Super Mario to lead City to success? No.

Mario Balotelli finally completed his move to moneybags Manchester City for a fee around £24million. Good business for Inter Milan. Balotelli has a reasonable scoring record of 28 goals in 86 Inter Milan appearances. The 20 year old has undoubted talent but his attitude has stifled his progress. Roberto Mancini was the Inter manager when Balotelli broke into the first team, so it remains to be seen he can do what Jose Mourinho couldn't and bring Balotelli's ego back down to earth. City will certainly hope he doesn't go the way of Robinho.

City's untamed spending spree has seen Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng, David Silva, Alexander Kolarov and imminently James Milner move to Eastland's. Mancini will need these signings to gel quickly if they are to mount a serious challenge for the Premiership. White Hart Lane will prove a stern opening day test. Unrest is already apparent within City with renowned troublemaker Craig Bellamy lashing out at the club. Mancini will have to juggle his players wisely and often enough to ensure no other "superstars" follow the Welshman's lead.

Despite the endless bag of cash City will still have to wait for success, in any competition. They put up a strong challenge for fourth last year and that will be the least fans will settle for this season. However Spurs will beat them to 4th again this year and Liverpool will certainly have a much improved season under Roy Hodgson.

As for the big prize it will be going to Manchester but to United for a record 19th time. They were strong last year but were stumped by a crippling defensive crisis and the inability to play after European outings. Wayne Rooney will once again show the form that saw him banging in the goals before his injury in Munich. Chelsea are always a tough adversary but they haven't strengthened from last season. Ramires will prove a quality player but not the wide-man they need to help Florent Malouda supply Didier Drogba. The loss of Ricardo Carvalho could expose John Terry, who struggled in the Community Shield. Maroaune Chamakh could prove the bargain of the season for Arsene Wenger as the goalscorer they desperately need. If they can keep hold of Cesc Fabregas the Gunners will put up a strong challenge, provided they abandon the need to pass the ball into the net.

12.45pm is kick-off time and it already promises to be another exciting season!