Prem's back!

Going without Premier League football for 3 months is akin to laying off the booze and smokes, well, actually it isn't as difficult, but it's not far off it.

Yes, the best league in the world is back - no thanks to those looting cunts who almost ruined it for everyone else - and like the sporting soap opera it is, who knows what the fuck's going to happen...

Let's start with the champions who are away to WBA on Sunday. Watched United last Sunday in the Community Shield and drooled over the second half performance. Ok, this game falls somewhat into the Mickey Mouse category but when it's Man U against their precocious neighbours, then it becomes a different proposition altogether. WBA, under Roy Hodgson, attained a very creditable 11th spot in last year's campaign and they'll certainly be no pushovers in Sunday's game. Still, they've lost the 7 games at home to United, and I think Sir Alex's boys will do the business. 1-3

Chelsea went and got themselves a new manager, but nowt else seems to have changed for them. They're away to Stoke on Sunday and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the Potters got a result out of this one. Stoke have signed Woodgate from Spurs - I'd like to see this boy get another chance to prove himself; superb in his Leeds days, just a pity that he's been plagued with injury ever since. 1-1

Newcomers Swansea find themselves thrown straight into the melting pot with a visit to the Etihad Stadium (do you remember the days when the names of football grounds were sacrosanct) on Monday. Man City have spent a fortune on young Argentina striker Agüero. He looked the part whenever he came on as a sub for the Argies during this year's Copa, but it'll be interesting to see how he fits into the Prem. Rattle-throwers - you heard me messrs Tevez and Balotelli - must go. The Swans clinched promotion from the Champo, but you get the impression they'll strugle from the start. 3-1

Arsenal are away to Newcastle in tomorrow's late fixture - belting 4-4 last season. I've been an admirer of Wenger for a long time but, alas, I fear his time is coming to an end. Fabregas and Nasri are both on their way out (should have got rid of Fab a year ago) and it's hard to see how they'll make a serious challenge without a major signing. Still too much nonsense going on at the Toon and I wouldn't be surprised if they finish up in a relegation battle. 1-2

Gotta mention QPR before I finish. My ol' mate Smitty was devastated when they got relegated in '96 but always maintained they'd get back up there again. Taarabt, Moroccan midfielder, is the player to watch - he bagged 19 goals in 44 apearances last season (also the first name to appear on my fantasy team). They've got Bolton at home tomorrow. 2-1

Gonna put my reputation as a predofile on the chopping block and pick the final four at the end of this year's campaign:

Man  U (Sneijder or not)
Man City (Tevez or not)
Chelsea (severe lack of new blood)
Liverpool (I think King Kenny is the equivalent of an extra man on the pitch)