Lawro's Premiership predictions

BBC Sport's football pundit Mark Lawrenson gives his expert verdict on the new Premiership season, with tips for the teams to watch - and those to avoid.

I know it sounds predictable, but when it comes to winning the title, I can't see beyond mighty Manchester United.

They are just so far ahead of the rest.

Having said that, I don't think the champions will have such an easy time as last season - Arsenal could well push them close.

I expect the Gunners to claim the runners-up spot, with Liverpool third and Leeds and Chelsea battling it out for fourth and fifth.

There is a possibility - but it's only a slim one - that Liverpool could finish above Arsenal in second place.

But if you look at the Arsenal squad it actually looks stronger this year than it has done for ages.

Arsenal's form has always been sensational at Highbury and I think this time they will just have a little bit more away from home - especially with Sol Campbell in defence.

I fancy them much more strongly this season, with new-boy Francis Jeffers up front.

Jeffers is a very bright young player and he has the knack of knowing where and when to run.

Jeffers: A bright young talent

If he stays injury-free then he will do very well in the side - particularly if Dennis Bergkamp plays behind him and can slip those intelligent through-balls to him.

With the signing of Campbell Arsenal should prove more resilient than in the past couple of years.

And when it comes to their tussle with Liverpool, they have also been used to the distraction of the Champions League, which is new territory for the Merseysiders.

Although Liverpool have played in the Uefa Cup, the Champions League is far more of a slog and the games are more intense.

Spurred on

The top five teams look settled already to me - I don't think you can really look beyond Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds and Chelsea.

The only other team that might compete with the big five are Tottenham - but they will need to have an inspired season under new manager Glenn Hoddle.

Sunderland should do well - but realistically they can't hope for a top-four position, let alone competing for the title.

No, I don't think you can look beyond United to win the league.

Sir Alex Ferguson has reinforced an already formidable squad with two genuine world-class players - Juan Sebastian Veron and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

I can't wait to see Veron in the Premiership - I think he's going to be awesome.

United are still the only team in the top flight who can go away from home, not play well and still win.

Veron's class will tell

At the other end of the table I'm afraid that Bolton - financially as much as anything - will find it difficult to compete.

And I think there will be really tough seasons ahead for Derby and West Ham.

Southampton will also struggle. The Dell was a fortess for them and it was really difficult for teams to go there, with a passionate crowd right on top of the pitch.

Now, their brand spanking new stadium might actually go against them.

The other promoted sides, Blackburn and Fulham, will probably survive.

They might find it hard at times - but unlike Bolton they have the financial clout to go out and buy players, so they should avoid the drop.

The Premiership is a tough league to stay in - but winning it is a totally different matter.

And though it may be a bit tighter at the top, don't expect anyone to claim United's crown.