It is official, soccer season is back! And so comes the drama and passion. With the transfer window coming to a close we’ve seen big players move – like Cristiano Ronaldo going to Real Madrid for $160 million (drastically over priced btw). But how will that effect last year’s champions Manchester United this season? And will Liverpool finally cross that finish line as champions?

Several people have come out and said that there are 7 or 8 teams that can compete for the top four position, citing Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham with the regular top four. But realistically the top four will be better. These teams will be fighting for the UEFA position rather than the Champions League. People who say that are hoping for a change probably won’t get one. Don’t get me wrong, these teams made excellent buys over the summer, but they do not have the experience, the squad size or managerial competence to get the extra mile they all need. Look at Manchester City, with all that money and potential, they still have a manager in Mark Hughes who has NO experience in high level competition. If they want to compete in the top four they need a manager. Big players will  not come to a club with a mediocre managerial staff. No matter how much money you throw at them – remember Kaka?  And then there is Aston Villa. In this case they have a manager, but where is the squad?

Yes the Premiership might be a bit more dramatic with closer matches, but it will be between Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal. Like it always is. And in my opinion the top two spots will be held by Liverpool and Chelsea.

Liverpool is a team that always brings hope every year of success. But every year they lose pointless games (remember that 2-0 loss at Anfield against Portsmouth, the one that no one knew what was happening) which ruins their chances. They signed two quality defensemen in Glen Johnson and Chris Mavinga. But they have seen Xabi Alonso leave. Many don’t see this as a big deal, but look back at the big matches. It isn’t the precious and untouchable Gerard who is going for the tackle or showing up, it was Alonso. Liverpool’s losing a great midfielder, who, lets face it, made Steven Gerard a player. Speaking of Gerard, the man himself is doubtful for Sunday’s match against Tottenham. Not a good start for a team with a lot of expectations.

And then there is Chelsea. A new manager and a new team spirit. If everyone ignored the first half of the Community Shield against Manchester United last week, Chelsea are definite contenders and favorites for this year’s trophy. Drogba is happy for once. Lets all rejoice at that, and even though the team showed some struggle conforming to the European 4-4-2 formation in last weekend’s match, the likes of Micheal Ballack, Essien, and Drogba will keep them together. Even Anelka looked like a brand new player. The only downside and weakness to this team is their age. This team is old compared to a lot of teams…but it’s experience right?

O Manchester United, how a few months changed you. Bye bye Cristiano Ronaldo, bye bye premiership title it seems. Manchester United, although showing some quality referee disrespecting, I mean quality play, will not have what it takes to win. With Ronaldo leaving who will they get to change a match? Wayne Rooney? He hardly scores. Micheal Owen…enough said.

That leaves Arsenal. What happened to this North London club? During this transfer season it seems nothing but disaster. Arsenal will be fighting alright, fighting to be in the top four. With Abedayor leaving, Arsenal is left with Arshavin and Fabregas. Both remarkable players in their own right -remember the Arshavin goal fest last season – but they are really the only thing going for Arsenal. The Gunners will have to hope for their youngsters to have a breakout season for anything better than fourth to happen. Well that or the other three clubs suffer major injuries.

We’ve covered the top four and who are the picks for the UEFA spot, now who do I predict to go down this year. Well the three teams who are saying hello to the premiership this season are Wolves, Burnley and Birmingham. Now usually we say hello to the new teams in August and wave them goodbye again in May. And in the case with Mick McCarthy’s Wolves, I say that is true. Harsh? Look at McCarthy’s track record. He led two teams to promotion to the Premiership and then led them right back now. Third time lucky? Yeah not likely. Other teams who look to be in trouble are Portsmouth, Hull and Stoke.

My table prediction is:

1. Chelsea
2. Liverpool
3. Manchester United
4. Arsenal
5. Manchester City
6. Everton
7. Aston Villa
8. Fulham
9. Tottenham
10. West Ham
11. Bolton
12. Sunderland
13. Blackburn
14. Wigan
15. Bolton
16. Burnley
17. Stoke
18. Wolves
19. Hull
20. Portsmouth