Now the Fifa World Cup is out of the way, after yet another disappointing performance from the English team, focus is once again turning to the start of the Premiership. In this article, I write about the contenders for the trophy and give my opinion on who I think will end up as the champions in May 2007.

The English Premiership will be devalued this season after the relegation last time around of my favourite team Birmingham City. Well maybe not, I have to admit my team deserved to go down but at least I will never have to witness Mario Melchiott playing in the blue and white of Birmingham ever again. Steve Bruce still deserves a kick up the backside for sticking with players like Mario right up until the end. It was plain to see that these type of players were just going through the motions and in truth deserved a right hook, as they were basically robbing the club at the end of the day. A whole hearted player like Bruce surely could also see this and the fact that he kept on sticking up for these players week in week out is barely believable.

As for this years English Premiership, there are once again probably only four teams with a realistic chance of becoming champions.

Manchester United

United are entering this season with a bit of a problem after the World Cup. Rooney and Ronaldo in the same team after the events of that infamous quarter final could bring its own share of fireworks. Wayne has stated that there will be no comeback but that could easily be a ploy just to get Ronaldo to return. Go on Wayne stick one on the cheat!

Manchester United have a great team and will believe that they have a realistic shout for at least one trophy this year, whether this will be the Premiership is debatable. I personally believe that they will finish third this time around.

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard will be hoping to lead Liverpool to Premiership glory this season but in reality would have had a better chance if he had joined Chelsea when he had the chance. Gerrard had a very poor World Cup which may affect his confidence and there is likely to be some kind of hangover. Fourth place is in my opinion the best Liverpool can achieve this year.

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger will be desperate to bridge the gap between his team and Chelsea this season. Players like Fabregas and Henry have enough quality but I feel a number of new signings need to be made in order for Arsenal to make a strong challenge.

I actually think that Arsenal will finish second this year.

Chelsea

Yet again, I believe that Chelsea will win the English Premiership next season. They continue to make important and impressive signings and are likely to be even stronger than last season.

Frank Lampard had a poor showing in the World Cup in much the same way as Steven Gerrard did. Frank will have to improve or may well find himself left out of the team. I am sure however he will regain his form when playing in a quality team under a quality coach.

Finally I am hoping that Birmingham City can win promotion back to the Premiership this season, but I doubt that it will happen under Bruce the bottler.