to Liverpool. And so they might have a chance.

Chelsea has spent more than 10 million pounds on 4 new players for the season, with the ability to field a whole team of foreign players. And the only 2 Englishman likely to make the Chelsea team is Dennis Wise and Graeme Le Saux. And Channel Islander Le Saux does not even have an English-sounding name! Chelsea has 19 internationals in its squad and a lot is expected from them. But apparently, they fell to Coventry in the first game of the season, losing 2-1. This is certainly not what we expect from a team who managed to obtain 3 trophies from the last 12 months. Chelsea need to get their act together and play as a team rather then as individual stars from around the globe.

Liverpool has started the league campaign on the right footing by winning Southampton 2-1. The plus point of Liverpool is their star striker, Owen and perhaps midfielders. But sadly, their minus point is their defence and their inconsistency. They are the team with the worst inconsistency that can be seen in the league. Their need for a central defender and a better goalkeeper is clearly seen in the match against Southampton. Southampton had a couple of chances but luck was not on their side. At times, we see Liverpool scrambling at the back line and this is not how Liverpool should play if the championship is to become a reality. Not all teams are as luckless as Southampton.

Newcastle is also one of the favourites for finishing top-five in the League. With new signing, World Cup French international, Stephane Guivarc'h, one would expect better performance from them. But what is really sad about Newcastle is their midfielders, rather some of the midfielders. Robert Lee is a hell of a bad passer. I really wonder how he made it to the national team. The plus point for them is Alan Shearer but sometimes strikers do have off days right? (Not!)