A month to go...

Ok we should be gripped by Ashes fever, but due to considerable cock up on the part of the ECB we are stil left anticipating the outcome of the first test. Even Liverpool's quest for a sixth European Cup has begun.

People are already talking about the new season as if it has already started. Well here at Sportsweek we will try to pick the runners and riders here for you over the coming days and weeks in the build up to the new season. Part One focuses on last seasons top four.

CHELSEA

Last season: Champions, League Cup Winners, Champions League Semi-Final.

Out: Mickael Forsell, Scott Parker.

In: Asier Del Horno.

This year? The team to beat and although Abramovich hasn't spent too much yet, expect more signings in coming weeks. They are notoriously hard to beat but teams behind have a point to prove so it may not be so plain sailing. Should still prevail again (Prediction - Champions)

ARSENAL

Last Season: Runners-up, FA Cup Winners.

Out: Patrick Vieira.

In: Alexander Hleb.

This year? Until today they were still the closest challengers to Chelsea. However selling Patrick Vieira to Juventus has left manager Arsene Wenger with a huge void to fill in the centre of midfield. Not only talented but a leader gone missing. They will still be in the shake up for Champions League places but the lack of a player of that quality may have taken their title chances away as well. (Prediction - Champions League but sliding away)

MANCHESTER UNITED

Last Season: FA Cup Finalists, League Cup Semi-Final, Third.

Out: Roy Carroll, Ricardo.

In: Edwin Van Der Sar, Park Si-Jung.

This Year? The team with the most to prove! They hate being knocked from the top for long. Expect grit, determination and a degree of physicality perhaps. If Ruud Van Nistelrooy can find his shooting boots again both he and Wayne Rooney could light up the Premiership. They may be the closest challengers to Chelsea but it's a long road. (Prediction - Champions League closing the gap to the top)

EVERTON

Last Season: Fourth

Out: Alan Stubbs, Steve Watson.

In: Per Kroldrup, Simon Davies.

This year? The Blues would love to emulate their achievements last season. However it may be a lot tougher for David Moyes's side. The signing of Danish defender Per Kroldrup, but the absence of another Dane, Thomas Gravesen, seemed to start a slide in results and but for inconsistency from their rivals across Stanley Park, they may have been lower down. Should still be in Europe again though. (Prediction - Top six)