This Premier League season promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent years. There are six teams with genuine designs on lifting the trophy come the end of the season, and each of these clubs has one of the world's leading managers at the helm. Unlike last season, where Chelsea's dominance was relatively unquestioned, this campaign could well have many twists and turns at the top of the table.
It is an indictment of the quality in the league that champions Chelsea are only widely perceived to be third favourites to take the title, especially considering the imperious form they displayed in Antonio Conte's debut season. That being said, the Blues have had a stuttering start to the season, falling to Burnley at home before recovering with a 2-1 victory at Spurs.
Whilst this season does promise to be difficult to predict, that doesn't mean we can't try. Soccer Saturday's Super 6 has become a staple of Saturday afternoons, with the correct prediction of six scorelines the only thing separating you and £250,000. With help here from Footy Accumulators in navigating the complex waters of Premier League football, it may be prudent to predict Chelsea to really make a statement in their next match.
Perhaps it is their comparatively unglamorous approach to the transfer window that has tempered expectations; Alvaro Morata is essentially a replacement for Diego Costa, who has departed mentally from Stamford Bridge if not yet physically, whilst Tiemoue Bakayoko's arrival allowed the Blues to let Nemanja Matic leave to rivals Manchester United. United, guided by former Chelsea darling Jose Mourinho, look primed to tilt at the title with a gusto that has not existed since the days of Alex Ferguson. Romelu Lukaku arrived as a younger and more mobile Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although the maverick Swede could yet still remain at Old Trafford to contribute. Matic is a fillip for the club, with his tough tackling granting permission for the likes of Paul Pogba to play more freely.
Their city rivals have splashed out on full-backs in staggering fashion. Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy will all don the Manchester City blue this season, with Pep Guardiola expected to do what he does best by leading his side to a title. City are widely considered favourites, and with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane now fully accustomed to English football they will overpower many a side this season. Guardiola is used to success, and this will be reflected in the expectations of the fanbase and the media. After being afforded leeway last season, Guardiola will be required to make good on his reputation with a title.
If City do slip up, then perhaps Arsenal will be one of those looking to capitalise. Arsenal have gone from being the perennial nearly-title-contenders to Europa League favourites, but romantics never discount the possibility that Arsene Wenger has one last title in him. Alexandre Lacazette should provide a reliable stream of goals and, as usual with Arsenal, there is talent throughout the team. Yet their fortunes may be inextricably linked to one Alexis Sanchez; if he stays and learns how to dovetail with Lacazette, then Arsenal will overwhelm many sides and may surprise a few pundits.
Like Arsenal, Liverpool have a side with attacking verve and flair but have question marks over their fortitude in defence and central midfield. Mohamed Salah adds more pace to an attack that wasn't particularly sluggish to begin with, whilst Jurgen Klopp has faith that he can coax quality and fitness out of Daniel Sturridge. However, like Arsenal, Liverpool are fearful of losing their star. If Philippe Coutinho can resist the lure of Barcelona, which is a difficult ask, then Liverpool will be hopeful of improving upon their fourth position of last season.
Tottenham are the ones tipped to slip, with no new arrivals clearly putting pressure on the squad. This pressure has culminated in Danny Rose's recent stunning outburst bemoaning the lack of investment, but the talent already in Spurs' first eleven is as strong as any side. Spurs have thrived on developing young players like Harry Kane and Dele Alli, so perhaps they may have to rely on more starlet to supplement their squad. If Spurs struggle to adapt to Wembley quickly, then they may be left behind in footballing terms as well as finances.
Of course, anything can happen and that is why fans are overjoyed to have Premier League football back. Perhaps it is foolish to only speak of six contenders; Leicester may have a thing or two to say about that.