Manchester United, not long ago single dominant force in England, have not had things all their own way in recent times, culminating in a 3rd place finish last season and need therefore to qualify for this season’s Champions League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side may have failed to impress last term – culminating in an empty trophy cabinet – but they have quality all over park to make a serious impression in title race this time around. The likes on Ryan Giggs, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand can keep them on course, while in Wayne Rooney, they have a genuine star player who can make difference in big games especially. And with Sir Alex at helm, backers of United can rest assured that his players will be fully motivated for challenge that lies ahead.

United can be backed at 10/3 for Premiership glory and this price could look very generous come Christmas 2006 when race will really begin to hot up.

Finally, no Premiership guide is complete without mention at least of 2005 Champions League winners. They may have failed to secure a top-four finish in last season’s campaign, but following their heroic European triumph, confidence will be sky high, and with Steven Gerrard seemingly committed to cause, 25/1 about a Liverpool triumph looks each-way value, especially as they are as short as 14/1 in places.

Recommended bets:

5pts Chelsea (evens)

3pts Arsenal (11/4)

Source: www.puntersrealm.com

Wolves finished last season unbeaten in 18 matches and I fancy them to push Norwich all way this time around.

As Sunderland showed, it can take a year for a relegated team to come to terms with drop before building a serious title challenge, and Wolves are now ready to push on.

Glenn Hoddle has enjoyed success at this level before with Swindon and has got his team playing some attractive, attacking football.

Carl Cort, who made such a slow start to his Molineux career, looks dangerous again while Kenny Miller may miss plenty of chances but is good for 20 goals.

They can expect a constant supply of chances from excellent Seol hi-Kyeon, perhaps best technical player in Championship, who has been outstanding in 2005.

The biggest question mark is over Wolves defence, which kept only four clean sheets in that 18-match unbeaten sequence, and that was a frailty which caused them to draw far too many games.

If Hoddle can find right man to play alongside Joleon Lescott, and keep his full-backs fit, then Wolves will be right up there.

Ipswich have gone out to 14/1 after losing Darren Bent, Tommy Miller, Kelvin Davis and Shefki Kuqi and that is probably a fair price for Joe Royle's new-look squad. Losing their four best players doesn’t inspire confidence.

Preston, who like Wolves were excellent over second half of last season, could be interesting outsiders at 18/1 and I can see them reaching play-offs again, while Sheffield United, Leeds, Derby and Reading haven't done enough to suggest they can make leap into top two.