Odds quoted are from Paddy Power This time last year we advised you to lay Chelsea; this season, we reckon it's better to be on Jose's side. Manchester United buckled many the swash last season, and practically all their signings are worthy of salivation, but it will be some feat to integrate so much talent into a consistent side, and we're not sure the Ferguson/Queiroz ticket are capable. Nani and Anderson come with exciting reputations, but such youth can't be depended on to have an in"uence so quickly. Carlos Tevez is the dealbreaker, and is capable of making a great team incredible. But Chelsea, with all their injury problems and behind-the-scenes shemozzles, still managed to have a pretty impressive season just gone. Florent Malouda (above) and Tal Ben Haim are "ne and, crucially, experienced signings, while if even just one of Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko manage to settle, they're in business. Last year, we foresaw a challenge to Chelsea's dominance coming from Liverpool just as much as United, but Rafa Benitez's incessant tinkering makes consistency unlikely, and we just can't trust Fernando Torres to carry his new side into contention. Arsenal, while likely to maintain the top-four junta, still don't have the cojones to last past January. After being 1-2 last year, Chelsea at 6-4 is a tasty bet.

Vote mellow, vote Mourinho.

BACK BLACKBURN ROVERS TO BE TOP OF THE TABLE AT THE END OF AUGUST 25-1

Odds quoted are from Paddy Power Opening day is generally a punter's graveyard, with far too many variables and unknowns to make any bet with con"dence. But with four games to be played between now and September 1, there's always the chance of an unexpected name at the top of the table.

The two favourites are as you would imagine, but Chelsea face a trip to Anfield, while Manchester United have away ties at Portsmouth and Manchester City, making 11-4 too short. Arsenal would seem next likely, but we expect them to come away empty-handed from at least one of St James' Park and Ewood Park. Liverpool face Chelsea and will also drop points away to Villa or Sunderland. Far more tempting are Blackburn Rovers, a settled side that are capable of getting off to a flier this time round. First up is a trip to Middlesbrough, then Villa and Arsenal at home before a trip to Everton. None are nailed-on wins, but a 10point return is not unthinkable if Benni McCarthy keeps up last season's excellent work.

Daft bet of the week. . .

BACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR TO BE THE FIRST CLICHE MENTIONED DURING THE COMMUNITY SHIELD ON SKY TODAY 18-1

Odds quoted are from Paddy Power Paddy Power are offering a book on "rst cliche uttered on Sky once today's curtain-raiser kicks off. Favourites include 'Charity Shield', 'nil-nil', and 'no extra-time'.

We're going to plump for 'Player of the year' at 18-1 and pray to Crist they pass it to Ronaldo (right) early doors.