After the glorious World Cup that was, we could have done with another week or two of anticipation-building.

But then again, we need some actual football action to distract from the swirl of transfer rumours. 

So, for the next nine months the Premier League enters a gestation period which should hopefully give birth to an exciting title race, similar to what we witnessed last season.

You often hear pundits saying that six or seven teams can win the Premier League. But what they actually mean to say is that six or seven are capable of finishing in the Top 4.

Realistically though, it comes down to five teams for the main prize...

 

Chelsea

My favourite for the title for a few reasons. Jose Mourinho's teams often peak in Year 2 of his reign, a pattern which has been seen at Real Madrid, Inter Milan and his first spell at Chelsea.

Secondly, the Portuguese manager has addressed some of the glaring issues in his squad by bringing in the intelligence of Cesc Fabregas into midfield and the potentially lethal goalscoring abilities of Diego Costa. Costa's former Atletico Madrid team-mate Filipe Luis also plugs a gap at left-back where Cesar Azpilicueta was played out of position last season.

 

Manchester City

Last time City won the league, they followed that up with a poor title defence. But a strong squad means that they should still be in the running when next May comes around.

The spine of the side remains strong and the second centre-half position beside Vincent Kompany has been added in the shape of Eliaquim Mangala.

 

Arsenal

Though weaknesses remain in terms of depth in defence and holding midfield, the Gunners have spent well during the transfer window and most importantly brought in the pace and brilliance of Alexis Sanchez, who could be just the man to unlock the full potential of Mesut Ozil.

A new fitness coach could also help alleviate the injury issues which traditionally hamstring the Gunners in the second phase of the season.

 

Liverpool

Luis Suarez has departed which makes the Reds an unknown quantity. But tactically they may remain an unknown quantity with Brendan Rodgers capable of shifting formations relatively seamlessly.

The squad is also much deeper than it was in most areas, although another reliable goalscorer to alleviate the pressure on Daniel Sturridge may well be a necessity, especially with Champions League commitments which were mercifully absent during last term's title run. 

 

Manchester United

Louis Van Gaal has arrived with a lot of fanfare but it will still be a huge ask to win the league in his first season.

But much will depend on how many top level players the club can attract between now and September, as well as the how the squad adapts to his 3-5-2 formation.

The lack of European football will allow the Dutchman to have more time to work with the squad and his system between league and cup commitments.