Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes doubts whether Manchester City and Tottenham can seriously challenge the Premier League big guns.
City missed out on a Champions League spot last season despite spending huge amounts but remain hopeful of challenging for the league title. Spurs, meanwhile, will aim to build on an impressive campaign which saw them clinch fourth place last season behind champions Chelsea, runners up United and third-placed Arsenal.
Midfielder Scholes, however, is unsure whether Roberto Mancini's City and Harry Redknapp's Tottenham can make a real fist of challenging for the title.
"I honestly think it will be the same as any other season really," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"The same teams that are always there will be up there - ourselves, Chelsea and Arsenal.
"Tottenham had a great year but whether they manage to do that again, I'm not sure. How good City are going to be we don't know yet."
He added: "They have been spending big money again this summer but whether they can gel together in time this season remains to be seen, although there's no doubt they have a quality team now."
