Charlie Nic's picks

Charlie Nicholas gazes into his crystal ball and predicts how the Premier League season will unfold.

Charlie expects good things for Liverpool, Everton and Fulham

The Premier League season is just around the corner - and once again Soccer Saturday will guide you through all of the twists and turns. Jeff Stelling and the boys will be on your screens every Saturday to talk you through one of the most intriguing seasons in the history of the Premier League and there are plenty of questions to be answered. Will Manchester United hold onto their title in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo or will there be another name on the Premier League trophy in May? Can Manchester City gatecrash the top four or will we see a surprise name in contention for the Champions League spots? Who will be scrapping it out at the bottom? Which player will bag the most goals? Which summer transfer deals will provide the best value and which signings will we be laughing at by the end of the campaign? We asked the stars of Soccer Saturday to gaze into their crystal balls and give us their views on what we can expect in 2009/10 - as well as letting us know what they've been up to on their summer holidays. Charlie Nicholas is the latest to step up to the plate and you can read his thoughts below...

CHAMPIONS - Liverpool
It's always difficult at this time of year because there is still some negotiating time left. As it stands right now, I'm finding it difficult to separate Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. This is as close as it's ever been in terms of how equal they all are, maybe one remaining purchase in the transfer market may make one of the three teams leap out. As it stands now, I'm edging ever so slightly towards Liverpool. In fairness, a couple of weeks ago my feeling for Liverpool would have been much stronger, with United losing Cristiano Ronaldo whilst Torres prepares hopefully for an injury-free season. Rafa Benitez has added Glen Johnson, it all stacked up. But Xabi Alonso's move is a blow, it will take Alberto Aquilani time to adjust so it makes things tighter - but I'll stick with Liverpool.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOTS - Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal
I don't think the top four will change. I'm anticipating that Arsenal will bring two or three players in, I still think that will happen and I think the manager acknowledges that need to buy. I believe Brede Hangeland is a prospect that could happen, I certainly expect another centre half to arrive. With Tomas Rosicky now injured I wonder if the Marouane Chamakh deal will rear its head again, and if Patrick Vieira was to come back I'd be more than happy. But I'm not fussed about Arsenal's midfield, they should be focused on signing another central defender and a striker to increase competition. If they do not, I'm not worried about them staying top four.

FIFTH - Everton
This will be close. When Sven Goran Eriksson took over Manchester City he had something like nine new players, they gelled fantastically at home but could not buy a result away from home. People soon wanted Eriksson sacked, and so I'm sat here now thinking how well has Mark Hughes got to do? A lot of big names will have to be left out and City do not have the prestige and trophies behind them to convince the big names that the manager is in control of the situation. I have faith in Hughes, but he has a lot of egos to manoeuvre into position here and that will take time. Elsewhere, Aston Villa are still dangerous, Spurs will have a better season and Everton are strong. Put it this way, the top 10 is going to be very exciting this season. Sticking my neck on the chopping board, if they can keep Joleon Lescott, I'll say Everton.

SURPRISE PACKAGE - Fulham
I think Fulham will have another good season. So far they have managed to hold onto Hangeland and Bobby Zamora - although I obviously hope they lose Hangeland to Arsenal! I think a lot of people would look at them if Hangeland goes and think they could struggle, but Roy Hodgson is a class manager and I think they may even qualify for Europe again. Andrew Johnson will have a full pre-season behind him and will score more goals this season, and I think we'll see more good football down at Craven Cottage.

GOING DOWN - Wolves, Stoke, Burnley
Looking at the three promoted sides, Wolves have signed a couple of players who I have to be honest and say I've never seen before...so I'm not too sure they can adapt to the level quickly. They're freescoring are Wolves, but I don't think Mick McCarthy has the best record defensively, so I would expect them to finish bottom three. Stoke haven't added much to their team, they've become a bit predictable, teams will be ready for the long throws and the battles. I'm not sure that will have the same impact, although if there is one thing that can help them survive it's their home support - they've been a breath of fresh air. And Burnley, they don't have great resources - you see Birmingham spending lots of money - Burnley cannot do that. Their football is lovely, it reminds me of Tony Mowbray at West Brom last season, they'll be exciting going forward but I'm not sure they've got it at the back. People like Steven Caldwell are fine at Championship level, but he never looked like doing it at Newcastle and I think there will be others like that at Burnley this season.

GOLDEN BOOT - Fernando Torres
You actually have to consider the players who might be left out this season, like Nicolas Anelka at Chelsea, Michael Owen at Manchester United. How many games will they play? The only one who stands out for me is Fernando Torres.

BEST BUY - Michael Owen
I still think there will be some late surprises, but I think the best piece of business is Michael Owen. You've seen Carlos Tevez go for £25million, yet his goal return was something like 13 goals in all competitions last season. If Michael Owen plays Carling Cup and some of the Premier League games at home against the lesser sides, I'd be amazed if he doesn't get 15+ goals this season. I've seen people criticising Michael Owen's misses against Valencia and I had to think to myself 'hold on a minute, he's getting in there to miss those chances.' He didn't even get those chances at Newcastle. Now he's playing with top players who will give him a supply line and he'll bury a hatful, he's one of the most natural finishers this game has ever seen and that will continue.

BONKERS BUY - Carlos Tevez
I'm struggling to look past Tevez. Don't get me wrong, he's a very good player, but for £25million he doesn't promise a very good goal return. He's not a magnificent creator either. He's got great enthusiasm, great ability, great endeavour, but he's someone who needs a balanced side that he can go and operate within. For £25million, I think Sir Alex Ferguson said it... where's the value? I can understand why fans like him, but in hard facts where's the value?

HOW HAS YOUR PRE-SEASON TRAINING GONE?
My pre-season training has been spent in the gym every day, I've been out in Majorca sweating it out on the beach, sweating it out on the gym, and I've been getting my little amount of calories and fluids at night to keep myself nice and toned.