Van Persie and Hazard Addition Can't Prevent City Title Tip

IBTimes UK attempts to predict the goings on in the 2012/13 Premier League season

Despite the European Championship and the Olympic Games taking top billing during this summer's feast of sport, the Premier League hasn't failed to throw up its fair share of headlines.

Amid John Terry's trial for racial abuse, which was sandwiched by the two major sporting events, the summer has revolved around Robin van Persie's protracted exit from Arsenal, which has seen Manchester United eventually benefit from the Dutchman's disillusion with Arsene Wenger's long-term strategy.

Alongside Wayne Rooney, Van Persie will be looking to fire United to the title, vying with a Manchester City side who despite their limited additions, go into the season as favourites to retain their title won so dramatically on the final day of last season.

Having signed Eden Hazard, Chelsea will be looking to bridge the gap to the Manchester pair and make it a three-way tussle for the title, while Arsenal, amid the confusion over the future of their captain, have Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud in their ranks.

The other protracted transfer story of the summer has surrounding Luka Modric's departure from Tottenham Hotspur, which finally looks like being agreed with Real Madrid, while Liverpool's transition has included signing Joe Allen and Fabio Borini, as Brendan Rodgers looks to weave his magic at Anfield.

At the bottom of the table, Southampton, Reading and West Ham United will try to follow in the footsteps of Norwich City, Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers in all staying up following promotion from the Championship, while Roberto Martinez, fresh from turning down another summer move away from the DW Stadium will hope to keep Wigan athletic afloat once again.

If you're worrying who to back for the coming season, or who will falter when it matters most, IBTimes UK's esteemed group of sports writers have each submitted their picks for the season ahead for you to copy or dismiss. For those who don't wish to find out what happens, look away now.

Arunava Ray

Champions: Manchester City

Runners-up: Manchester United

Champions League: Arsenal, Chelsea

Europa League: Tottenham, Liverpool

Relegation: Reading, Sunderland, Norwich City

Top scorer: Sergio Aguero - Manchester City

Binayak Khatri

Champions: Chelsea

Runners-up: Manchester City

Champions League: Manchester United, Arsenal

Europa League: Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool