A PEEK INTO THE PREMIERSHIP

Every year, before the Barclays Premiership commences, Shebby Singh predicts a winner, only to regret it later. Nevertheless, it's not so much a risk if one bets on the Big Four to win it (the Rovers were the last team, outside the Big Four, to win the league in the 94-95 season). So, instead of mimicking the Oracle at Delphi, let's take a look at the way things stand for the BF and weigh their chances of winning the coveted title (in alphabetical order).

'It is not wrong to call Arsenal a young side still, but it is wrong to call us inexperienced.'

Arsenal: Well...things don't look so bright at the immigrant stadium. Wenger's probably suffering from nightmares of Adebayor and Fabregas wearing Barca and Madrid football kits. With the transmigration of Hleb, Flamini and Gilberto to Barca, Milan and Panathinaikos resp., this summer's transfer window has really hit the Gunners; the only silver linings being the arrival of Samir Nasri, future talent Aaron Ramsey and the departure of the goofy Jens Lehmann. As for the team, the defense looks the same (no comments); Adebayor and Bendtner squabbling up front, make up the strike force, until Eduardo returns in December. The midfield looks emaciated without the supply from Hleb and the defensive qualities of Flamini, although Nasri could possibly fill Hleb's shoes. Kudos to Walcott, who'll get more starts and minutes on the pitch. Regarding their chances to win the title, the inexperience might show, as it did last year. With Ladbrokes listing Arsenal's odds akin to a dice's roll at 6/1, go with The Gunners, only if you feel lucky.

'I am not here to play pretty but to win titles. If we do both, that's great.'

Chelsea: The Pensioners hit the right note by signing Big Phil; the super-egos needed to know whose the daddy. The World Cup winner with Brazil will probably bring a new dimension to Chelsea's game, and bring the 'beautiful football' which the management desires. Instead of aimlessly dishing out Russian Rubles, the Blues have made a reasonable signing in Bosingwa, who seems to be the Deus Ex Machina to their right-back woes. And the signing of Deco will add flair and vision to an Extremely Desolate Midfield. With the addition of Bosingwa, the defense looks patched up. They've managed to hold on to Lamps, and with in-form 'eternal runner-up' Ballack & Essien, Deco, etc. the midfield looks packed, and Big Phil will have a problem with selection. There is some amount of reservation regarding the attack; both Anelka and Diving Drogba seem a bit whimsical, but the midfield will definitely help. With Kalou there to change the score from 4-0 to 5-0, and Shevchenko as a cheerleader, the attack seems enough. With Ladbrokes listing the odds at 13/8 for Chelsea to win the title, this is one bet worth taking.

'I am confident about my squad, and I am happy that we have the best squad since I arrived at Anfield.'

Liverpool: With the addition of Keane, and the presence of El Nino, The Reds have the most potent strike force amongst the Big Four. Add to that the supply from Gerrard, Babel's tricky sprints down the left, Pennant's hopeful return to form, and the services of Benayoun and Alonso, and you get quite a talented midfield. Riise's own goals have been substituted by the versatile Philip Degen, although he's been injury-prone of late. The rest of the defense looks alright, and if the team can focus on the game rather than the bickering between Hicks and Gillett, Liverpool have a really good chance, provided the rotation policy doesn't cause dizziness. Even though Ladbrokes have listed them at 6/1, it would be appropriate to quote the Spoiled One, Jose Mourinho, on this one: 'Man United and Chelsea will be fighting but one day Liverpool are going to get that title. I think it might be this year.'

'It will not be easy.'

Manchester United: Just when we thought that the only transfer news related to Man U this season would be securing the services of Cristiano, who is on a virtual loan from Madrid, Fergie manages to pull a rabbit out of the hat. The attempt to snatch Dimitar Berbatov from the Spurs has surprised everyone. With Tevez to give him regular company and Rooney and CR7 possible return to action in September, the idea of repeating the double seems optimistic. With Scholes, Giggs, Park Ji-Sung, Carrick, Anderson and Nani at their disposal, Man U have all they need in the midfield. The dynamic duo of Vidic and Ferdinand look formidable against most attacks, although Van Der Sar continues to become more eccentric by the day. The only factors working against Man U appear to be injuries and a minor weakness in defense. If, in the absence of Rooney and CR7, they can maintain a good start, The Red Devils will have quite a chance of completing the 3-peat. Ladbrokes lists them at 5/4; and with their showing at the Community Shield, you can't blame 'em.

So, with a sense of what to expect from the Big Four, can you predict who's gonna clinch it? Will it be The Gunners, The Pensioners, The Reds or The Red Devils? Or will the 94-95 season come back to haunt us? Sooner or later, we'll find out.