Premier League Preview - The Title Contenders

The Rooney-RvP partnership will be key for Manchester United

Our girl Alex Johnson has a look at the runners and riders to be lifting the big trophy come May.

Following one of the most thrilling Premier League title races in recent times hopes are high for another enthralling ride.

Manchester City regained their crown on the final day of the season after Liverpool had let slip a glorious opportunity to end their title drought.

Jose Mourinho's dream return to Chelsea failed to materialise, Arsenal set the pace before fading fast and, to the delight of many, Manchester United endured a torrid campaign.

We are all set to kick-off again - so let's assess those likely to be involved at the top of the table in 2014-15.

Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers almost worked a miracle at Anfield in his second season.

Repeating the trick without the services of the inimitable Luis Suarez will be a very different story.

The Reds have recruited in 'Tottenham fashion' this summer - bringing in seven players already.

Rodgers must find a marquee striker to replace his departed talisman and share the burden with Daniel Sturridge - and could the enigmatic Mario Ballotelli yet fill the void?

Adam Lallana will be an asset if he reproduces his Southampton form but with questions still hanging over a defence that shipped 50 goals last term, Liverpool are going to struggle to match last term.

Manchester City

The Yaya Toure birthday saga has apparently blown over and City have cast away some of their dead wood this summer.

Manuel Pellegrini flexed his financial muscle this week, bringing in Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala for a reported fee of 32million.

His squad is brimming with the talent needed for another strong showing, while Bacary Sagna, Willy Caballero and Fernando have all joined this summer.

As long as their fortress-like home form continues - just five points dropped last season - the defending champions will have every chance to retain their crown.

Sergio Aguero's fitness could have a huge bearing on City's chances of back-to-back titles.

Chelsea

The Special One likes to do things his own way.

Mourinho clearly doesn't subscribe to the theory of never going back.

Didier Drogba returns to Stamford Bridge at the age of 36 to assist the Blues in their quest for a reliable striker.

The Ivorian may have a bit-part to play as Diego Costa begins life in the Premier League after helping Atletico Madrid to a famous LA Liga triumph.

With a functioning strike force Chelsea could have been champions last time around.

They have the master tactician, both on and off the field, in the dugout and appear destined for a more sustained title push this time around.

Cesc Fabregas represents the ideal replacement for Frank Lampard in midfield.

If Costa can replicate his La Liga form, Chelsea ought to be a potent threat.

Arsenal

By his own standards, Arsene Wenger has been carefree in the transfer market this summer.

Stealing Alexis Sanchez from under the noses of Liverpool was a promising coup for the Gunners.

Mathieu Debuchy arrived from Newcastle while Southampton youngster Calum Chambers' arrival means Wenger has already spent 60million.

The pressure has been eased on the manager with their FA Cup success and it is well to remember Arsenal promised so much in the first half of last season.

More can be expected from Mezut Ozil, while Aaron Ramsey's new-found potency in the final third was a major contributor to their success.

Like London rivals Chelsea, a 25-goal striker is the player Arsenal most require going into the new season.

The 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield will help Arsenal's belief going into this campaign.

Manchester United

David Moyes was the buffer man between Alex Ferguson and the future of Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal takes over at Old Trafford with expectations significantly lowered and the reality of life without their departed colossus chillingly real for United fans.

The new manager will in all probability arrest the downfall - he couldn't really make things much worse.

The Dutchman should get the most from compatriot Robin van Persie and the floundering Wayne Rooney.

Like Liverpool last season, United should profit from the complete absence of European football.

A speedy return to the top four looks imminent, but wrestling the title from their noisy neighbours remains beyond United for now.