A look at my predicted top 6

6- Newcastle - Love the Viduka pick up. A very consistent scorer who moves from Middlesbrough to a better team at Newcastle. The fitness of Owen is always a question. Anything he can give is a plus, and talent never goes away. I wish him luck in getting back to his former level of play. A very capable scorer in Martins will be asked to pick up the scoring if Owen misses extended time. The midfield is a held strong by Duff, Solano, Barton and veteran Emre. Led by GK Shay Given, the defense is what will propel Newcastle to European football next season. Cacapa, Carr, Rampage, Taylor, Babayano and Geremi form an experienced and strong back line.

5- Arsenal - After the losses of Baptista, Henry, Ljungberg, Muamba and Reyes, the question of depth and experience will follow Arsenal throughout the year. Who is going to score? Will DaSilva, the Cro-zilian keep up his scoring touch displayed At Dinamo Zagreb and Euro 2008 qualifying for Croatia. Adebayor is growing up and should contribute, but how about Walcott. Immense talent but yet unproven at this level. Rosicky and Hleb need to solidify the midfield, become leaders and take the pressure of Fabregas. The Spaniard is blossoming into a World XI type of player and will need to score consistently this season for the Gunners to make a run for Champion’s league position next year. The defense is not a question. Gk Lehman has the luxury of having veterans Eboue, Toure, Senderos and Gallas in front of him. As always, Wenger will find a way to win, just how much will the long season take a toll on his youth.

4- Chelsea- This is the year they falter, if one finds a fourth place finish in the EPL faltering; however given Mourinho’s incredible success and amount of money Abramovic has spent, two pieces of silverware are mandatory. They should advance to the final eight of the Champion’s league, but I feel that they will drop some points to lesser quality teams this season. The African Nation’s Cup is a potentially tough stretch. Losing their best two players in Drogba and Essien, along with Kalou and Mikel for about 3 weeks, a minimum of 3 games. The tournament final is on February 10th. Chelsea is home for Liverpool on the February 9th. The defense is held together by the best GK, central defense in the EPL with Peter Chech, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. The addition of Ben Haim adds depth. I am not impressed with Lampard. He is on the descent of a notable career, but more concerning is that he tends to disappear in the big games. Malouda adds toughness that was lacking in Robben. Joe Cole needs to become a better leader and better decision maker on the pitch. Drogba is world class and Sheva needs to show up this year.

3- Tottenham- All out offense is what I want to see. How about a 4-1-2-3 formation? They certainly have the pieces in Berbatov, Jenas, keane, Defoe and Bent. The questions for Spurs success is how well they can defend, and if their defense can stay healthy. King is the best defender, he starts the season less than 100% fit. Aside from him, Spurs lack class in the back line. Paul Robinson needs to bounce back from a subpar campaign last season. One also needs to ask if Jol continues to have respect from his players. Another slow start and the masses will be wanting his head. Winning cures all ills and I feel that Tottenham will find enough defense to go with what is on paper a quality attack.

2- Manchester United - Have depth and class throughout the squad. Vidic is overrated but his shortcomings are masked by the defenders by his side. Ronaldo is the fastest man on the planet with a ball at his feet. It would be interesting to see how he would do behind the strikers in a more central midfield role. Scholes, Giggs , Carrick and Hargreaves are all world class players in the mid field. Tevez only makes Rooney better and they should feed off each other when Rooney returns in a few months. Only multiple injuries will keep Man U from a semi final berth in the Champions league and a top 2 finish in the EPL.

1- Liverpool- My money is on Liverpool winning the Champion’s league and EPL. Gerrard in the best English International player and a true leader who shows up every game ready to win with supreme effort and class. Torres and Kuyt form an impressive striker tandem. Voronin adds to an already powerful midfield. Benayoun was a fabulous pick up. He is the leader of the Israel National team , plays any position and his value will be apparent as the year progresses. Incredible depth and talent at every position.