Jose Mourinho refuses to discuss referee following ten-man Chelsea’s draw with Swansea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho seemed frustrated by referee Michael Oliver but continued his silence over officials following the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Swansea at Stamford Bridge.

The defending Premier League champions ended their season opener with ten men following goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ sending off, and also had a penalty appeal turned down in the first half.

Diego Costa sprinted through on goal before being brought down in the box by Federico Fernandez, and while the Spanish striker and his manager were left raging when Oliver pointed to the corner, replays showed the Swans defender timed his tackle to perfection.

Costa was also denied a free-kick after he was tripped in the second-half, and Mourinho appeared to laugh out loud on the Chelsea bench when play was waved on.

However, having been fined more than once last season for his criticism of referees, the Blues boss was curt when asked for his thoughts on the incidents.

"I do not want to speak about red cards," he said. “I don’t think I can be suspended for life.”

Asked whether that would be a policy this season, Mourinho retorted to laughter in the press conference: "No, it is just because the first time I can control myself.

"I want to react this way so you don't say he was [complaining] from day one. In day one we were punished, but it was not on day one that I opened my mouth."

Chelsea had to hold on for a point as Swansea dominated the second-half following Bafetimbi Gomis’s equaliser from the spot, but Mourinho hailed his side’s effort to still go for the win despite their man disadvantage.

"We tried," the Portuguese added. "I repeat this for a long, long, long time, even in my first period here, because my record at Stamford Bridge is something incredible.

"I never played for a draw. Never. So if today we lose, we lose.

"But at home a draw is only good in special circumstances, like last year, for example, when we were almost champions so a draw against Manchester United was a good result.

"Apart from that, we play at home to win and we tried that, so it is normal. The players know that. They know one point is one point.

"Playing with 10 men for such a long time is much more difficult and fundamentally I am happy with the quality they had in the first half and I am happy with their spirit in the second half, so we are in peace. We are not happy with the result."

David de Gea will play for Man Utd insists manager Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal insists goalkeeper David de Gea still has a role at the club, despite the Real Madrid target sitting out of their opening day victory over Tottenham.

The Red Devils kicked off their Premier League campaign with three points against Spurs, with Kyle Walker’s unfortunate own-goal sealing a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.

But summer signing Sergio Romero was the man in the net for the hosts, with De Gea sat in the stands after he was deemed not in the right mind to start by his boss.

Van Gaal has previously admitted the Spanish glovesman ‘maybe wants to leave’ United, with La Liga giants Real offering him a road back to his homeland.

But the Dutchman is adamant the club do not want De Gea to leave, and hopes the goalkeeper will be back in the starting XI soon.

"Of course," the United manager said when asked if De Gea could play for the club again.

"We have to pay a lot of money for the players we want so we want to sell at the same level when we have to sell.

"We want to keep him, of course. He has been voted the best player here for the last two years.

"But we have observed [De Gea] in preparation and that was not the same David de Gea as last year.

"Of course when the situation has been cleared after September 1 we will look again.”

Romero, a free signing who joined the club less than two weeks ago, had little to do for much of the match, though he did deny playmaker Christian Eriksen twice at the death as Spurs looked for an equaliser.

Van Gaal was impressed by the 28-year-old's performance given the short amount of time he has had with the club.

“I'm happy Sergio did well, he saved us twice,” the manager added.

"We have to improve his building up, but Sergio trained only two days with his fellow players."

Kyle Walker own goal hands Van Gaal’s side three points starter

It was another afternoon to forget for Kyle Walker at Old Trafford.

Months after his display in March's 3-0 defeat was widely criticised, the defender opened the scoring for United, poking the ball into his own net as Spurs slumped to an opening day defeat.

And once the home side took the lead, Tottenham never looked like getting back into the game they had dominated in the first 20 minutes.

A lively start saw Spurs go close to taking the lead after just five minutes when Christian Eriksen latched onto Harry Kane’s pass and with Sergio Romero rushing out, the Denmark international’s dink landed on the roof of the net.

Then that early pressure was undone with one poor pass.

Nabil Bentaleb was the culprit, United broke, Ashley Young crossed the ball to an unmarked Wayne Rooney and Kyle Walker, racing back to challenge the striker, prodded the ball beyond Michel Vorm.

'HE'S THE SURPRISE STRIKER VAN GAAL WAS TALKING ABOUT' - WALKER MOCKED BY FANS

His own goal aside, however, Walker and the new the partnership of Toby Alderweireld and Belgium team-mate Jan Vertonghen, were solid and did not suggest the defence would be the leaky problem it was last season.

In the second half there were few chances and Spurs did not look anything like the marauding side that came close to taking the lead.

Travelling Spurs fans were in good voice throughout, but there was huge noise from those inside the stadium on the hour mark when Bastian Schweinsteiger replaced Michael Carrick to become the first German to play for the club.

Romero, in goal for David De Gea, showed United fans enough to believe that life after the Spaniard is not as bad as first feared as he got down superbly to keep out Eriksen’s low shot in the final few minutes.

David de Gea not considered for selection against Tottenham

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed goalkeeper David de Gea is not ready to play in their Premier League opener against Tottenham on Saturday.

The Spanish goalkeeper, the Red Devils’ stand-out star over the past few seasons, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid all summer.

De Gea, 24, started the last two games of the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, but will not be considered for the clash against Spurs, according to Van Gaal.

"He shall not play," the Dutch boss said.

"I think a human being is more than only a player, and he [De Gea] cannot manage that."

De Gea has long been linked with a return to the Spanish capital with Real Madrid, who see the goalkeeper as the long-term successor to departed captain Iker Casillas.

But United have insisted all summer that the club would only sell if they received defender Sergio Ramos as part of a swap deal, though the La Liga giants have insisted their new captain will not leave.

"We have problems of course with De Gea," Van Gaal added, when asked what he thought the outcome of the saga would be. "I don't know. That's in process.

"I cannot lead this process - I can only watch and observe and that's what I'm doing, but I'm not participating in it."

With Victor Valdes frozen out of the first team, the Red Devils manager has limited options when it comes to a replacement for the club's two-time player of the year.

Summer signing Sergio Romero, who arrived in free transfer last week, seems the most likely to step in, but when asked if Argentina No.1 would start the lunch time kick-off at Old Trafford, Van Gaal said: "You have to wait and see who is starting."

Oliseh undecided over Iheanacho’s super eagle's call

The Super Eagles coach has not made a definite decision on calling up the Manchester City youngster for next month’s Afcon qualifier against Tanzania

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has told SportsArena that there will be a few surprises when his list of foreign-based professionals to tackle Tanzania next month is released in coming weeks.

While reassuring that standard won't be compromised, he also revealed how difficult it was for him pruning down the names of short listed foreign-based players from 72 to 23.

The coach, who expects stiff competition when camping kicks off in Abuja in a fortnight, refused to confirm or deny if Manchester City's youngster Kelechi Iheanacho will be considered in his ‘surprise list’.

Iheanacho has been in blistering form for the Citizens in pre-season, scoring twice in five appearances.

The former Flying Eagles attacking midfielder has also been promoted to the first team squad for the coming Premier League season.

"I don't know and if I do, I won't share with you," Oliseh told SportsArena. “But there will be lots of surprises in the squad for the Euro-based players. We have a target which is to win in Dar es Salaam,” he added.

The former national team skipper handed fresh call-ups to seven new players for the upcoming away fixture against Tanzania, overlooking notable names such as Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali, Daniel Akpeyi and a host of others in his new look home-based Super Eagles squad.

Oliseh also revealed that his meeting with Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe, was fruitful but was quick to add that nothing is guaranteed at least for now confirming Goal’s earlier report regarding the availability of the Liverpool winger for Nigeria this year.

"We still have to make him see why Nigeria is a better option for him. Talks are still on as regards that."

Thierry Henry: Angel Di Maria wasn’t disciplined enough for Man United boss Van Gaal

Angel Di Maria’s “free-spirited” playing style was never going to fit into Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal’s plans, according to Premier League legend Thierry Henry.

Argentine forward Di Maria sealed his long-awaited move to Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, just 12 months after joining the Red Devils for a British record £59.7million fee.

The former Real Madrid man struggled to cement his place in the United team, with Ashley Young thriving in the second half of the season, and he was allowed to leave Old Trafford for the French champions in a deal thought to be around £45m.

United are reportedly targeting a late move for Barcelona forward Pedro as his replacement, and former Barca team-mate Henry believes the Spaniard has what it takes to properly integrate into Van Gaal’s system.

“Louis van Gaal demands his teams to play a certain way,” the former striker told Drivetime.

“It’s very demanding and well structured. If you’re a winger you have to stay wide, you can’t come in, you have to stay there.

“I know that exactly, because at Barcelona it was the same way, the Dutch way and the Barca way are very similar.

“From what I understand, that’s why it was difficult for Di Maria to adapt, because he’s a free spirit.

“You have to let him play and that’s how it was for him at Real Madrid; sometimes he played behind the striker, sometimes on the left or on the right, and sometimes he didn’t come back.

“You can’t do that at Manchester United, it’s too well structured.

“At one point last season, they didn’t gel, so Van Gaal did something to make sure they were going to get results until the end of the season - they were more direct.

“That’s why he went on to buy players this summer that can suit the way he wants to play - that’s why he wants Pedro.

“Pedro knows those tactics, he can do what Van Gaal wants. I’ve seen him at Barcelona, he was putting pressure on and staying out wide - he has it.

"It’s the same with [summer signing Bastian] Schweinsteiger - Van Gaal knows that if he asks Schweinsteiger to do something, he’ll do it.”

Thierry Henry: Arsenal will win the Premier League if they sign Benzema

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has told SportsArena that if Arsene Wenger signs Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, they will win the Premier League.

The Gunners have been linked with the Frenchman all summer despite Real boss Rafa Benitez and the La Liga giants insisting they will not sell the striker.

Wenger has only made one signing so far during the transfer window – goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea – but Henry thinks the signing of Benzema can bring Arsenal their first top flight title since the ‘Invincibles’ season in 2003/04.

“I always say it’s their year but there is a genuine buzz around the place right now,” the former Gunners captain told Drivetime.

“I think they can challenge this year for real if they stay injury-free.

“Giroud alone as a striker there – you can’t win the league, you need another type of striker. I think Giroud is doing really well - he went on to score 14 goals in 18 games, that’s amazing.

“But sometimes you need a different type of striker and I think that if they can get Benzema, suddenly they are a real title contender and also in the Champions League.”

When asked by fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp whether signing Benzema would mean Arsenal would win the league, Henry said: “Yes. But the Champions League is a difficult one.”

Ashes 2015: England on track to regain Ashes on record-breaking day

England took a giant step towards regaining The Ashes at Trent Bridge, bundling Australia out for just 60 and reaching 274-4 at close.

Stuart Broad [8/15] took the best figures ever recorded in test cricket at his home ground as Australia were humiliated. Joe Root [124*] followed it up with his third Ashes century.

Arguably the pivotal moment on an historic day occurred half an hour before the destruction began with the Aussies losing the toss and Alastair Cook calling correctly, deciding to bowl on a green tinged pitch and under grey skies.

The carnage started in the first over with Chris Rogers [0] and Steve Smith [6] both edging into a ravenous slip cordon. When David Warner [0] went Australia were 10-3 after just eight deliveries.

And the trail of destruction didn’t end there. 

Michael Clarke joined Shaun Marsh - brought in at the expense of his brother Mitchell - at the crease in the second over of the day.  They were separated in the third as Marsh [0] became the third Aussie to be dismissed for a duck.

Adam Voges [1] joined in the catching practice shortly afterwards with Ben Stokes pulling off the catch of the series, diving and stretching to his right, at fifth slip.

With the innings in tatters and his quest for a first overseas Ashes looking a distant dream Clarke [10] fell soon after – an ill-disciplined swipe that suggested even he’d given up.

Broad completing a five-for in just 19 balls – equalling the world record for the quickest to ever do so.

Broad ended the innings nearly as swiftly as it started with all eight of his dismissals being caught behind the wicket – a masterclass of seam bowling in cloudy, grey conditions.

If Australia were to have a prayer of staying in the game and series they needed their bowlers and fielders to deliver something similar - and, Mitchell Starc aside, they failed. 

Starc took all three wickets before tea with Adam Lyth [14] once again edging behind, Ian Bell [1] and Alastair Cook [43] both going LBW to full swinging deliveries. 

Australia still had a sniff with England 99-3 at tea, but any hope was quickly extinguished soon afterwards.

As the conditions eased and the ball got older, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow [74] combined with a fourth wicket partnership of 173 at a rollicking rate, with Root recording his second century of the series. 

He has now scored more runs than anyone else on either side and will look to add more to England’s 214 run lead when he resumes in the morning
.

Celtic draw Baku to reach Champion League play-off

Celtic progressed to the Champions League play-off round as a goalless draw in Baku allowed them to complete a 1-0 aggregate win over Qarabag.

An excellent save by Craig Gordon denied Qarabag's Richard Almeida midway through the first half.

Stuart Armstrong and Stefan Johansen fired shots wide for the visitors after the break as openings remained scarce.

Ronny Deila's side are now two legs away from the group stage and will discover their opponents on Friday.

Teams Celtic could face in play-off
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Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
Malmo (Sweden)
Skenderbeu Korce (Albania)
Astana (Kazakhstan)

Dedryck Boyata's headed goal from the first leg sealed Celtic's seeded place in the draw, while Qarabag dropped into the Europa League play-off round.

There had been concerns about the pitch at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium following reports the surface had been badly damaged by the heat.

However, Deila had dismissed suggestions that either the pitch or the heat in the Azerbaijan capital would hamper his side's chances.

Celtic, fielding an unchanged starting line-up from last Wednesday, absorbed pressure from the hosts in the opening half-hour but had few direct efforts at goal to deal with.

The second leg proved to be a tense affair with few chances

Gordon flapped at a cross and Rydell Poepon could not take advantage but the goalkeeper was much more convincing when he beat away Richard's effort.

The Brazilian lined up his left-foot shot from 22 yards and curled the ball towards the inside of Gordon's right-hand post only to be left frustrated by the Scotland international's stretching save.

In attack, the visitors were restricted to breakaways and rarely got into dangerous areas.

Nir Bitton attempted to catch Ibrahim Sehic out with an audacious shot from near the centre circle, the keeper clutching after a momentary panic.

Alharbi El Jadeyaoui tried a chip of his own early in the second half but Gordon comfortably caught the 20-yard shot.

Though Qarabag's attacking continued to stutter, Celtic became less and less able to mount meaningful advances and their passing often let them down.

However, Armstrong sought to break the malaise with a shot from the left that had power but lacked accuracy.

As the game entered its closing stages, Johansen had only Sehic to beat as he latched on to an Armstrong pass but could not hit the target.

James Forrest injected fresh pace as a replacement for Armstrong and his forceful, driving run took him clear of the Qarabag defence, but he elected to pass instead of shoot and the hosts scrambled clear.

After five minutes of stoppage time, the Celtic players were celebrating and will now contemplate the challenge of overcoming their final hurdle to the Champions League group stage.

Ahmed Musa’s brace sends CSKA to Champions League play-offs

The Nigerian got a goal in each half for his Russian side as they came from a goal down to stun Sparta Prague at the Generali Arena

Ahmed Musa was the hero for CSKA Moscow who came from two goals down to defeat hosts Sparta Prague 3-2 in the second leg third qualifying round of the Uefa Champions League.

Leonid Slutsky’s men had played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Arena Khimki – and needed a win away to secure a spot to the next round of the qualifying stage.

Ladislav Krejci put the hosts ahead in the sixth minute before Kehinde Fatai added the second for Sparta ten minutes later.

With the odds against CSKA to progress, Musa was on ground to reduce the deficit in the 34th minute as he put his team back on level terms six minutes after the restart of the second half before Alan Dzagoev sealed the win for the Russians.

Having qualified 5-4 on aggregate, CSKA are likely to face Manchester United in the last qualifying round for a slot to the group phase of Europe’s top club competition.

Ashes 2015: Mark Wood fit and ready to replace James Anderson for fourth Test

England captain Alastair Cook has confirmed Mark Wood will replace James Anderson in the potential Ashes decider at Trent Bridge.

The Durham bowler lined up in the first two Tests before concerns over an ankle injury saw him left out last week at Edgbaston, when the hosts crushed Australia to take a 2-1 series lead.

Steve Finn impressed in Wood’s absence, taking eight wickets, but an injury to James Anderson has opened the door for the 25-year-old to return for the fourth Test.

And he looks certain to get the nod ahead of Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt, having come through training unscathed this week.

"It looks really good for Woody. He seems to have come through training pretty well," said Cook.

"I think it's fair to say (he is first choice). I thought he bowled really well at Cardiff and didn't quite get it right at Lord's, but he's looked fit and ready.

"Everything he's been asked to do he's come through with flying colours. He's really excited for the opportunity he's got.

"He'll have a last check in the morning but, yes, we've got everyone to select from."

Jose Mourinho reveals transfer window plans

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told SportsArena that he is no longer thinking about doing any business before the summer transfer window closes.

Speaking on our Sports Breakfast show  Mourinho said: "The transfer window is over, you know what I mean? I don't like the transfer window when the [Premier League] competition starts after tomorrow, I don't like transfer window during the competition."

Asked if there was still a chance there could be one or two new faces signed by Chelsea, Mourinho refused to rule out the possibility, but said reiterated it wasn't in his thoughts. 

"I know the transfer window is open," he told SportsArena. "I know that my club is able to buy or to sell – every club can buy or can sell in this moment – but I don't like that feeling.

"As a football coach, thinking about my players, my squad and my coaching role, I don't want to think about the transfer window.

"What happened, happened, but I'm not going to lose one minute of my time to think about transfer window, I have to think about how to get the best out of my players, and that's what I am doing now."

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere sidelined for six to eight weeks with ankle injury

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere could be set for yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines after it emerged his ankle injury is worse than first thought.

Wilshere, who was plagued by injuries for the majority of last season, is expected to be out for between six and eight weeks with a suspected hairline fracture.

The England midfielder suffered the problem in training prior to Sunday’s Community Shield, in which he was subsequently left out by Arsene Wenger as precaution.

But the 23-year-old looks set for yet another agonisingly spell on the sidelines, although the Gunners are confident he will not need surgery.

The news means Wilshere will not only miss Arsenal’s opening fixtures to the Premier League season but also England’s final two qualifiers for Euro 2016 in September.

Who will be crown Champion of EPL come May

The phoney wars of pre-season friendlies and the Community Shield are over and the real business of the Premier League begins this weekend.

So it is once again time to dust off the crystal ball and take a guess on how the top flight will unfold over the next nine months.

Can Jose Mourinho and Chelsea's grip on the crown be released? Can Arsenal finally turn promise into a Premier League title? Can Brendan Rodgers rebuild Liverpool from the wreckage of that 6-1 humiliation at Stoke City on the final day of last season?

The safety net is, of course, that clubs still have plenty of time to alter the odds by making a landmark signing before the window closes, but here goes...

Transfers up to date as of 20:00 BST on 5 August.

CHELSEA - CHAMPIONS

Last season: Champions

The team to beat. The manager to beat. And Jose Mourinho already looks in the mood to take on all challengers, including Rafael Benitez's wife Montse. 

The signings of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas transformed Chelsea into champions last season and, on current evidence, it is tough to say with real confidence who will unseat them.

They have made no big moves in the market as yet and it will be a measure of Mourinho's restorative powers if he can uncover the missing magic in loan signing Radamel Falcao that eluded Manchester United last season.

Chelsea may yet produce a marquee signing but even if they do not they look immensely strong in all departments. The slight unknowns are just how long the ageless John Terry can turn back the hands of time andhow often Costa is fully fit, but they will be champions again.

Players in:

Players out:

Radamel Falcao (Monaco) Loan;Asmir Begovic (Stoke) £8m;Nathan (Atletico Paranaense) £4.5m; Danilo Pantic (Partizan Belgrade) £1.25m

Petr Cech (Arsenal) £10m; Patrick Bamford (Crystal Palace) Loan;Didier Drogba(Montreal Impact) Free; Marco van Ginkel (Stoke) Loan; Danilo Pantic (Vitesse Arnhem) Loan; Christian Atsu(Bournemouth) Loan; Josh McEachran (Brentford) £750,000;Tomas Kalas (Middlesbrough) Loan;Gael Kakuta (Sevilla) Undisclosed;Mario Pasalic (Monaco) Loan;Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa) Loan; Andreas Christensen(Borussia Monchengladbach) Loan;Isaiah Brown (Vitesse Arnhem) Loan; Lewis Baker (Vitesse Arnhem) Loan; Jordan Houghton(Gillingham) Loan

ARSENAL - 2nd

Last season: 3rd

Diego Costa thinks Petr Cech's signing means Arsenal "have a good enough side to be in with a shout" for the title

It has been many years since Arsenal were as optimistic as this entering a new season - but all upbeat bulletins must add the rider that we have heard all this before only for the title challenge to fail to materialise.

They have made one major capture and I think this could be the coup that makes a big difference. It seems an act of rare benevolence to a rival for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to extend favours, but that is what he seems to have done by allowing goalkeeper Petr Cech to join the Gunners.

In one fell swoop, manager Arsene Wenger has solved a serious problem and added a figure of authority, respect and success into his dressing room.

Arsenal still need a world-class striker as an embellishment to the superb Alexis Sanchez and could pay the price if they fail - but let's back the Gunners to go the distance and at least give Chelsea a run for Abramovich's money.

Players in:	Players out:
Petr Cech (Chelsea) £10m	Carl Jenkinson (West Ham) Loan;Wojciech Szczesny (Roma) Loan;Abou Diaby (Marseille) Free; Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray) £1.8m;Ainsley Maitland-Niles(Ipswich) Loan; Brandon Ormond-Ottewill(Swindon) Free; Ryo Miyaichi (St Pauli) Undisclosed; Semi Ajayi(Cardiff) Undisclosed; Yaya Sanogo(Ajax) Loan; Chuba Akpom (Hull) Loan

MANCHESTER CITY - 3rd

Last season: 2nd

These are strange times at City with some mixed pre-season results and the increasing sense that manager Manuel Pellegrini is merely keeping the seat warm for Pep Guardiola's arrival from Bayern Munich next summer.

The wild card here, however, is City's ability to make the sort of world-class signings that give them an added dimension between now and the close of the transfer window. It could change the title landscape in an instant.

Raheem Sterling is a superb young English addition from Liverpool,albeit at an excessive £49m - and do not bet against more exciting business that could send spirits soaring at Etihad Stadium.

Too often in a limp title defence last season, a squad of lavish talent looked short of inspiration and drive. They are too good to be like that again But if they are, the speculation swirling around Pellegrini will become more turbulent.

Players in:	Players out:
Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) £49m;Patrick Roberts (Fulham) Undisclosed; Fabian Delph (Aston Villa) £8m; Enes Unal (Bursaspor) £2m; David Faupala (Lens) Free	James Milner (Liverpool) Free;Scott Sinclair (Aston Villa) £2.5m;Micah Richards (Aston Villa) Free;John Guidetti (Celta Vigo) Free;Dedryck Boyata (Celtic) Undisclosed; Seko Fofana (Bastia) Loan; Angelino (New York City) Loan; Jordy Hiwula (Huddersfield) Undisclosed

MANCHESTER UNITED - 4th

Last season: 4th

Louis van Gaal's job last season was to put the pieces back together in the wake of David Moyes's dreadful reign and get Manchester United back in the Champions League. Mission accomplished.

However, United will not be satisfied by such comparatively limited ambition this time around. With expensive outlay on the likes of Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin - and every chance of another huge signing to come - Van Gaal needs to be challenging for the title. No excuses.

But how will they cope if world-class keeper David De Gea leaves?United's defence still fails to give off complete reassurance - and until Van Gaal buys a central defender of real authority the Premier League title may remain out of reach.

Not convinced they will be near a title unless more stellar signings are made but every chance of a cup success.

Players in:	Players out:
Morgan Schneiderlin(Southampton) £25m; Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich) £14.4m; Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven) £31m; Matteo Darmian(Torino) £12.7m; Sergio Romero(Sampdoria) Free	Robin van Persie (Fenerbahce) Undisclosed; Nani (Fenerbahce) £4.5m; Tom Cleverley (Everton) Free; Reece James (Wigan) Undisclosed; Saidy Janko (Celtic) Compensation; Ben Amos (Bolton) Free; Tom Thorpe (Rotherham) Free; Will Keane (Preston) Loan;Angelo Henriquez (Dinamo Zagreb) Undisclosed; Ben Pearson(Barnsley) Loan; Joe Rothwell(Barnsley) Loan

LIVERPOOL - 5th

Last season: 6th

Christian Benteke scored his first goal for Liverpool with a stunning volley against Swindon Town

Brendan Rodgers was backed by Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group at the end of last season despite their form falling off a cliff as they lost timidly to Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final and failed to reach the Champions League - after not making it out of the group stage of that competition.

FSG has supported Rodgers totally in the transfer market, armed with the £49m from Raheem Sterling's sale to Manchester City, and he must now deliver.

Rodgers cannot afford a poor start, especially with the coveted Jurgen Klopp available, and he will need to settle in a selection of new faces.

Nathaniel Clyne is an upgrade on Glen Johnson but the real measure will come with the success of Brazil international forward Roberto Firmino, signed for £29m from Hoffenheim, and particularly Christian Benteke.

It may be over-simplistic but much of Rodgers's fate could hinge on the success of 24-year-old striker Benteke after he paid £32.5m to Aston Villa. If he succeeds then it will look rosy, but if the Belgian fails then his manager will be under even more pressure.

Liverpool could find it difficult initially to adapt to life without the iconic presence of Steven Gerrard, their comfort blanket for so long.

I do not see Liverpool anywhere near the title and they will have to battle to make the top four. A cup is not out of the question but Rodgers and his players need to hit the ground running.

Bottom line for Rodgers, though, is top four and/or a cup, otherwise he will know the consequences.

Players in:	Players out:
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) £32.5m; James Milner (Man City) Free; Danny Ings (Burnley) TBC;Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim) £29m; Nathaniel Clyne(Southampton) £12.5m; Joe Gomez (Charlton) £3.5m, Adam Bogdan (Bolton) Free	Raheem Sterling (Man City) £49m;Glen Johnson (Stoke) Free; Steven Gerrard (LA Galaxy) Free; Andre Wisdom (Norwich) Loan; Lloyd Jones (Blackpool) Loan; Jordan Williams (Swindon) Loan; Kevin Stewart (Swindon) Loan; Sebastian Coates (Sunderland) Undisclosed;Brad Jones (Released); Danny Ward (Aberdeen) Loan; Sheyi Ojo(Wolves) Loan; Lawrence Vigouroux (Swindon) Loan

TOTTENHAM - 6th

Last season: 5th

It was almost a holding season for Mauricio Pochettino in his first year at Spurs, illuminated by the brilliance of Harry Kane and a run to the Capital One Cup final, where they lost to Chelsea.

Pochettino could not get Spurs to play his intense pressing game with consistency, but this fine coach should get a better response this time around, although it may not necessarily lead to an improvement in league placing.

Toby Alderweireld will prove an addition of significance in defencebut if Spurs are to inflict any blows on those they hope to challenge for the top four then more quality additions are needed to supplement Kane in attack - and any approaches from Manchester United for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris must be resisted.

Players in:	Players out:
Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid) Undisclosed; Kevin Wimmer (Cologne) Undisclosed;Kieran Trippier (Burnley) Undisclosed	Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande) £9.9m; Benjamin Stambouli (PSG) £6m; Etienne Capoue (Watford) Undisclosed; Younes Kaboul(Sunderland) Undisclosed; Lewis Holtby (Hamburg) Undisclosed;Jordan Archer (Millwall) Free;Cristian Ceballos (Charlton) Free;Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport) Free; Grant Ward (Rotherham) Loan;Alexander McQueen (Carlisle) Free

EVERTON - 7th

Last season: 11th

This is a big season for Everton manager Roberto Martinez. Will it be the sparkling brilliance of his first season when he almost fulfilled his promise to get Everton into the Champions League - or the tedium of last season when his studied passing style occasionally led to open revolt in the stands and growing discontent with his management?

Investment of just over £4m so far this summer (the Premier League's lowest at the time of writing) to bring in former loan star Gerard Deulofeu and Tom Cleverley on a free hardly hints at grand ambition - or big backing for their manager - from Everton's board and withspeculation surrounding the futures of John Stones  and James McCarthy, Martinez needs to make a statement of intent.

Early indications are that Everton will rely heavily on Romelu Lukaku. The Toffees need a central defender, another striker and a playmaker - but they needed them all summer so why wait so long to act?

I do not see Everton going anywhere near the top four. Top 10 is realistic given the talent in Martinez's first XI and there is potential for a cup tilt - but they have a lot to prove and rivals have strengthened more.

Players in:	Players out:
Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona) £4.25m; Tom Cleverley(Manchester United) Free; David Henen (Olympiakos) £200,000	Sylvain Distin (Bournemouth) Free;Luke Garbutt (Fulham) Loan;Francisco Junior (Wigan) Loan;Jonjoe Kenny (Wigan) Loan;Antolin Alcaraz (Las Palmas) Free;George Green (Oldham) Free

STOKE CITY - 8th

Last season: 9th

Quietly and without fuss Mark Hughes has done an outstanding job at Stoke City, building on what Tony Pulis left behind and piecing together his own reputation, which had been so damaged by his spell at QPR.

They finished in the top 10 last season and I have no reason to feel any different this time around, especially when home form will always be formidable at the Britannia Stadium, where the support is magnificently hostile.

Hughes will hope Bojan returns restored from a serious knee injuryand another Barcelona outcast, Ibrahim Afellay, can recapture the form that once made him so admired.

The loss of Steven Nzonzi to Sevilla is a blow but Jack Butland will compensate for the loss of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to Chelsea. Glen Johnson adds experience while Hughes will hope for big things from Joselu, the striker brought in from Hannover 96 for £5.75m.

Another good season ahead.

Players in:	Players out:
Glen Johnson (Liverpool) Free;Philipp Wollscheid (Bayer Leverkusen) £2.75m; Joselu(Hannover) £5.75m; Shay Given(Aston Villa) Free; Marko van Ginkel(Chelsea) Loan; Jakob Haugaard (Midtjylland) £600,000;Moha El Ouriachi(Barcelona) Undisclosed; Ibrahim Afellay(Barcelona) Free	Asmir Begovic (Chelsea) £8m (reported); Steven Nzonzi (Sevilla) £7m; Robert Huth (Leicester) Undisclosed; Jamie Ness(Scunthorpe) Free; Thomas Sorensen (Retired); Wilson Palacios (Released); Andy Wilkinson (Released)

SOUTHAMPTON - 9th

Last season: 7th

Jordy Clasie said "if the Manchester United interest had become concrete I think I still would have preferred Southampton"

Not quite the exodus of last summer, which also included the manager Mauricio Pochettino, but Southampton have lost two key figures in England right-back Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool and midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United.

How can we underestimate this superbly run club after last season? And manager Ronald Koeman looks to have made shrewd additions withJordy Clasie from Feyenoord, Juanmi from Malaga and Cedric Soares from Sporting Lisbon.

The basis of the team that performed so well last season remains and guided by the shrewd Koeman, there should be plenty to admire again at St Mary's this season.

Players in:	Players out:
Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord) £8m;Juanmi (Malaga) £5m; Cuco Martina (Twente) £1m; Cedric Soares (Sporting Lisbon) £4.7m;Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham) Loan; Steven Caulker (QPR) Loan	Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United) £25m; Nathaniel Clyne(Liverpool) £12.5m; Artur Boruc(Bournemouth) Free; Jos Hooiveld(AIK) Free; Cody Cropper(MK Dons) Free; Omar Rowe (Released); Jake Sinclair (Released) Dani Osvaldo(Porto) Free; Jordan Turnbull(Swindon) Loan

SWANSEA CITY - 10th

Last season: 8th

Garry Monk will look to make further inroads into the top 10 and key to his hopes will be how Andre Ayew, who could be a real coup on a free transfer from Marseille, settles to his task.

He could form a productive link with Bafetimbi Gomis, if he stays, and elsewhere this Swansea side looks a good mix of all the qualities needed to be in the top half again, led by one of the Premier League's emerging young managers.

Players in:	Players out:
Andre Ayew (Marseille) Free;Franck Tabanou (St Etienne) £3.5m; Eder (Braga) £5.2m;Kristoffer Nordfeldt (Heerenveen) £600,000; Oliver McBurnie(Bradford) £250,000	Jazz Richards (Fulham) Undisclosed; David Cornell(Oldham) Free; Alan Tate(Released);Gerhard Tremmel (Released); Kenji Gorre (ADO Den Haag) loan

WEST HAM UNITED - 11th

Last season: 12th

The unknown quantity here is West Ham's new manager. Is the combustible Slaven Bilic simply an over-sentimental nod to the pastor has he actually got the qualities to be a success in the Premier League?

A complicated and hot-headed Europa League campaign so far has not provided too many indicators and the Croat has a lot to prove as he has yet to flourish as a club manager.

He is being backed by West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, with £10m spent on Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna and £10.7m on highly rated France international Dimitri Payet.

They will expect a good season ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium - but this is a prediction made with an air of trepidation as I remain to be convinced by Bilic.

Players in:	Players out:
Angelo Ogbonna (Juventus) £10m (reported); Dimitri Payet (Marseille) £10.7m; Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal) Loan; Pedro Obiang (Sampdoria) Undisclosed; Manuel Lanzini (Al Jazira) Loan; Darren Randolph(Birmingham) Free	Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) £5.5m; Dan Potts (Luton) Free; Paul McCallum (Leyton Orient) Free;Carlton Cole (Released); Guy Demel (Released); Jussi Jaaskelainen (Released); Nene(Released)

CRYSTAL PALACE - 12th

Last season: 10th

Crystal Palace acquired Yohan Cabaye from PSG in a club record deal despite interest from Roma

Alan Pardew did a magnificent job to get Palace to 10th last season and this ambitious manager will hope for as good again this season.

The signing of France international midfielder Yohan Cabaye from PSG is both a statement of intent and something of a gamble at £13m. He needs to come off but it was a move that sent optimism and hope soaring.

With Patrick Bamford in from Chelsea and Connor Wickham (a player who really starts to need fulfilling his potential) signed at a slightly pricey £7m from Sunderland there may be firepower to add to the maverick gifts of the powerful Yannick Bolasie, who can be unstoppable on his day.

Scott Dann's new deal gives solidity at the back and Selhurst Park remains one of the Premier League's most atmospheric arenas.

Palace will not be in trouble but maybe just go a little easy on too much expectation.

Players in:	Players out:
Patrick Bamford (Chelsea) Loan;Yohan Cabaye (PSG) £13m; Alex McCarthy (QPR) £3.5m; Connor Wickham (Sunderland) £7m;Bakary Sako (Wolves) Free	Jack Hunt (Sheff Wed) Loan; Shola Ameobi (Released); Lewis Price(Sheff Wed) Free; Owen Garvan(Released); Peter Ramage(Released); Stephen Dobbie(Bolton) Free; Jerome Thomas(Released); Kyle De Silva (Notts County) Free; Hiram Boateng(Plymouth) Loan; Ryan Inniss (Port Vale) Loan; Jerome Binnom-Williams (Burton) Loan

NEWCASTLE UNITED - 13TH

Last season: 15th

Predicting events at Newcastle United is one of life's great pointless exercises - but let us assume (dangerously) that things cannot be as bad as last season when a combination of poor players, poor leadership from the top and poor management almost ended in relegation.

There is plenty on the line on Tyneside. Steve McClaren is back in the Premier League as head coach but hardly in a blaze of glory after somehow engineering Derby County's failure to reach the Championship play-offs. He will need a good start to ensure cynicism about his appointment does not grow.

At least owner Mike Ashley has invested in the side and in Georginio Wijnaldum, signed for £14.5m from PSV Eindhoven, he has a Netherlands international of real midfield pedigree. Aleksandar Mitrovic will carry much attacking weight at £13m from Anderlecht.

Newcastle's defence, however, may be their Achilles heel and while top eight and a cup is the aim, mid-table or a little lower is the realism.

Players in:	Players out:
Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht) £8.5m; Aleksandar Mitrovic(Anderlecht) £13m; Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV) £14.5m	Sammy Ameobi (Cardiff) Loan;Jonas Gutierrez (Released); Ryan Taylor (Hull) Free; Adam Campbell(Notts County) Free; Remie Streete(Port Vale) Free

WEST BROMWICH ALBION - 14TH

Last season: 13th

Tony Pulis, so underrated, did what he had to do last season and guided the Baggies to comfortable safety. Now he will want to consolidate.

So much will depend on whether he can keep Saido Berahino this transfer window, with both Manchester City and Spurs linked with a player  who provides genuine goal threat.

Pulis has been busy, though, and Rickie Lambert - who looked so out of place at Liverpool - may prove a shrewd buy in the environment and style Pulis provides while James Chester, albeit expensive at £8m,may prove a signing of defensive importance.

Expect a solid season with no relegation alarms under an excellent manager.

Players in:	Players out:
James McClean (Wigan) £1.5m;James Chester (Hull) £8m, Rickie Lambert (Liverpool) £3m.	Graham Dorrans (Norwich) Undisclosed; Youssouf Mulumbu(Norwich) Free; Chris Baird (Derby) Free; Alex Jones (Birmingham) Free; Kemar Roofe (Oxford) Undisclosed; Jason Davidson(Huddersfield) Free; Bradley Garmston (Gillingham) Free;Donervon Daniels (Wigan) Free;Wesley Atkinson (Notts County) Free

ASTON VILLA - 15th

Last season: 17th

Reality has bitten for manager Tim Sherwood after the drama of last season when he not only kept Villa in the Premier League but reached the FA Cup final, albeit where they were thrashed by Arsenal.

Three of his big players from that spell, Tom Cleverley, captain Fabian Delph and the big danger Christian Benteke have all gone, leaving Sherwood with rebuilding to do.

Sherwood has been allowed to reinvest and has done so heavily. It may not be a glory season but do not expect another relegation struggle.

The big question is can Villa cope without Benteke's goals? Sherwood has set great store in Jordan Ayew at £10m from Lorient while Rudy Gestede will provide serious physical presence. As for Emmanuel Adebayor, Sherwood got the best out of him at Spurs - but who knows what he might get these days if a deal goes through?

After lots of ins and out, I expect them to finish lower mid-table, which is about par for the course for Villa these days. Under the lively Sherwood, though, it will not be dull or negative.

Players in:	Players out:
Scott Sinclair (Man City) £2.5m;Micah Richards (Man City) Free;Jordan Amavi(Nice) £7m; Idrissa Gueye (Lille) £9m; Mark Bunn(Norwich) Free; Jordan Ayew(Lorient) £10m; Jose Angel Crespo (Cordoba) Undisclosed	Christian Benteke (Liverpool) £32.5m; Fabian Delph (Man City) £8m; Shay Given(Stoke) Free;Darren Bent (Derby) Free; Enda Stevens (Portsmouth) Free;Andreas Weimann (Derby) Undisclosed; Matthew Lowton(Burnley) Undisclosed; Graham Burke (Notts County) Free; Yacouba Sylla (Rennes) Undisclosed;Antonio Luna (Eibar) Undisclosed;Aly Cissokho (Porto) Loan

BOURNEMOUTH - 16th

Last season: Promoted

Bournemouth broke their transfer record to sign Tyrone Mings from Ipswich Town

Again a prediction perhaps made with a question mark but Bournemouth played so well in the Championship in a style that might just suit the Premier League under outstanding young manager Eddie Howe.

Howe has grown into his role and has been playing the markets this summer, paying £8m for Ipswich Town left-back Tyrone Mings. This is a lot of money for the Cherries but a show of financial ambition.

Josh King, brought from Blackburn Rovers, is a real flyer while Sylvain Distin, at 37, has been brought in to add central defensive experience on a free transfer from Everton. Whether Distin, so outstanding for so long, remains up to the physical rigours of the Premier League will play a big part in shaping how Bournemouth do this season.

A team to watch - and one that might just stay up.

Players in:	Players out:
Tyrone Mings (Ipswich) £8m;Sylvain Distin (Everton) Free;Artur Boruc(Southampton) Free;Adam Federici (Reading) Free;Joshua King (Blackburn) Free;Christian Atsu (Chelsea) Loan;Filippo Costa (Chievo) Loan; Lee Tomlin (Middlesbrough) £3m; Max Gradel (St Etienne) Undisclosed	Ian Harte (Released); Josh McQuoid (Luton) Free; Darryl Flahavan (Released); Mohamed Coulibaly (Racing Santander) Free;Joe Partington (Eastleigh) Free;Miles Addison (Released); Ryan Fraser (Ipswich) Loan; Brett Pitman(Ipswich) Undisclosed; Jayden Stockley (Portsmouth) Loan

SUNDERLAND - 17TH

Last season: 16th

Was Dick Advocaat just the perfect quick fix for a team in trouble or can the veteran Dutch coach really shape a brighter future on Wearside? We are about to find out.

He was in tears when they survived last season. He will hope not to be reduced to tears again but it is shaping up as another season of stress at the Stadium of Light.

Jeremain Lens, an £8.5m signing from Dynamo Kiev will add danger but Younes Kaboul may do little to settle Advocaat's nerves. The former Spurs defender has talent - but also a lot of mistakes.

Advocaat still needs further attacking reinforcements, especially with Connor Wickham leaving for Crystal Palace.

They should avoid relegation but I am not expecting too much excitement.

Players in:	Players out:
Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev) £8.5m; Younes Kaboul(Tottenham) £3m; Adam Matthews(Celtic) £2m; Sebastian Coates(Liverpool) Undisclosed	El-Hadji Ba (Charlton) Undisclosed;Santiago Vergini (Getafe) Loan;Connor Wickham (Crystal Palace) £7m

NORWICH CITY - 18TH

Last season: Promoted

Norwich City produced one of the appointments of last season when 34-year-old manager Alex Neil came from Hamilton - guiding the Canaries to promotion brilliantly via a play-off final win against Middlesbrough.

This remains such a well-run club and the sell-out notices will be out all season at Carrow Road. This may be a relegation tip but Norwich City could just gather enough momentum under a fiercely driven and ambitious manager to avoid the drop.

Some shrewd summer signings such as Graham Dorrans andYoussouf Mulumbu from West Bromwich Albion will add experience while Robbie Brady impressed in a relegated Hull City side last season.

Survival will be the aim and if they prove this prediction wrong I will be delighted for all at Carrow Road.

Players in:	Players out:
Graham Dorrans (West Brom) £3m; Youssuf Mulumbu (West Brom) Free; Andre Wisdom(Liverpool) Loan; Robbie Brady(Hull) £7m; Jake Kean (Blackburn) Free	Mark Bunn (Aston Villa) Free;Carlton Morris (Hamilton) Loan;Cameron McGeehan (Luton) Undisclosed; Sam Kelly (Port Vale) Free; Remi Matthews (Burton) Loan

LEICESTER CITY - 19TH

Last season: 14th

Shinji Okazaki has international pedigree having scored 43 goals in 93 games for Japan

Had Leicester City kept manager Nigel Pearson - who for all his bizarre behaviour did brilliantly as the Foxes won seven and drew one of their last 10 games to stay up - we would not be in this relegation territory.

But his sacking, with Leicester's board saying their working relationship was "no longer viable", and the appointment of Claudio Ranieri means I fear the worst.

Ranieri's appointment is, at best, left field and at worst uninspiring and unwise. A charming man but perhaps one out of time with the Premier League having last worked there with Chelsea in 2004 and having had a chequered career since.

The Italian known as "The Tinkerman" for his constant team changes was sacked last year as manager of Greece, an infamous four-month reign notorious for a home defeat by the Faroe Islands.

Time will tell - but this one does not quite sit right and it is to be hoped Leicester are not plunged back into the danger zone they occupied for so long last season.

Players in:	Players out:
Robert Huth (Stoke) £3m; Shinji Okazaki (Mainz) £7.5m; Christian Fuchs (Schalke) Free; Yohan Benalouane (Atalanta) Undisclosed; N'Golo Kante (Caen) Undisclosed	Ben Hamer (Nottingham Forest) Loan; Paul Gallagher (Preston) Free; Chris Wood (Leeds) Undisclosed; Tom Hopper(Scunthorpe) Free; Adam Smith(Northampton) Free; Kieran Kennedy (Motherwell) Free

WATFORD - 20TH

Last season: Promoted

Quique Sanchez Flores is Watford's fifth manager in a year, replacing the man who got them promoted, Slavisa Jokanovic. The new man comes with a reputation forged at Atletico Madrid as a progressive coach.

He will relish the challenge ahead but it is a daunting one. He has been given serious backing from the Watford board to bring in a whole raft of new faces such as Etienne Capoue from Spurs and Valon Behrami from Hamburg - while Matej Vydra is back on a permanent deal and will be expected to provide a fair goal return.

It is just tough to see Watford surviving I'm afraid. It would have been tough anyway but there has been so much change to incorporate.

Players in:	Players out:
Etienne Capoue (Tottenham) Undisclosed; Valon Behrami(Hamburg) Undisclosed; Jose Holebas (Roma) £1.8m; Miguel Britos (Napoli) Undisclosed; Jose Jurado (Spartak Moscow) Undisclosed; Matej Vydra(Udinese) Undisclosed; Allan Nyom (Udinese) Undisclosed;Sebastian Prodl (Werder Bremen) Free; Giedrius Arlauskis (Steaua Bucharest) Free; Steven Berghuis(AZ Alkmaar) £4.6m	Jonathan Bond (Reading) Undisclosed; Lewis McGugan(Sheff Wed) Undisclosed; Juanfran(Deportivo La Coruna) Loan; Uche Ikpeazu (Port Vale) Loan