We're only a few hours away from the opening matches of the Barclays Premier League which kicks off the new season of 2009-10. And as of 2008-09, Manchester United have continued their dream run of winning English football's highest honours three times in a row despite fierce competition...

And you can be sure that Sir Alex Ferguson will want to win the Premier League once again this year (yes, and make it four premier league titles) regardless of the departure of Tevez and more importantly, Ronaldo... their leading goal-scorer last year.

But then if football is about one or two players talents' on paper (which it never is) then the results of any game can be determined even before the kick-off. But you have to admit (as in Manchester United's case that all hell broke lose when Ronaldo made the move to Real Madrid after a record signing of $60 million).

So, the question remains?

Will Sir Alex Ferguson win another Premier League title in the sure-footed manner that he has over the past three years or will it be as envisioned by Drogba (Chelsea striker) who has said that the title race this year will be between the big six, of course two new addition to the 'big four' that have made their mark in international club football.

And in case, you're wondering who the big four are in the premier league, they are Manchester United (like you didn't know that already), Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

If you ask me, I would hardly take Drogba's opinion in matters of analysis (and especially about football or his skills) ever since his behavior during the Chelsea vs Barca second-leg semi-final at Stamford. What was he thinking? He could have caused a riot in the stadium after that loss... there's nothing worse than a sore loser! [SIGH]

I'm glad that Michael Owen has moved from Newcastle over to Manchester United to breathe life into a lousy career run that he's had despite the form and talent he's shown both in club as well as for the national side in the recent past. Very happy for him!

Manchester City, the cash-rich club, with the likes of Robinho and now, Tevez seem to be gunning for the top spot this year and have openly issued a blank check to the next Maradona, Lionel Messi from Barca.

If you ask me, I don't care much about the past records... nor do I take at face value the brilliance of players on their contract's value.

The only thing that will count if one has to win the Barclays Premier League of 2009-10, is the team that plays cohesively with little or no injuries at fitness levels that will leave their competitors lagging behind (both literally and figuratively speaking).

And just before I go, I'm still rooting for Manchester United to win the Premier League for a fourth time this year...