The English Premier League resumes this weekend. Sports editor Hayden Meikle could try to predict the finishing order - but it boils down to whether it will be Chelsea or Manchester City that buys the title. Instead, he tried to name a Premiership XI consisting of players who could influence the season. (And then he predicted a finishing order.)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
May not even start the season between the sticks, as that Petr Cech bloke is pretty good.
But Courtois is poised to assume the status of best goalkeeper in world football.
The Belgian is back from a long loan spell in Spain and won't want to be on the bench.
If not him: David De Gea (Manchester United) is spectacularly talented.
Defenders
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Has just turned 19 and is already under immense pressure to justify his ludicrous price tag (30 million).
Looked wonderful at Southampton but will find life at Old Trafford slightly different.
If not him: Jon Flanagan (Liverpool) is on the rise.
Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City)
Who? You just wait. The French-Belgian centre back is a force of nature and should shine in the Premier League.
If not him: Next to Mangala, Manchester City and Belgium captain Vincent Kompany will just carry on being half man, half amazing.
Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)
Hard to believe an Aston Villa player could be picked in any Best XI.
But Vlaar is coming off a wonderful World Cup campaign in Brazil. Holding on to him will be vital if Aston Villa is to avoid relegation.
If not him: Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) is as reliable as they come.
Alberto Moreno (Liverpool)
Another left back, but for the purposes of this XI he can slot in on the right. The oil is this young Spaniard is quite the talent. Anfield expects.
If not him: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City) is Mr Consistent and gets all over the park.
Midfielders
Ander Herrera(Manchester United)
Identified by David Moyes last season and finally makes his way to ''Vanchester''.
He is not much to look at but the Spaniard possesses Xavi-like passing vision and could be the key to unleashing Rooney and van Persie.
If not him: As long as they remember his birthday, Yaya Toure (Manchester City) will be happy.
Ross Barkley (Everton)
Far too talented to be a Toffee.
The English wunderkind has signed a new deal and is the heartbeat of the Roberto Martinez revolution at Goodison Park.
If not him: Remy Cabella (Newcastle) is already exciting Geordie fans.
Erik Lamela (Tottenham)
A bit of a bust last year as Spurs splashed the cash from the Gareth Bale transfer.
But plenty retain faith this kid will show he can be one of the best players in the league.
If not him: Jack Rodwell (Sunderland) gets a chance to revive his career after a pointless spell with greedy Manchester City.
Forwards
Alexis Sanchez(Arsenal)
Liverpool looked in pole position to capture the signing of the classy Chilean but he preferred to live in London.
A wonderful player who will become a hero at Highbu . . . er, the Emirates.
If not him: Stefan Jovetic (Manchester City) was a non-event last season but will be exciting to watch if he stays fit.
Diego Costa (Chelsea)
A big, strong, angry man who already looks an early contender for player of the season.
The new Didier Drogba, who, funnily enough, is back for one more season.
If not him: Bojan Krkic (Stoke) arrived from Barcelona. Lots of good players trade Barcelona for Stoke.
Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
With Luis Suarez gone, the pressure is on the English striker to provide goals for an attack-minded Liverpool side.
He is clearly good enough but there are concerns over his robustness.
If not him: The sky is the limit for Romelu Lukaku (Everton).
The prediction
1. Chelsea
The best XI on paper.
2. Manchester City
Will sail to the title if all its top players stay fit. But that probably won't happen.
3. Arsenal
Actually signed some players, so that's exciting. But can the Gunners consistently beat teams in the top four?
4. Liverpool
Will play lovely football but, surely, the loss of Suarez will be too much to bear.
5. Manchester United
Sadly, the magnificent Moyes era is over. Will be better under van Gaal, but there are still gaps on the field.
6. Everton
Expect another good season from Martinez' men.
7. Newcastle
Promising signs in New Zealand and the depth is there to push for a place in the top five.
8. Tottenham
Might flatter to deceive in the early weeks before falling away.
9. Stoke
Defensively sound and loaded with confidence.
10. Swansea
Only this high if Wilfried Bony stays.
11. Hull
Buoyant after making FA Cup final and signing some exciting midfielders.
12. Southampton
Could fall further after selling so many top players.
13. Crystal Palace
The miracle of 2013-14 could be followed by a more muted campaign.
14. Sunderland
Early contender for team that could finish as high as 10th and as low as 18th.
15. West Brom
You should never blow 10 million on an unknown Nigerian striker.
16. West Ham
Will be grateful the Phoenix and Sydney FC are not in the league.
17. QPR
Back in the Premier League and will stay there - just.
18. Aston Villa
Too much turmoil, too little depth.
19. Burnley
Dunedin fans (well, the one I know) will enjoy the start of the season but not the end.
20. Leicester
Karma for getting rid of All Whites striker Chris Wood.
