Liverpool 14/1 to re-capture past glories

Another Premiership season is nearly upon us, and although Arsenal ran away with the title last season, it is Chelsea who are fancied to pip them this term. Of course, Arsenal will still be right up there, but the news of Patrick Vieira's wish to move to Spain makes it tough to side with the Gunners at the current price of 6/5.

They still have the same nucleus of the squad that were unbeaten last season but there is no doubt that without Vieira they are not as strong. Thierry Henry may well bring the same amount of brilliance that he brought to the Premiership last season, but if he doesn't and struggles to make another 37 League starts, you might wonder where the goals are going to come from? Furthermore the loss of Sol Campbell until sometime in September to injury leaves a rather large gaping hole in defence that will be tough to fill.

There is a lot to like about Chelsea's chances, although their price of 2/1 doesn't quite compare to the double figure quotes available before last season in the days prior to Abramovich's arrival.

Last season's charge to second pace and an appearance in the Champion's League semi-finals at Arsenal's expense clearly showed that the London club are now a major force in the Premiership and a challenge to the `big two' of old. What's more they look to be a progressive unit, and although they were good last season they can be expected to be even better this season under Jose Mourinho, especially if he can put belief into the squad like he did with the players at Porto.

Most of last season's players remain, but can only be enhanced by the new signings. Paulo Ferreira is a very good full-back while at the other end the arrival of Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman should be a major upgrade to the striking force.

Alex Ferguson's Manchester United must do without several key players for the first few weeks of the season, including Ruud Van Nistlerooy who will be absent until September, while they also look vulnerable in midfield. Despite their previous record of always bouncing back after a disappointing season, the current price of 5/2 is not a big enough temptation to warrant support.

Of the rest it is almost impossible to imagine the Premiership being won by anyone other than the market leaders.

The battle for fourth place and the automatic Champion's League place that goes with it can be won by Middlesbrough, who have bought brilliantly over the summer. Last season's Carling Cup winners have bought in the likes of Reizeger, Viduka and Hasselbaink as they prepare for a UEFA Cup campaign. They can be backed at 12/1 in our `Without Arsenal Chelsea and Man Utd' market.

For Relegation, Southampton look better value at 8/1 than the promoted trio. The Saints are by no means certain to keep James Beattie, or manager Paul Sturrock for that matter - now 7/1 in our `Sack Race' market.