Time draws near for the beginning of the new football seasons across Europe. This weekend (aghh tomorrow- time waits for no fan then!) the Football League will get up and running again in England. The following weekend will be the Premier League’s turn (August 14th).
In fact one of the Premier League clubs have already got their season underway- Liverpool having just begun in their quest to emulate Roy Hodgson's former team Fulham. By entering the Europa League at the third qualifying round they face the prospect of a long and arduous season, but Liverpool fans will be hopeful that their new manager can raise his team to the challenge like he did last season.
Liverpool's hierarchy, though much maligned by their fans, have by securing Hodgson done their best to rectify the sour end to Benitez's reign. With his experience and history of making the most out of what's at his disposal, I find it hard to believe that Liverpool won't climb back into the top four this season although I stress they will finish fourth at best.
In fact I expect the top four for 2010/11 will ultimately comprise of the 'traditional' top four of recent years, despite the growing might and credibility of Manchester City. They may have signed even more impressive players such as Yaya Touré and David Silva with further outlays on Jérôme Boateng and Aleksandar Kolarov, but questions will remain over how Roberto Mancini will handle his burgeoning squad.
I may end up with egg on my face but I will plump for Manchester City again finishing in 5th place this new season, with them perhaps making a breakthrough in one of the cups for that coveted piece of silverware. Would that be enough to keep Mancini in a job? As harsh as it would be I would fear not.
As for who will be champions, well the initial feeling has to be that Chelsea will be the team to beat. They may be a year older and with an arguably worse squad that varies little from last season, but Carlo Ancelotti clearly has the ability to inspire them in the big games that matter in the league.
That said, both Manchester United and Arsenal have made interesting alterations to their squads and this campaign could see a genuine three-horse race that goes the distance.
On the evidence of the World Cup and his friendly outings for the club, the signing of Javier Hernández could be a real steal for Manchester United. The Mexican appears to be ready for a potential starting place already and his raw skill may come in very useful throughout the campaign. When adding him to Rooney and Owen (as long as he stays fit) Ferguson's team should not complain for a lack of goals.
Meanwhile Arsenal appear to be edging even closer to telling Barcelona where to go once and for all when it comes to Cesc Fàbregas, even if it is for just one more season! His appearance in pre-season training and more pertinently the team photo seems to strongly suggest that the tiring saga is coming to an end for this transfer window, even if many of Barcelona's outspoken players don't wish to accept it.
It may not officially be defined as tapping-up, but the way several players and especially Carlos Puyol have consistently bleated on about Fàbregas has left a sour taste. Many, many clubs may operate their transfer dealings through the media but it's only the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona who have the audacity to whine when they don't get their own way and yet still assume that they have the ethical higher ground.
Aside from their captain, Arsenal will be very pleased to have Marouane Chamakh playing for them. The Moroccan striker looks like a more skilful version of Nicklas Bendtner and should put away some of the chances that go begging from Arsenal crosses.
Wenger may still be putting his faith in the youngsters but they are that much more experienced now, particularly the likes of Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Carlos Vela. There are several what-ifs but in keeping to that theme, Arsenal could be real title challengers if they can get a full season out of their key players- particularly Robin van Persie.
As for below the top five, again it is difficult to look beyond some usual suspects. Tottenham should finish 6th, last season's efforts were a fantastic achievement but if they don't add to their squad then you can see them getting bogged down in the Champions League and paying the price with their league form. Harry's known for his wheeler-dealing but does he actually have any one up his sleeve..?
Everton and Aston Villa are probably the clubs who are most apprehensive about maintaining their status, they both have solid squads and extremely good managers but how far can they continue to go when all those around them are splashing out in comparison. They will both still finish inside the top ten but unless their chairman can back them up with spending power the feeling will remain that David Moyes and Martin O'Neill are destined for greater things at a so-called bigger club instead.
Looking at the promoted teams we have Newcastle United's return from hiatus, the ever yo-yoing WBA and the underdog story of Blackpool and Ian Holloway. I don't know about you but I will be rooting for Holloway and his team, in many ways they could be a more likeable version of Hull City during their first season in the Premier League. Do I expect them to stay up though? Not really, but at the same time I don't think it would be as big a shock as some assume if they were to survive.
Newcastle should probably achieve a lower mid-table finish, but never rule anything out with football's equivalent of a soap opera (although they have improved, like growth in Northern Rock!). As for WBA, this may be a season when they don't immediately go back down to the Championship. Their signing of defender Pablo Ibáñez from Athletico Madrid is impressive and if they can score goals in support of Roman Bednář, they should do enough to stay around for another season.
Finally then, who does that leave for relegation? I'll plump simply and quickly for Blackpool, Wigan and Wolves in no particular order. No team looks like being completely left behind but someone has to go down. As for the others, if you haven't been mentioned hope for mid-table mediocrity at best or relegation scrap at worst- gentleman start your season tickets!