OPINION: Football fans rejoice - the Premier League is finally back this weekend. Newshub takes a look at some of the serious contenders.
Chelsea
Last season's placing: Champions
Chelsea are the defending champions, after Antonio Conte's masterclass during his first year in charge. Things are a bit different this time around however, with hot-headed striker Diego Costa on the outer, despite scoring 20 crucial goals last season. They will also be without Eden Hazard until at least early September, as he battles an ankle injury.
Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata will need to adjust to the league quickly, and looms as an important figure. The key could be the midfield combination of new addition Tiemoue Bakayoko and N'Golo Kante, although Bakayoko is still recovering from knee surgery. Their squad is a bit light, but if they strengthen before the transfer window shuts and get off to a decent start, they're set up well for another crack at the title.
Prediction: Champions
Manchester City
Last season's placing: Third
Pep Guardiola will be under the microscope at Manchester City, following some indifferent form last season. At times unstoppable and at others all over the place, patience will be wearing thin at a club with huge expectations.
They have shored up defensively on the flanks after splurging on Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo, while young Portuguese forward Bernardo Silva will be a live-wire presence. Question marks still remain over new keeper Ederson, but there's no doubting the talent of Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne. Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus are ready to improve on impressive debut campaigns, and they will go close to the title this season.
Prediction: Second
Manchester United
Last season's placing: Sixth
Manchester United frustrated their fans last year, with a mixture of draws and lacklustre performances. Their talismanic Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been released, but they moved swiftly to replace him last month by signing Romelu Lukaku. United have also been boosted by the signing of Nemanja Matic, which should free up Paul Pogba to play in his preferred attacking role.
There are still question marks at the back however. New signing Victor Lindelof has been unconvincing in pre-season, while Daley Blind, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have all been shaky in the past. Marcus Rashford looks set to form a lethal combination with Lukaku up front however, and while they won't challenge for the title, they will lock in a Champions League spot.
Prediction: Third
Tottenham
Last season's placing: Second
Tottenham haven't signed anyone so far, a rare feat in modern football. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, given they've managed to retain the core of the side that pushed Chelsea all the way last season.
They have one of the best managers in the league in Mauricio Pochettino, a quality goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris, arguably the best defender in Toby Alderweireld, and the dangerous one-two punch of Englishmen Dele Alli and Harry Kane. Consistency for the whole season has been an issue in the past, and they could struggle if any of their big players get injured.
Prediction: Fourth
Arsenal
Last season's placing: Fifth
It came as a surprise to many that Arsene Wenger was given one more year at Arsenal, and he made a statement by finally landing French striker Alexandre Lacazette. Lacazette was prolific at Lyon, scoring more than 20 league goals in each of his last three seasons.
He should offer the goal-scoring threat that Arsenal have been lacking, while perhaps easing the pressure on star-man Alexis Sanchez. There are still defensive concerns which could let them down once again, though, and their midfield lacks a bit of substance. Lacazette will make a difference, but it won't be enough for them to make the coveted top four.
Prediction: Fifth
Liverpool
Last season's placing: Fourth
Liverpool have only added to their midfield puzzle by signing Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah. The 25-year old struggled in a stint with Chelsea back in 2014, although he seems to have regained his mojo after a strong spell in Italy. Jurgen Klopp now has to work out how he is going to juggle his congested forward options.
Without a dominant striker, it will be up to Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho (if he doesn't move to Barcelona), Salah and Roberto Firmino to lead the way with goals and assists. Their pressing game and surging runs through the midfield will make them more than competitive, but their lack of a quality striker, and dicey defence, means it could be a tough year at Anfield.
Prediction: Sixth
Henry Rounce is a reporter for RadioLIVE.
