The world’s most watched sports league kicks back into action this weekend and in all four corners of the globe debate is raging as to how the fresh English Premier League campaign will pan out.
No. 20 Cardiff City – A limited side that performed extremely well to gain promotion last season, the Bluebirds lack the type of flair needed to trouble Premier League teams.
No. 19 Hull City – Trying to compete in the top flight with what is still a Championship-caliber squad is not going to cut it.
No. 18 Crystal Palace – Ian Holloway’s wonderful antics will keep us all entertained, but the Eagles are simply too thin. Some tough lessons await.
No. 17 Stoke City – Opposing teams are now better prepared to come to tricky Britannia Stadium and the Potters' abysmal away record may continue under Mark Hughes. Look out for Americans Brek Shea, Geoff Cameron, Mo Edu and Juan Agudelo.
No. 16 Norwich City – A nervous battle around the relegation places awaits the Canaries, but the skill of Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel may be enough to secure a narrow survival.
No. 15 Sunderland – Anything can happen with the irascible Paolo Di Canio in charge but the fact remains that the Black Cats just aren’t very good. Fingers are crossed for a strong season from U.S. striker Jozy Altidore.
No. 14 Southampton – Upwardly mobile and with an ambitious ownership group, the Saints have responded brilliantly from years of difficulty. They will spend big in the January transfer window if necessary.
No. 13 Swansea City – Michael Laudrup's Swans have plenty of attacking talent and are great to watch. But there is a sense that the Premier League is starting to figure them out. The Welsh club will find it tougher this time around.
No. 12 West Bromwich Albion – Veteran striker Nicolas Anelka joins his sixth EPL team to add some grunt and guile in attack. The Baggies are good enough to trouble some of the top teams at home.
No. 11 West Ham United – Mid-table security will suit West Ham for now. Big-money signing Andy Carroll will be under scrutiny as he seeks goals to earn a place in the England squad.
No. 10 Aston Villa – This young squad will continue to mature. Keeping hold of striker Christian Benteke was a significant coup for American owner Randy Lerner, who should have more to smile about than last year.
No. 9 Newcastle United – Amid the inevitable off-field shenanigans, the Magpies actually have the core of a very capable squad. If Alan Pardew can keep his players focused, they can do better than most expect.
No. 8 Fulham – The Cottagers will go about their business in a typically organized, if unspectacular, fashion. Dimitar Berbatov’s firepower will ensure enough goals for a solid campaign.
No. 7 Tottenham Hotspur – The summer was overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding Gareth Bale’s future. New signings such as Roberto Soldado may take time to settle into the Spurs system.
No. 6 Everton – David Moyes is gone but in comes the exciting Roberto Martinez with a refreshing approach that deserves to succeed. American goalkeeper Tim Howard is under pressure, though, with the addition of young Spaniard Joel Robles.
No. 5 Arsenal – The trophy drought has reached eight years for the club's frustrated fans. And once again, Arsene Wenger failed to invest in truly world-class players. The Gunners will pay the price by missing out on the Champions League.
No. 4 Liverpool – The Reds have spent an eternity in the doldrums but finally things may be looking up at Anfield. Youngster Raheem Sterling has the potential to be a match-winner if he continues to progress and can stay out of trouble.
No. 3 Manchester United – David Moyes made a positive start by winning the season-opening Community Shield, but the Premier League is a different proposition. The post-Fergie hangover could stymie the Red Devils' title tilt.
No. 2 Manchester City – Quality signings Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic should make an instant impact. City should put up a strong challenge all season long.
No. 1 Chelsea – The Jose Mourinho factor will be key and his brashness and energy is bound to lift spirits. He knows how to win at Stamford Bridge and the players will respond to his hunger for success, both at home and in the Champions League.
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