It was always wise to wait out the transfer window and see who ends up where before sticking our necks out to predict where teams will finish, it’s showtime, the first international break of the season is behind us and the time is now for us to do it… Shall we?

Title race

The neutrals will have a filled season, thrilling movements and swaps from time to time and if there’s anything we’re very certain of, there won’t be a runaway winner this season like we’ve had in at least three of the last four seasons.

Manchester City failed to add a recognized striker to replace Sergio Aguero but from all indications, it feels a lot like they want to put their trust in Ferran Torres who has shown glimpses but if you’re expecting the Aguero standard you might be disappointed.

Jack Grealish joined for a British record fee and he has hit the ground running.

City won the League without depending on a recognized striker last season, if the Torres experiment doesn’t work then expect them to revert to that.

Defensively they’re still solid albeit without Benjamin Mendy who is in police custody and not certain will play for City again, City are in the title race but aren’t favourites.

Manchester United have never looked well equipped for a title challenge like this since Sir Alex Ferguson left.

If they actually don’t win the league, not just challenge then the role of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer should be objectively reviewed.

United had challenges with a left-sided defender, they got an experienced winner in Raphael Varane, they fixed the void on the flanks by signing Jadon Sancho and ultimately, arguably the best player ever to play football Cristiano Ronaldo joined from Juventus, what is United’s excuse?

Yes there’s a case for a proper defensive midfielder, Scott McTominay is currently their best hand in that department and there’s also a case for the ageing Nemanja Matic, but they can make do with the double pivot in central midfield and see what they can do in the January window, United are favourites.

There’s also Chelsea that are on another level right now, seven points from a possible nine, dropping two points against a potential title rival Liverpool and also beating Arsenal.

Then they’re coming into every home league game under the special introduction from the loudspeakers… Champions of Europe!

Chelsea are complete, the depth is very admirable, their second choice 11 will beat two-third of the current 19 teams in the league no disrespect.

The place of their tactical genius Thomas Tuchel is also clear to see, Chelsea will not only make the top four, but they are also co-favourites with Manchester United.

Liverpool fans will believe their squad has what it takes to do it again but not quite, their failure to reinforce adequately will haunt them in the long run.

If injuries hit them in the middle like it did in the defence last season, they will fall off the pace.

Jurgen Klopp has put his faith in kid sensation Harvey Elliot but for how long can his limbs do the trick? 

The race will be for the enduring this season and the lack of a top replacement for Gini Wijnaldum will come back with questions when games kick in thick and fast during winter.

That’s where it stops for real title contenders, Tottenham may have won their opening three games but from the look of things one can tell that it’s only a matter of time.

Their loyalists will also tell you they beat City in the process, again it’s a matter of time.

Leicester City are moving in the right direction, show me a well-run club and I will show you the Foxes, but their best bet would still be a top-six finish, need not mention Arsenal in this context. Their place is not anywhere near the top.

Title race verdict: United to be champions

Top 4 verdict: 1. United, 2. Chelsea, 3. Manchester City, 4. Liverpool

Top 6 finish

Westham took off from where they stopped last season and you can see their ambitions, keeping their core and adding a few legs, but how will they cope with Europa football? It will be challenging but they should be just fine, however they may have to prioritize depending on what their ambition is.

Leicester City will also need to be attentive, their manager is elite so he should help them through the pressure of the Europa league but they will suffer a bit especially if key player get injured; they have reinforced well but they’re one major injury away from being thin in the middle.

As at the time of filing this, Arsenal are bottom of the league, but is that where they belong? They have reinforced the way they know how to do it, they have a mountain to climb but with no distractions in the form of European football, their rise to midtable will be easy, but what is their ambition?

Tottenham will finish in the top ten but not the top 6, they won the Harry Kane battle but his fitness is something they have to worry about, their squad looks good on paper but something is missing each time you watch them play, defensively they will be tested soon and then we’d see.

Top 10 verdict: 5. Arsenal, 6.Leicester City, 7. Spurs, 8. Westham, 9. Everton, 10. Leeds United

Relegation picks

Norwich City will face an uphill task this season, the sale of Emi Buendia to Aston Villa took a significant level of creativity away from them, again they will flatter to deceive with mesmerizing games but with slim losses to show for it.

Like Sheffield United last season, Wolves will labour hard and will face the drop, they don’t play badly do they? 

Injuries, managerial changes and the form of top talents will contribute to their problems this season and I’m afraid they just might be off the pace this term.

This is brave but it is what it is, Southampton will battle the drop again this season and it will take surrounding teams to help them rise from the bottom, selling top talents without significant replacements will hurt them.

Brighton and Burnley are other teams that squad depth will affect this season. Only three teams will be relegated but they will most likely be among these picks.