IT IS that time of the year again as football fans prepare for the start of the new Premier League season.
The new campaign begins today (Saturday), with Manchester United taking on Swansea in Louis Van Gaal's first competitive match in charge at Old Trafford.
But can he turn United's fortunes around this year and make them title contenders again?
Many people are tipping United for a top four finish this year and having finished seventh last season, they are without European football, giving them a focus on domestic competitions in 2014/15.
It is hard to look past them to challenge for the top four, but with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and champions Manchester City, the top end of the league is increasingly competitive.
Add to that Everton and Tottenham, who both harbour hopes of gatecrashing the top four this season, and it is gearing up to be another exciting season in the top flight.
But who will win it?
Manchester City are hoping to become just the third team to retain the Premier League title and with Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and David Silva in the team, they have every chance.
However, Chelsea are looking a strong force this year with the additions of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa and the return of Didier Drogba giving them another dimension to their attacking play.
And with Jose Mourinho now in his second season back at Stamford Bridge, there will be greater expectations in west London.
Arsenal have strengthened too, with the arrival of Chile star Alexis Sanchez, and they will fancy their chances of mounting a title push.
And what about Liverpool, who have lost the controversial but supremely talented Luis Suarez.
They arguably have a stronger squad than last year, when they came so close to ending a 24 year wait for the title, but it could also be argued that without Suarez, their starting 11 is not quite as strong.
And with Champions League football taking its toll on the squad this season, they would do well to repeat last year's efforts.
Therefore, they could be the ones to drop out of the top four this season, with Manchester United ready to pounce.
As for the winners, Chelsea are looking like the ones to stop, although Manchester City will undoubtedly have something to say about that.
And if Arsenal can improve in the big games against title rivals, they could yet be in with a shout.
