Will the Chasing Pack Catch United and Chelsea?

With Chelsea and Manchester United seemingly reluctant to make new signings ahead of the Premier League season, their nearest rivals could be presented with an opportunity to get one over on the pair.

Although both sides had breathing space at the top of the league last season, it was clear that their squads would need to be strengthened sooner or later and while both sides have brought in a couple of new faces, they are yet to add anyone who will be challenging for a first team place in the near future.

On the face of it, it would seem like free-spending Manchester City are the club most likely upset the football odds and pinch the title from under the noses of Chelsea and United, but the Eastlands club are likely to suffer from the same problems they did last season.

More multi-million pound signings mean more massive egos and regardless of the talent available to him, it will still fall to Roberto Mancini to ensure they perform. He's certainly a capable manager, but it's not impossible to envisage a poor run leading to his dismissal and further turmoil. An opening day defeat against Spurs could be enough to start rumours amongst online football betting pundits of his sacking.

Currently Arsenal seem the most likely to take advantage of any slip by the top two. They've been criticised for not being competitive enough in recent seasons, but they were in with a shout of landing the title last time out.

The Gunner's main rivals look like they're going backwards, so a new backline and the goals of Marouane Chamakh could be all they need to move from nearly men to winners.

Of course, Chelsea could still splash on a much-needed new striker to support Didier Drogba, but if they don't this year's title race could be the most open for some time.