Of dark horses and applecarts

SPORT

As the English Premier League starts, only the very brave will bet on the possible winner.

It will take a brave man or a mad punter to put his money on picking the winner of this season's English Premier League.

Europe's most-watched league is back next weekend and it promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in a long time. We look at the favourites, and at the dark horses who might upset the applecart.

Manchester United

Reigning champions, they have added more quality to their title-winning squad. With Argentinian Carlos Tevez on the brink of moving to Old Trafford, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney improving by the day, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has attacking talent which could tear apart any defence on its day.

Key Men: Rooney and Ronaldo

Chelsea

Even after winning two trophies last season, Chelsea's season was termed disappointing. But that's the kind of standard Jose Mourinho and his men have set.

They have the kind of depth in the squad which no other team can compare with. A few new signings, and if injuries don't strike the club, they will remain the favourites and definitely the team to beat.

Key Men: Didier Drogba, John Terry and Michael Essien

Liverpool

Will the 17-year-long wait end at Anfield? Well, that's what Rafa Benitez might be hoping. In Fernando Torres, he has bought a striker who is supposedly the missing link in the team.

Ryan Babel and Yossi Bennayoun have come in. But with new players taking time to adapt in England, the Merseysiders might have to wait some more time to land the so-far elusive trophy.

Key Men: Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres

Arsenal

Any club would miss a player of Thierry Henry's stature, and the Gunners are no different. Still, manager Arsene Wenger has a young team who may not be the bookies' favourites but do have class written all over them. With not too much pressure on them, they just might come out on top. However, inexperience could play a crucial role.

Key Men: Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie

Dark Horses

Tottenham: Have spent a lot of money on quality players and have been knocking on the door to break the Big Four monopoly. Inconsistency still remains a massive factor. Not the title favourites, but they remain a threat.