New Delhi: Once again Saturdays and Sundays are set to be taken over by some emphatic and entertaining football stars in England as the new season of English Premier League kicks off on August 13. The two-month-long summer break has just flown past all of us and still memories of Manchester United lifting its record 19th English Premier League title is very fresh.
So as the new season is upon us, the question on everyone's mind is that can anyone stop Manchester United winning their 20th title? Can Liverpool or Arsenal finally end their trophy drought? Can finally Manchester City win the title this time around after spending more of its millions on new signings.
The Premier League is seen an one of the most entertaining sporting leagues in the world and it has added some few big names in their kitty this season. Some of the purported major deals remain undone but names like Sergio Aguero, Gervinho, Romelu Lukaku, and David De Gea have arrived from Europe, though the majority of deals have been between the English clubs.
United, Liverpool and City have been the busiest clubs in the summer transfers. United have signed Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea and the Wesley Sneijder deal still hangs in balance. The champions will have a new look, as veterans in Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Edwin Van Der Sar, Wes Brown and John O'Shea - almost half a team - take their leave after thousands of games of service. But with some genuine signings with a mix of talent from the academy in form of Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, United look to be once again the favourites to win the title.
Liverpool looking to return to their glory days, can finally give challenge to United for the title success. They have spend huge of a combined 50 million pounds bringing in Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and their latest purchase Jose Enrique, the new signings mix with Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll can finally do the trick for the Reds.
Manchester City's development continues. Roberto Mancini's team look likely to remain methodical, with the playing shackles remaining tight, perhaps too tight for a club that has spent more than 500 million pounds in the last three years or so. Sergio Aguero is the big name signing they have made and it looks Arsenal's Samir Nasri is set to join the FA Cup winners. Manchester City can be a force that can give the Champions United run for their money.
Determined to keep their star players and desperate to shake off their tag of under-achievers, Arsenal will be hoping to lift some silverware this coming season. It must seem like deja vu for Arsene Wenger and his Gunners who again promised so much last season, yet fell short again at the final hurdle. The biggest battle on Wenger's mind is to keep their star names like Fabregas and Nasri. Their exit seems to be certain to everyone except Wenger. Despite bolstering their attack with the Gervinho, Arsenal may find they have their work cut out for them in the new season. Arsene Wenger may have to re-open his checkbook if Arsenal are to be considered genuine title contenders.
And now coming to Chelsea, which are seen as the team that could give hard time to the Red Devils at the top. Chelsea have been relatively quiet on the transfer front with only Lukaku and Oriol Romeu joining the Blues this summer. Last season, Chelsea suffered a drastic setback midway through the season and with the new boss on the job in form of Andre Villas-Boas, the young 33-year-old manager has his work cut out this season. It could be one of the most testing season for Chelsea. The tactician will also be fully aware that Roman Abramovic is not afraid to wield the axe should results not come immediately.
Meanwhile, Spurs will be hoping to be a little more consistent if they are to improve on their performance last season. Luka Modric looks resigned to remaining at the club despite having his heart set on a move to Chelsea. He along with Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaat can be the key men in the battle of the Champions League spot.
Elsewhere the likes of Fulham, Aston Villa, Stoke City, Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland will be vying for the spot in the UEFA Super Cup. Sunderland have added experience to their squad, spending the Jordan Henderson money on ten players in an attempt to do better than the last season where they slumped in the second half of the season. Stoke City will remember last season as a special one, despite the disappointment of losing the FA Cup final. Tony Pulis will hope to continue his establishment of a Premier League force who are difficult to face at the best of times.
The Premier League has always been seen as one of the most competitive league in comparison to La Liga where the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid and the rest of the league is huge. This could be one of the most entertaining and open season in the EPL history where success can't be guaranteed for any team.
Players to watch out for: Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez, Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero, Jack Wilshire, Ashley Young, David Silva, Didier Drogba, Nemanja Vidic
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