Aston Villa - Yet another Taylor revolution. Never thought that Gregory was doing that badly and can’t really see how Taylor can improve things, especially with Deadly Doug still jealously guarding his chequebook. On the plus side, Taylor has worked to create a younger feel to the side. Using the width of the pitch and servicing a big frontman look like the strategy - but it’s only effective with the right personnel. Will struggle to hold onto Alpay and Vassell - and much depends on them. Mid table, a good cup run and a place in the Intertoto the best they can hope for I fear.

Birmingham City - Surely destined to struggle this season. Bruce will have to bring all his experience to bare on the problem of avoiding immediate demotion. As ever with promoted sides, scoring enough goals will be the key - and the signing of Morrison maybe crucial. Failure, and tough times are ahead. Should be solid throughout mind - with good signings in Kenny Cunningham and Senegal captain Cisse. City fans will draw solace from the fact that all three promoted sides stayed up last season. Relegation dogfight candidates, nonetheless.

Blackburn Rovers - Rovers will be well worth watching this season. Lots of credit must go to Souness for piecing together what on paper looks a very attractive side. Goals should not be a problem. With quality out wide, Tugay and Dunn in the middle of the park and Cole and Yorke reunited, Blackburn could push for a UEFA Cup spot at least and not a bad bet in the cups (even the UEFA Cup itself). Certainly benefiting from football’s economic downturn - allowing them to hold on to Duff and Dunn. Top six finish within their grasp.

Bolton Wanderers - Exceptional season last time round saw relegation favourites stay up and earn plaudits. Shrewd as you like, Sam Allardyce has secured the signature of Djorkaeff, Bulent and Jay Jay Okocha. Again, they’ll be reliant on Ricketts for goals. Okocha could be key - if he hits it off with his team mates, Bolton and Ricketts will benefit. But if he and the waning Djorkaeff fail to sparkle, Bolton will be unable to carry such passengers. Have a feeling that the latter scenario may arise - a relegation haunted season in the offing.

Charlton Athletic - Perhaps the best little small club in the Premiership. With Curbishley there to guide them, I wouldn’t bet against them staying comfortably mid-table yet again. A shrewd eye for a player, a sound tactical knowledge, and excellent organisational and motivational skills make the coach Charlton’s most effective weapon. No major moves in the transfer market (so no change there) but Charlton supporters can still rely on the consistency and astuteness of Kinsella and Co to see them through.

Chelsea - The eternal question related to the Pensioners will surely be rolled out time and again this season - Which Chelsea will turn up today? Always capable of stuffing any opposition, Chelsea are still prone to embarrassing glitches. The recession has seen them extremely quiet in the market. But on the flip side, the downturn in the football economy may be their saviour as nobody seems to have the readies to strip away their best assets. A threat in the cups and still the potential to make a charge for the Champion’s League - but Ranieri will need to show some progress, or his time may be up.

Everton - Like the jobs at Villa and Spurs, the job of managing Everton is one of the most unforgiving and unfulfilling in the league. Lacking cash to push the big guns, Everton’s only hope is of picking up a cup on the way - but even that is unlikely. Moyes will work to ensure that Everton consistently finish in comfortable mid-table and takes points from Liverpool in the derby games. If he can achieve that and Everton can sort out their finances, who knows, maybe in a few years they could qualify for Europe. For this season, watch out for Wayne Rooney and more mid-table anonymity.

Fulham - Fulham tired badly last season after an encouraging start. I’d imagine Tigana was fairly satisfied nonetheless - survival was after all the key. This season, he’ll expect more from his charges, especially Saha and Marlet. Were that duo to supply a steady stream of goals, Tigana’s attractive side could make a concerted push for a UEFA Cup spot. And watch out again for the excellent Malbranque, one of the best players outside of the very top squads last season.

Leeds - If there’s a dark horse for the title, then El Tel’s Leeds are surely that team. Even without Rio, Leeds have a formidable squad when fit. Venables’ man management skills should get more from the enigmatic Aussie pair of Viduka and Kewell than O’Leary managed last season. Strong all over the park, Venables has added the midfield scoring power of Barmby - allowing Kewell a free role. Goals should not be a problem - with the striking options he has available - although he’d wise to try and hang on to Robbie Keane, Ireland’s real star at the World Cup. Will come up short in terms of actually winning the title, but I have a feeling they may well make the top 3.