Nicholas: Tipping AJ to shine

Also see

• Jeff Stelling's picks
• Paul Merson's picks
• Alan McInally's picks
• Phil Thompson's picks
• Matt Le Tissier's picks
• Chris Kamara's picks
• Tony Cottee's picks
• 2008-09 preview

It's a dangerous game, making pre-season predictions. But with just days to go before the big kick-off in the Premier League, the Soccer Saturday gang have gallantly agreed to put their necks - and their credibility - on the line.

It's time for former Scotland, Celtic and Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas to take the baton...

Champions

I think most of the boys - myself included - went for Manchester United last season but I'm going for Arsenal this time around. They had it in the palm of their hands last season - they led at Old Trafford, they led at Stamford Bridge - but I think Eduardo's injury at Birmingham really took its toll. I believe they'll be stronger and a bit more ruthless this season. I think they had 13 draws last season so they'll going to have to gamble a bit more though to convert a few of those into wins. There is still time in the transfer window and if Arsene Wenger could get Xabi Alonso from Liverpool, I'd fancy them even more. I think Chelsea are a little bit more lightweight than they have been in the past. How are Scolari and the new boys going to blend in? They certainly look like they'll be more adventurous and more attacking but that could leave them vulnerable defensively.

Champions League spots

I don't think anyone else is quite good enough yet to break the top four, so I think Manchester United will be second, Liverpool third and Chelsea fourth. There are three or four teams that will have good seasons - Everton, Portsmouth, Villa and Spurs will all be in the frame - but I don't see them being as consistent as the other four.

Fit for fifth

I quite like who Aston Villa are buying. They've got a good blend of pace and energy. I do like Mark Hughes at Man City but I think there's too much turmoil there at the moment. I also love Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth - I love the way they play and they'll be close again - but I'm tipping Villa for the fifth spot.

Surprise package

There are always so many to look out for in the Premier League - look at Santa Cruz last season. But I was surprised that Everton let Andy Johnson go. I think he's more than capable of keeping Fulham up, I fancy him to return to form and to be knocking on the international door again in four or five months' time, so he's my dark horse.

Going down

The real pressure is on Hull and Stoke, not so much West Brom in my opinion. I know Tony Mowbray is new to the Premier League but he knows that the club have been there before, that the fans understand the pressures, and as a result I think he will probably be quite an adventurous manager. He's waited a long time to test himself against the best. Now that chance has arrived, I think he will have an attacking philosophy and I expect his side to stay up. Stoke I think look the weakest, Hull will probably still be a bit naive and I think Blackburn will have a tough season, too. Paul Ince deserves time and respect but I think with Bentley going, Santa Cruz seemingly on the verge of a move every day and Warnock apparently trying to get out, I think they might have a few problems.

Golden boot

I don't think there'll be a new guy to blow us away so it'll be one of the usual suspects that includes Torres, Ronaldo, Santa Cruz - wherever he is playing - and of course Adebayor. I'm still convinced that Robin Van Persie has got 25+ goals in him. Obviously we need to see him fit but I think he's ready for the new campaign and I'm tipping him to have a major season.

Best buy

I do think there are still a few to come in so this is a potential one: I believe Liverpool are still chasing Gareth Barry but I also think Arsenal would love to get Xabi Alonso so that's one to look out for. I have to mention AJ again here. I think Fulham have improved on last year in terms of belief and in the fact that they've got someone who can score goals for them. They were on a knife-edge last year but I've always believed - and still do - that Roy Hodgson is a top coach. His signings have been refreshing this season and he's brought in people who will play a disciplined system.

Barking buy

I do think that Robbie Keane's price was extremely high. He's a very good signing but £20m+ was a hell of a lot. He's a good player and Torres needs a partner but I'm not convinced that Rafa Benitez is, by nature, a man who likes to play 4-4-2. I'm not surprised Robbie went there because he had been linked to them so often but I do think the value of the transfer was a bit obscene.

Soccer Saturday summer slacker

I've heard that a few of the boys reckon I've been taking it a bit too easy but I can deny that. Ok, I've been in Majorca but let me tell you, I've been training hard, my weight's down and I'm fighting fit ready for the new season. Thommo will be the most bronzed because he sits in the sun all day. It costs him a fortune in sun lotion though - and that's just to cover his nose! Jeff has been working hard; he's been back early preparing but the big disappointment is likely to be Paul Merson, or 'The Muffin Man' as I like to call him. He's a cert to have been stuffing himself with muffins all summer!