Barclays Premier League: Is This Going to Be the Best Season Ever?

It’s Week Nine and the Barclays Premier League is up and running after the international break. After eight weeks of some scintillating football—including only 18 draws in 152 games played, with a goal per game average of 1.5 and some stunning results—I think it is fair to say we are in for a wild ride this season.

Watching the season so far, we've gotten a pretty good idea of how the Premier League will turn out, but things may change (like Tottenham and Burnley last season).

For the first time, it looks like all of the big-four clubs are vulnerable to dropping points, hence making for a great title chase. However, Manchester United and Chelsea look set to battle it out for the title this year, with Liverpool already losing three key games and Arsenal having been beaten by both Manchester teams.

Arsenal will be an interesting prospect this year. They did lose two key players in Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, but their new signing of “a goal scoring centre-back” in Thomas Vermaelen looks to have fit perfectly. Having already destroyed teams in the Premier League so far with their fantasy football, it isn't too farfetched to assume that this might be their season after all.

Liverpool looks to be battling away again this year, having already thrashed lesser teams like Burnley, Hull, and Stoke. They should still be ranked high, but have looked vulnerable against big teams. That elusive 19th league title still seems to evade their clutches this season. Tottenham and Aston Villa—two teams they should have beaten—have bettered them and stolen six points, severely denting their title hopes.

However, more than the title race, the real deal will be the battle between the big four and other ambitious teams for the chance to get into the coveted Champions League spots.

Obviously, big spenders Manchester City look firm favorites to give the big four a run for their money, having collected 16 points from a possible 21. They have a great squad, and if they are in the whereabouts of a Champions League spot, they might be able to lure bigger superstars in January.

Aston Villa had a shocking start to the season. After being dumped out of the inaugural UEFA Europa League in the early stages, they did not get going too well in the premier league by losing to Wigan in the opening fixture. However, they have since recovered and look to battle away for another season.

Everton had a terrible start to the season, being drubbed 6-1 at home to Arsenal. They have since done better, however you must feel that the departure of Joleon Lescott and their lack of financial power will hamper their chances of cracking it this year.

Finally, Harry Redknapp's Tottenham has made its best start to a Premier League campaign, collecting an impressive tally of 16 points from eight games. Injuries have dampened their season, but they still have looked very impressive, riding on the performances of wing wizard Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe. Even if they don’t crack the big four, they still could be in for a great season.

The battle to avoid relegation looks equally appetizing, with every team in the bottom half of the table winning randomly. Burnley’s home form, Portsmouth ugly start, and Hull City’s inconsistency have grabbed some headlines.

If things continue as they are now, then expect some huge changes this season.