By Mark Segal

With the World Cup now a thankfully distant memory for England fans, the focus is once again returning to domestic matters where Fabio Capello’s underperforming stars are made to look like world beaters with the help of some imported talent.

Although there is bound to be a hangover from South Africa, the Premier League looks like it could be an exciting close run thing this term with question marks hanging over all the potential title winners.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top contenders:

Chelsea

The reigning double winners have remained remarkably silent in the transfer market this summer with Liverpool forward Yossi Benayoun their only significant signing

Going the other way have been Joe Cole and, perhaps more importantly, Ricardo Carvalho who leaves a big hole in the centre of defence. John Terry will need to be better than last season if the Blues are to retain their trophy.

As ever Chelsea continue to be linked with a number of world class stars, so expect some transfer activity before the end of the month.

That said, Carlo Ancelotti will probably be quite pleased with his squad and believe he has the strength in depth and experience to mount another challenge. It’s just Europe that they still need to conquer.

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has also kept his squad in tact and added Chris Smalling (who looks hugely overpriced at £8m) and exciting Mexican Javier Hernandez.

Sunday’s Community Shield victory will have given the Reds a huge boost with Paul Scholes once again proving the star man.

But can United rely on Scholes and Ryan Giggs for yet another season? They need support from the younger legs around them.

Wayne Rooney can again be relied upon for goals and Michael Owen’s return will also help. But Antonio Valencia will need to continue to progress while Dimitar Berbatov must contribute more.

Arsenal

The big summer battle to hold on to Cesc Fabregas has been won, but at what cost? Will the midfielder be fully committed to the cause?

Away from Fabregas, Arsenal’s big problems remain in the centre of defence and in goal where Wenger knows he must bring in a reliable performer – Shay Given or Mark Schwarzer fit the bill perfectly.

The signing of Marouanne Chamakh give the Gunners options up front and that added dimension could be the key to success.

Manchester City

Eastlands is where the biggest story will be this season as Roberto Mancini’s all-star squad either take the league by storm or fail horribly.

At the moment, City’s squad is simply too big for the manager to form a cohesive unit to build a team around. Some serious pruning needs to be done even before the expected arrivals of Mario Balotelli and James Milner.

There’s no doubt City have the individual players to mount a challenge – but a team? Mancini will need to be City’s star man this season if they are to live up to expectations in Abu Dhabi.

Liverpool

Roy Hodgson has made a good start to his Anfield career by first signing Joe Cole and then persuading Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard to both stay.

But lurking in the background is the club’s woeful financial position and the takeover rumours.

Hodgson is experienced enough to keep his players’ minds focused on the pitch but talk of new owners, and possibly even administration, is bound to effect the team.

After last season Liverpool fans will need to be realistic and believe a top four place is the best they can aim for. I’m not even sure they are capable of that.

Tottenham

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is another manager who has been suspiciously quiet this summer.

He has certainly been linked with a number of players – not least West Ham’s Scott Parker – but at the time of writing there are no new faces at White Hart Lane.

Surely this will have to change though if Spurs manage to get past Young Boys and grab a place in the Champions Leaue group stages. Attempting to compete both domestically and in Europe will certainly put a strain on a Spurs squad – many of whom are familiar with the physio’s table.

More cover in central defence will be key for Redknapp with injury-prone pair Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate again injured, while keeper Heurelho Gomes has looked less than convincing during pre-season.

My top six:

1. Manchester United
2. Arsenal
3. Chelsea
4. Manchester City
5. Liverpool
6. Tottenham