1. Manchester United - No surprise for me here. They are still working on signing Berbatov to bolster a thin front line. Regardless, I see Nani and Rooney having a needed great start until Ronaldo comes back in October. Fans sing "Paul Scholes scores goals"
2. Chelsea - Deco adds to a crowded midfield, but should lend some creativity to an attack that was less than impressive. Look out if they sign Robinho while Drogba recovers. Owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, reportedly worth $23.5 billion. The team hasn't turned a profit since his tenure began, not that he cares. Good times!
3. Arsenal - Nasri looks to be a good addition to a perpetually young squad, and Walcott seems to be ready to have a breakthrough season. The team recently completed the very impressive Emirates Stadium located in North London.
4. Tottenham Hotspur - The trendy pick to break into the top four. Add me to the list, although the league website lists "Lilywhites" as one of their nicknames. That can't be good. Steve Nash's father played for them back in the day.
Others
Liverpool - Manager Benitez has not proven to be successful in league play, and continues to rotate players to "keep them fresh," only to drop games they shouldn't. One of the unique aspects of the sport is the way players move from one club to another. There are no trades or a league imposed salary cap, so players are literally sold from one club to another. Benitez has clashed with American owners Gillett (Canadiens) and Hicks (Stars and Rangers) over funds to buy players. Keane and Torres make for a formidable front line.
Aston Villa - I am seeing good things from this side. Gareth Barry seems to be staying, which gives them experience on the international stage. Intangible factors include a sweet shirt, charity sponsorship to a children's hospice, and the nickname Villans. Nice!
Manchester City - Owner and former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is a fugitive seeking asylum in England having refused to return to Thailand after attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing. He was ousted by military and royal elites under allegations of corruption, authoritarianism, tax evasion, and other offenses during his reign. While they have yet to find evidence to support anything other than tax evasion, he has received death threats and has been labeled "a human rights abuser of the worst kind" by Human Rights Watch. His assets have been frozen, and charges are still looming in Thailand. This should get interesting.
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