In just a few days, the most popular soccer leagues in the entire world begin their season. From La Liga in Spain to Ligue 1 in France, or even the Bundesliga in Germany or the Serie A in Italy, the beautiful game is back week in and week out! However, the most popular out of the European leagues, the English (formerly Barclays) Premier League kicks off on Saturday, August 8th. Numerous teams will be looking to challenge for the league title, currently held by Chelsea FC. Those who do not end up winning will be hoping to place second, third, or fourth, the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots. Some aiming for the fifth and sixth places, granting access to UEFA Europa League competition, and the rest of the league will be trying to avoid being relegated (the bottom three places). My predictions for the top of the league are as follows:

Fourth: Manchester United

This summer, Manchester United have made a big splash in the transfer market, reinforcing a squad that finished fourth in the table last season under newly appointed manager Louis Van Gaal. Van Gaal is no stranger to managing championship teams, having achieved success in three European leagues as a manager in his career. He will be looking to get back on that track with the addition of key new players such as electric Dutch winger Memphis Depay, 21, an exciting prospect with experience on the Netherlands national team. During United’s summer tour, Depay showed moments of brilliance and will supplement Wayne Rooney, greatly helping a team that lost two world class strikers in Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao. In addition to Depay, United have signed German World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger, a proven leader for both club and country in his role as a central midfielder. His addition brings great experience as well as technical ability, greatly opening up the play for United’s attack. Also solidifying the midfield is Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin, giving Van Gaal a plethora of options to protect his questionable back line.

The Red Devils have made strong moves this offseason, but with question marks surrounding goalkeeper David DeGea and the inconsistent back four, as well as a possible lack of depth in the forward line, they are not ready to handle the additional games they will play in the Champions League while getting good results every week in the league.

Third: Manchester City

Raheem Sterling. 20 years old. $77 million?!

Manchester City really splashed the cash out for this English youngster, fighting off competition from Real Madrid, the world’s biggest club. A price tag that high is extremely difficult to justify, but some say Sterling has the same quality possessed by Wayne Rooney, who will soon be the country’s all-time leading goal scorer. He will definitely have attacking responsibility to shoulder, as City have let Stevan Jovetic go on loan to Inter Milan, and are also on the verge of selling super sub Edin Dzeko. Sterling and Sergio Aguero is a mouthwatering combination for fans nonetheless, who should expect City to continue to bang in the goals this season. In midfield, the Citizens have added Fabian Delph, former Aston Villa skipper and prized playmaker. Being slotted into a world class midfield with the likes of Fernandinho and David Silva may not suit Delph, but most expect him to play a subdued role. City have not lost big name players, but have lost the workhorse of their team, James Milner, to Liverpool. Milner exemplified what hard work can do for an average player on a pitch, and his work ethic will surely be missed as City begin to adjust. City have undeniable amounts of quality, and definitely have the firepower to win the title, but just as their cross town rivals, have too many questions in the defense to pose a serious threat on the title. With the likes of Micah Richards gone, Martin Demichelis aging, and Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala struggling to be fit for the entire season, manager Manuel Pellegrini is going to have his hands full trying to plug the gaps.

Second: Arsenal

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and this is certainly going to prove true for Arsenal this upcoming season. Petr Cech, forced out of Chelsea by the dominance of young Belgian Thibaut Courtois, is Arsenal’s sole addition in the summer transfer window, but gives fans a reason to believe that they can win the league.

With a tantalizing midfield at his disposal, Arsene Wenger will be hoping that his squad can stay fit through a Champions League run, the league, and possibly an FA Cup run. The Gunners need Alexis Sanchez to improve upon the incredible contribution he gave them last season, and will need playmaker Mesut Ozil to display the quality he did at Real Madrid. Even with those two at their best, Wenger still has options in Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Santi Cazorla, and Francis Coquelin. Theo Walcott, who excelled at the end of last season, will need to step up and win his place in the forward line with Alexis, therefore bumping either Olivier Giroud or Danny Welbeck, both decent playes, out of the starting XI. If Wenger can keep his stars healthy, Arsenal fans can expect great quality out of their first team. Injuries have plagued the Arsenal squad in recent years, and the quality of some other players in the squad is good, but not great enough to win a title. On paper, this Arsenal team can go anywhere it wants. We’ll have to see what happens.

League Winners: Chelsea

Five years ago, losing Petr Cech to a rival club would have been a Chelsea fan’s worst nightmare. Fast forward to now, and the same fan has barely blinked because Jose Mourinho has assembled the most talented side in the Premier League. With the emergence of Thibaut Courtois, now arguably considered second in the world behind only Manuel Neuer, as well as the returning greatness of captain John Terry, Chelsea flexed their defensive muscle on their way to a decisive title victory in the 2014-2015 season. However, this season, Terry is one year older, and Chelsea’s youth is one year closer to hitting the world class quality within them. Youngsters Kurt Zouma and Nathan Ake will supplement Gary Cahill in defense if need be, surrounded by experienced wing backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic. There are very few question marks defensively, perhaps the only one being who will play backup full back if need be. In the midfield, talent covers the pitch with experienced Spanish international Cesc Fabregas, all the way up to Brazilian no. 10, Oscar. On the wings the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian, and Juan Cuadrado will keep any back line in the world on their toes, especially with the explosive Loic Remy or the powerful Diego Costa up front. It will be interesting to see how Mourinho rotates in loanee Falcao after his dismal spell with United last year, but nonetheless, only increases the plethora of talent the “Special One” has to choose from.

Almost impenetrable at their best, supplemented by the amount of attacking options available, Chelsea easily has what it takes to repeat as BPL champions.

This upcoming season will be an intense one, with other clubs certainly trying to force their way into European competition and the extra cash that comes with it. Additionally, the large number of European players in the Premiership will be trying to impress their national team managers, hoping to be selected for their country’s squad at Euro 2016. Look for Jose Mourinho to be lifting the trophy come May – and even if you don’t support Chelsea, or are new to English soccer, enjoy the soccer season!