The Premiership kick-off

The memories of last season are finally drifting away as we approach the launch of the new Premier league campaign. Champions Manchester United face what looks on paper as a comfortable opening day; they are at home to newly promoted Birmingham City who will be looking to have scraped survival come May. The big question will be can United cope with life after Ronaldo? Sunday’s game may not be the best match to determine this as it should be relatively easy game for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side but surprises are possible and at 11/2 for a draw it is worth a long shot.

Liverpool open their season away at Tottenham. With Spurs revitalized and on the up it will be a difficult test for Torres and co as they look to improve on last season’s runner up status and win their first league title since 1990. If the real Liverpool turn up then they should win but more often than not Rafa Benitez’s men falter and a defeat on opening day could prove to be a deadly psychological blow for the Reds.

The other two title contenders Chelsea and Arsenal face Hull and Everton respectively. While Chelsea should overcome Phil Brown’s transfer starved Hull team Arsene Wenger has a difficult game away at Goodison Park. One can’t help but think that Arsenal could be battling alongside the likes of Everton and Aston Villa for fourth place again this year.

Finally free spending Manchester City have a tricky away day at Blackburn. If they lose the axe will be dangling over Mark Hughes’s head after a poor pre-season. Title contenders? I think they are a few years away yet.