New Zealand football is mired in an eligibility saga but there is NEVER any scandal in the English Premier League. Oh, right. Sports editor Hayden Meikle looks ahead to the new season starting this weekend.
Three story lines
1 The Special One
Joe Mourinho is one of the top three storylines EVERY season. He's just, well, you know - special. Entertaining, mad, brilliant and brutal, the Chelsea boss will wind everyone up, win a whole lot of games 1-0, and probably celebrate yet another title.
2 The United rebuild
It really has been a strange few years for those poor souls who became Manchester United fans just because the club was winning everything. The disaster that was the David Moyes era has been followed by this fascinating buy-every-player-in-sight Louis van Gaal plan. Will it work?
3 Raheem Sterling
You treacherous little ... sorry, let my Liverpool bias kick in there. Sterling's shift to Manchester City was the big transfer story of the summer. The price - just 49 million ($NZ117 million) - was nuts, but the market has been mental for years. City fans hope Sterling will turn his pace and potential into world-class performances. Liverpool fans? Yeah, they are thinking rather differently.
Four star men
1 Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The Belgian attacker with the silky skills was the best player in the league last summer. Probably will be again.
2 Sergio Aguero (Man. City)
If he fires, City wins the title. Simple as that.
3 Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
All eyes have been on another German midfielder - the new bloke at Manchester United - but don't forget about Ozil. He could be quite special in a good-looking Gunners team this season.
4 Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Spurs' and England's great white hope will hope to keep banging in the goals after a remarkable first full season. Can Spurs keep him for long?
Four players to watch
1 Jordon Ibe (Liverpool)
Raheem Sterling, Schmaheem Schmerling. Reds fans hope Ibe - strong, quick, skilled - might be even better than their former winger.
2 Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United)
On the face of it, an unbelievably exciting addition to English football. Schweiny is one of the most decorated German footballers of all time. Is he past his peak, though?
3 Petr Cech (Arsenal)
The Gunners finally have an undeniably great goalkeeper. Could Cech be the missing link in one last glorious campaign for Arsene Wenger?
4 Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace)
The French midfielder is utter class and it still seems slightly unreal to see him at Selhurst Park.
Expert tips
Hayden Meikle
ODT sports editor
Champion: Chelsea.
Next three teams: Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United.
Wildcard: Swansea.
Relegated: Aston Villa, Leicester, Norwich.
Golden boot: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City).
Player of the season: Eden Hazard (Chelsea).
Sean Flaherty
ODT head of news
Champion: Manchester United.
Next three teams: Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham.
Wildcard: Crystal Palace.
Relegated: Bournemouth, Norwich, West Brom.
Golden boot: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).
Player of the season: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United).
Seamus Ryder
Caversham midfielder
Champion: Arsenal.
Next three teams: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City.
Wildcard: Aston Villa.
Relegated: Norwich, Watford, Newcastle United.
Golden Boot: If fit, Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool). If not fit, Christian Benteke (Liverpool).
Player of the Season: Eden Hazard (Chelsea).
