Jamie Redknapp: ‘Chelsea will defend Premier League crown’

Manuel Pellegrini was arguably fortunate to keep his job after last season’s underachievement and this time around Manchester City are under pressure to mount a cohesive title challenge.

Their poor showing in the competition didn’t seem to harm their Premier League form, though, and they marched to two victories in the first couple of games before losing to Stoke City and securing draws against Arsenal and Chelsea.

The depressing thing watching Everton last season, as they slipped from a side threatening the Champions League spots to one threatened by relegation, was the slowness of it all. But is that the whole solution, or will last year’s defensive problems hold them back? Chelsea were so far ahead in every meaningful way that it was barely a contest.

Eddie Howe sensationally led Bournemouth to the Championship title last season.

This season could well define Brendan Rodgers’ tenure as Liverpool manager.

There is certainly a lot more optimism surrounding the latest crop of Anfield arrivals, with James Milner arriving on a free seen as a coup by many. How will Coutinho and Firmino link up?

James, now a pundit for BT Sport, said: “I can see Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League at the expense of City this season”. Can the south coast club maintain their attractive – and effective – style of play when they come up against the heavyweights of the Premier League? If they don’t start well, Rodgers could well be gone before Christmas.

“A new record is likely as clubs look to benefit from the new TV deal”, said football finance expert Rob Wilson.

£14.4 million – Bastian Schweinsteiger, moves to Manchester United from Bayern Munich.

In terms of the effect that might have on their season, it could go one way or the other. That’s what makes this league so fun. Or, with the squad knowing he was on his way out, their season could unravel into a write off as everyone prepares for life under Pep next season.

Raheem Sterling was even reportedly tempted to Manchester with the knowledge he’d soon be working with the Catalan.

Since 2010, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero have been the spine of a City team that has catapulted from drifting underachiever to formidable heavyweight, in England if not yet in Europe.

The waiting is nearly over as the greatest show on earth prepares to roll up once again with this season’s Premier League campaign one of the most eagerly awaited in years. After a cameo in a 6-0 win over Lyon, he started the decisive game against Wolfsburg and created the only goal of the match with a forward dart followed by a measured through ball for Theo Walcott.

Have Manchester United finally found their centre? Speaking of which… The onus is on manager Louis van Gaal to find a way to make it work.

Will this summer’s new signings fit in quickly? What if Costa’s hamstrings and temperament cost him games and Radamel Falcao (pictured) is no sharper than he was at United last season?

FTD Says: Despite adding more bite in midfield, United still look vulnerable at the back, and with Rooney essentially their only striker presently, an injury to their captain and United could be in trouble.