No matter how much glitz the Premier League's paymasters sprinkle on 'Grand Slam Sundays' and the like, a real chasm has opened in England's top division.
Those who follow Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will once again gorge themselves on a mini-league of Champions League Wednesdays and Super Sundays, many of them utterly contemptuous of the hopes of the 16 other clubs in the Premier League.
A couple of weeks in to the season now - and already, United and Chelsea look unstoppable as the top two - Scolari will revitalise the Blues and if he can bring in Robinho then goals should be more plentiful. Over at Old Trafford, much depends on whether Berbatov comes in now that 'He' has been persuaded to stay.
Can anyone break in to the top four at last? With Aston Villa, Tottenham and Blackburn all being pressurised to sell their best players to 'big four' rivals it hardly seems like it'll be this season.
Never rule out David Moyes and Everton though - while Mark Hughes may yet turn Manchester City into a football club with a spine.
As ever, at least half the division will prioritise staying up above all else, with 17th position being the aim. It's hard not to see Hull and Stoke struggling, though the determination both showed in getting promotion should ensure they do better than Derby's solitary win last season. Bolton could find it one struggle too many, while Middlesbrough will find it tough if Afonso Alves misfires. Paul Ince is unproven at this level and if with David Bentley gone and others maybe on the way, Blackburn will face a rebuilding job that could prove costly.
How will your team do? Is Europe or higher a realistic target? Is 17th place a reason for dancing on the streets? Share your views on the season's opening weeks here.
man u will keep the prem league trothey this season there the best
ARSENAL WILL WIN THE PREM THIS YEAR I REACon COZ WE HAD GOOD FIRST GAME AND WE GOT A WELL GOOD TEAM
WIN
man utd will win again its ovious. All the talk about chelsea is rubbish!! with berbatov and maybe da silva no one can stop us !!
i love the jordies come on the magpies and my second team is boro come on boroooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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