And realistically that list can be knocked down to just three if we dismiss the chances of Liverpool and Man City.
So the big question is – who will win the title out of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal?
The Blues sneaked home last time but this year the trophy will be heading back to Manchester thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson’s shrewd squad building.
Fergie is already warning that this season will be the most open in decades. And in Fergie speak that really means “I fancy our chances this year”.
Chelsea just look a little past their peak with Terry starting to creak, Lampard slowing down and Drogba hitting the veteran stage for a striker at 32.
Man U have a mean defence buit around Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra and Van der Sar with the improving Johnny Evans and exciting new signing Chris Smalling as back up.
The midfield is a great mix of experience in Giggs, Scholes and Carrick alongside the dynamism of Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park plus the attacking talent of Valencia and Nani.
Then a look up front gives you a wounded Wayne Rooney with a point to prove, the sometime sublime skills of Berbatov, the poaching prowess of Owen and new Mexican sensation Javier Hernandez.
That looks like a winning team to me and Man Utd should be backed at 9/4 with Ladbrokes.
Arsenal could push them the closest and an each way saver at 6/1 with Betfred could provide a decent insurance policy and we get paid out twice if it’s a Man U/Arsenal 1-2.
At the other end of the table Blackpool look doomed but at 2/7 are only for heavy hitters. I fancy Wolves to struggle due to a lack of goals and they look a punt at 9/4 with Ladbrokes to go down.
Turning to the opening games and one price jumps out.
I might be letting my heart rule my head here as a lifelong Hammer. But West Ham are too big at 10/3 with William Hill to beat Aston Villa.
We had a winner last week on Derby at a similar price and the Irons can take advantage of a Villa side in turmoil following the departure of Martin O’Neill.
Footballers are simple lads who hate change and there has been plenty of that at Villa Park this week.
The Hammers have something to prove after their shoddy efforts last season and will be looking to impress new boss Avram Grant in this one.
Get on at a big price and we’ll all be having a knees-up come the final whistle Saturday.
