LeeDixon

As a Manchester City fan, I'm still on a high from the frenetic end to last season. In my playing career, I was involved in some dramatic title races but I never experienced anything like that final day. City must now consolidate and dominate and, although I'm backing them at 2.3 to retain the title, I think Manchester United will push them close again.


Will Robin van Persie's transfer tip title race?

Robin van Persie's move will have a huge impact on the destiny of the title. I always felt that it would be a bigger deal for United to land RVP than it would be for City because of the array of firepower that is already at Eastlands. If I was pricing up the Premier League market I'd have the Manchester clubs neck and neck. For now, I'm backing my Blues to make it Premier League title number two, but I'll be intrigued to see how RVP fares at Old Trafford and, if he hits the ground running, then it might be time to get on United.


Top four contenders under pressure

Chelsea are buzzing after winning the Champions League but it might prove difficult to transfer that success in to domestic consistency. Roberto Di Matteo has splashed the cash but, while Oscar and Eden Hazard are strong acquisitions, I think they need to improve more in attack than midfield. They looked sluggish in the Community Shield and, although he won the Golden Boot at Euro 2012, I'm not convinced Fernando Torres will fire this season.

Andre Villas-Boas will also be under pressure at Tottenham. A good start is essential and Daniel Levy knows he has taken a gamble by replacing Harry, who was so successful and popular, with a young boss who failed at Chelsea. Credit to AVB - he could have sat on his Chelsea pay off then taken an easier job - and I wish him well. But make no mistake, if Spurs struggle early on, then White Hart Lane will be a cauldron by Christmas.

Things are looking up for the other north London giant. I would say that, but Arsene Wenger has done smart business this summer - and I don't just mean offloading RVP. The Dutchman, as far I'm concerned, was out of Arsenal's plans as soon as he announced his desire to leave in July. Arsenal have lost big players before - Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri - so they know how to adapt. Lukas Podolski will weigh in with goals and Santiago Cazorla could be the creative catalyst in midfield. It's also very important that my old team-mate Steve Bould has been appointed assistant manager. I expect a season of progress and I'll back the Gunners to finish third.

Liverpool fans have high expectations but Brendan Rogers is under less pressure than AVB. Liverpool's poor performance last season means there's lots of room for improvement. New signing Joe Allen will fit in and the Kop should warm to Rogers' brand of passing football. I'll back Liverpool to crack the top six but they have a long way to go before they're in contention at the top.


Trouble at the bottom

How long can Wigan dodge the bullet? You might as well ask, how long can they hold on to Roberton Martinez? It's the same question. The Spaniard could be a star manager at a big club, he has all the attributes necessary. If Wigan lose him they will go down. Norwich could struggle without Paul Lambert too and, although Brian McDermott has worked wonders with Reading, I'll back them for a swift return to the Championship.


Aguero to carry on where he left off

They will be talking about Sergio Aguero's last gasp winner for decades to come at Eastlands. I'm going to back him to carry that impetus in to the new season and finish as the Premier League's top goalscorer.


Recommended Bets

Back Manchester City @ 2.3 to win the Premier League
Back Arsenal @ 2.74 for a top three finish
Back Liverpool @ 1.68 for a top six finish
Back Wigan @ 2.78 for relegation
Back Norwich @ 2.58 for relegation
Back Reading @ 2.7 for relegation
Back Sergio Aguero @ 8.8 to be Premier League top goalscorer


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