As clubs across Europe are gearing-up for yet another grueling top-flight season, all eyes are fixed upon the Barclay's Premierleague. The 06-07 season will be fascinating; while Chelski once again bust-out their big Russian money on $21 million substitutes, and with Liverpool seemingly trying to equal the London giants' spending spree, rivals Arsenal and Manchester United have been relatively quiet in the transfer market. Manchester United was linked with several big names, including Atletico striker Fernando Torres, Lyon midfielder Diarra, and surprisingly, ex-Gunner captain Patrick Vieira of the demoted Juventus. As for Arsenal, it seems that all the strikers and no defenders want to go play at Emirates. Yet with all that crap gossip and rumors flying around, major signings have yet to materialize. What are these clubs' chances of dethroning Chelski?

The most capable of doing so is by far Liverpool. Rafa Benitez was able to lure the feared Craig Bellamy to Anfield, along with several emerging young talents such as Aurelio and Paletta. Good old skipper Steve Gerrard is still there to marshall the versatile midfield, and if Bellamy does score goals for the Reds, Chelski will have to watch-out.

In fact, I don't think the defending champions have any chance of winning at all. Sure, Abramovich brought-in Ballack, Sheva, Kalou, and maybe Ashley Cole and Roberto Carlos, but we have been all-too familiar with these foolish super-galactico teams. They will crash and burn like Real Madrid. Ballack will be screaming at Lampard, Lampard will be screaming back, Kalou will be Shaun-Wright Philips No.2, Sheva will constantly bicker with Crespo and Drogba....in short, these players' egos are too big for the welfare of the team.

Manchester United? Well...then there is the Ruud van Nistelrooij saga. It was an absolutely stupid move by SAF to drop Ruud and frustrate him so much as to the point of leaving the club. The fact is, there will never be a Van the Man No.2. Torres is the most overrated player out there. He's truly awful. And since there appears not to be any clear signings on the horizon for Man Utd, the club's chances will depend on the current crop of players. Cristiano Ronaldo will be a non-factor after his immoral act against Rooney - they all hate him in England except the die-hard Red Devil fans. Instead, O'Shea, Alan Smith, Rooney, Saha, Giggs, and even Solskjaer will have to lead the team. And if Scholes gets back to his best, this could be a strong squad. But I just don't see them as strong challengers for the title. Red Devils admit it.

In North London there is real euphoria surrounding Arsenal. Emirates Stadium gives the club a new 60,000-seater. Young stars such as Fabregas, Eboue, and Van Persie have matured. As evidenced in the World Cup, these players will be able to excel at the utmost level - Van Persie's performances for Holland were beyond impressive; Fabregas was king of Spain's midfield; Henry...well, Henry is Henry; and Ashley Cole was the unheralded star for England; never mind the performances of Ljungberg, Senderos, Lehmann, and new-boy Rosicky for their countries. Everything is indeed looking real good.

Except for Ashley Cole. He is the only main concern. The left-back desperately wants to leave, and the most-likely destination for him will either be Real or London rivals Chelski. What does Arsenal get in return? They bag $20 million in the checkbook. This could really help in their bid for highly-rated Curtis Davies, or whomever else Arsene Wenger has on his transfer radar. And with Frenchies Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini performing admirably in the left-back position, there shouldn't be any real problem replacing Cole.

PREMIERLEAGUE SEASON '06-'07
1. Liverpool
2. Arsenal
3. Manchester United
4. Tottenham Hotspur
5. Chelsea
6. Blackburn Rovers
7. Everton
8. Portsmouth
9. Reading
10. Wigan Athletic
11. Charlton Athletic
12. Middlesbrough
13. Watford
14. Newcastle United
15. Bolton Wanderers
16. Fulham
17. West Ham United
18. Manchester City
19. Aston Villa
20. Sheffield United