The panel were hampered by the fact that at the time Van Persie was still at Arsenal. His move to United became the pivotal transfer deal of the season, so it would be unfair to judge anyone for tipping City to retain the title too harshly.

Jeff Stelling
To win the title
"If Robin van Persie moves to United the league is theirs."

To finish in the top four
"I'm sure a lot of people see Newcastle as one-hit wonders but they have the potential to do better this time, and they haven't lost any big hitters. They also have Steven Taylor back. However, the only proviso is the African Nations Cup and they will have to strengthen before that comes round. Liverpool and Everton will do battle for sixth place."

Charlie Nicholas
To Finish Top Four
"I think Arsenal will. Mikel Arteta proved to be a very good acquisition and I think the signings of Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla are excellent. The Gunners are still a little bit suspect at the back. Chelsea and Tottenham will battle for fourth and I think they are quite evenly matched. I think Chelsea's signings will come off but they may take time to adjust to the English style, while they will definitely miss Didier Drogba. Spurs, meanwhile, will be at a big disadvantage if they lose Luka Modric as they don't have a replacement who is anywhere near his class, while Ledley King's retirement will hit them hard, too. With that in mind, I would have Chelsea as favourites for fourth."

To be Relegated
"We say Wigan will be relegated every year - and I'm going to have to say them again. I spend a lot of time in Mallorca and I think they have signed a very good player from that club in Ivan Ramis, a tough, no-nonsense centre-back. Last season's change to a back three also helped them massively, but they are not signing goals, could lose Victor Moses and should be down there again. I think Steve Clarke could find it tough to bed in at West Brom as sometimes fans can be ruthless when they don't get a big-name manager so the Baggies could be around the bottom. I also think Reading might struggle. I hope I am seriously wrong because I'd love my old mate Brian McDermott and his team to march on but they are quite an attacking side. That will make them entertaining but could also make them vulnerable."

Phil Thompson
To win the title
I heard someone say Chelsea will be a big title threat, but I don't think so. If they get off to a good start then they could be in contention - much like Arsenal - but I think it will be between United and City again. I think Liverpool and Spurs will fall short of making the top four this time. Both teams have got a chance but it depends on who they sign between now and the end of August. Things could change. But at this moment it's going to be hard for Spurs, especially if they lose Modric and any others who could go, such as Rafael van der Vaart."

To be Relegated
"I think most people would have got it wrong last year and predicted that Norwich, Swansea and QPR would have gone down. For all three of them to survive was astonishing. So it's hard to call but at this moment I would say Southampton would be one of them. I also think Wigan will struggle and QPR - despite surviving last year - could be in the mix as well."

Who is Your Player to Watch?
"Luis Suarez could surprise a lot of people this season. For his first season in England he did very well. I know he had his problems last year but I think he will score a lot more goals this time round. Hopefully he's learned one or two things from his first year in English football and he could be one of those players who could get nearer the top of the scoring charts. He had a fantastic record at Ajax and he hit the cross bar and post so many times last year - surely that can't happen again!"

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