From the MEN:
‘I see the present front runners Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea battling it out to the end, with perhaps Liverpool coming back into the reckoning. Perhaps.
As for the outsiders, Newcastle and Everton are going well but we will have to wait to see if they can stand the pace.
Manchester United remain my favourites, and that is not down to sentiment. With all their big guns coming back for the start of 2003 there is every reason to feel they could do well in more than one competition.
The only danger is trying to first foot in four doors at the same time and that might prove to be a bit too much even for Fergie.
I fancy them for the Premiership, but I also know Sir Alex has his eyes fixed on the Champions League, especially with the final being at Old Trafford.
That has got to be his priority and provided there are no more major injury setbacks he should have the depth of squad needed to mount a strong challenge.
Another of my former clubs may provide the biggest threat to United. Chelsea have had a great first half to the season even though it is only recently people started to take notice.
They have gone about their business steadily and effectively and I think a few United fans will agree with me that they pushed the Reds all the way in the Worthington Cup last week.
Claudio Ranieri has shown all the doubters he can handle things in England and I expect to see a real Chelsea challenge, with the only question mark being the depth of squad Ranieri has at his disposal.’