In the 22 years of its existence, the Premier League has only been won by five different clubs and unless there is a major upset, that figure is not likely to change this season. Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur may beg to differ, but it looks like it will be another case of the usual suspects.
In the last eight seasons, the title has gone to the city of Manchester on seven occasions, with only Chelsea breaking the chain in 2009-2010. Of course the recent resurgence of Manchester City has contributed significantly to this sequence… well, twice.
It would be nice to think that an unfashionable team could take a run at the title, but that's in the realms of fantasy. It actually seems bit of a fantasy now that Blackburn Rovers somehow won the title in 1994-95.
Once again it looks like it will be three leagues in one. There will be the usual half-dozen front-runners, then two or three clubs — like Stoke, Southampton and Newcastle — messing about in mid-table and the rest, whose main intent is simply to avoid relegation. It won't be long before we are hearing the struggling manager's mantra: "There's nothing wrong with 17th place".
This is not to say it will not be an exciting season. In fact it looks very promising, especially with many of the World Cup stars making their Premier League debuts. It would be foolish to predict a winner, although defending champions Manchester City and Chelsea appear to be the likely front-runners, with Arsenal and Liverpool in hot pursuit.
And then there is the minor matter of Manchester United, who haven't got a bad record in the Premier League — 13 titles to date. Can Luis van Gaal turn things around after the horrors of last season? The spotlight is more likely to be on the 'Iron Tulip' than his players in the early stages, but if Juan Mata is in the groove, United could be a serious threat once again.
It is unwise to make any serious judgements based on the Community Shield — which incidentally only featured three English players in the starting line-ups — but Arsenal certainly did enough to show they are serious contenders. Chile's Alexis Sanchez is a classy winger and should fit in nicely with the Gunners' style of play.
Manchester City will not have been happy with their display, but new signing Eliaquim Mangala should bolster the defence. He's a big lad and says he likes the "aggression" in the Premier League, so that should be fun. Just as long as they remember to get Yaya Toure a birthday cake.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini must also sort out who is going to play in goal, Joe Hart or Argentina's Willy Caballero.
Chelsea are another club where there is competition between the sticks. Peter Cech is still one of the best keepers in Europe, but his place is threatened by the talented Thibaut Courtois who had been on loan at Atletico Madrid.
Jose Mourinho's side are amongst the favourites, but it is important Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas hit the ground running. Costa's form is crucial. The last thing Chelsea need is another misfiring centre-forward. Chelsea fans will welcome back Didier Drogba, but the 36-year-old warhorse will likely be playing only a cameo role.
Liverpool have to forget about losing Luis Suarez, which is admittedly easier said than done. The combination of Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge should mean that they will remain an effective strike force. The arrival of Croatia centre-back Dejan Lovren should steady a somewhat shaky defence.
Everton also look to be in for another good season with the likes of the promising Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman and John Stones.
Tottenham Hotspur begin the season with yet another manager, Mauricio Pochettino, who did such a good job at Southampton. The Argentinian is the fourth gaffer at White Hart Lane in two years and will be hoping to last longer than his immediate predecessors.
There is always one club that is suffering some sort of pre-season crisis, and this time it appears to be Aston Villa. After finishing 16th, 15th and 15th, owner Randy Lerner has had enough, but can't find a buyer.
Manager Paul Lambert is unpopular with the fans and the signings of Joe Cole, Philippe Senderos and Kieran Richardson hardly inspire confidence.
As usual, the three newly promoted clubs — Leicester City, Burnley and Queens Park Rangers — are among the favourites for relegation. However, Leicester, owned by Thailand's King Power group, won the Championship in impressive style and should be strong enough to avoid the drop.
QPR might find it harder to get out of the danger zone, although manager Harry Redknapp is an old hand at relegation battles. The surprise appointment of Glenn Hoddle as first team coach, after eight years as a TV pundit, is an interesting gamble.
Burnley will essentially be relying on teamwork for survival. For the Clarets, 17th place would feel like winning the title and the same goes for West Brom who didn't look too great last season.
The Community Shield saw vanishing spray make its debut in England and it will also be used in the Premier League. Admittedly it looks a bit weird, but it seemed to work very well in the World Cup, with the wall obediently standing behind the line. It certainly speeds up the game and cuts out a lot of nonsense from the players.