This upcoming Premier League season is expected to be one of the most competitive campaigns yet, with plenty of the top clubs having boosted their squads over the summer.
One man who knows what it takes to win the title is Martin Keown, having won three championships during a distinguished 11-year career at Arsenal.
Sports Mole recently caught up with the former defender, who also won 43 caps for England, to get his views on the months ahead.
Considering the players that Arsene Wenger has bought this summer, do Arsenal have a title-winning squad?
"Well, they went a long way to winning it last season, but just fell short. Alexis Sanchez impressed me most at the World Cup, demonstrating that he has everything in his game. That was a great bit of business. You look at Calum Chambers coming in as well - I think he's a decent player who's going to get a lot of opportunities. Wenger's done a lot of work early whereas last summer he left things late."
Are there any other types of player that Arsenal are in need of before the start of the season?
"I feel that you have too look at the mobility in midfield and how much pace is in there. It's not an emergency - he's got so many midfield players - but it's probably some pace that he wants to introduce to the team."
Looking at another of your former clubs, does Romelu Lukaku's £28m move to Everton represent value for money?
"Fair play to Everton: they've had to watch Liverpool spend money over the years whereas they had to rely on David Moyes to find a little gem and bring him through. What this shows is real intent from Everton.
"It also creates a little bit of pressure for Lukaku and manager Roberto Martinez, who did a magnificent job there last season. [However] I'm not sure that he's got it right with Lukaku. He's got a lot to prove; he was disappointing in the summer playing for Belgium. He was playing like a pussycat instead of the lion that we know he is."
Everyone is expecting a closely-fought Premier League title race this season. Who do you think will be crowned champions in May?
"I think it's very difficult to look beyond Manchester City. They've got a group there that knows each other well. Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal for me are the three that could make things happen. I think it's going to be a tough season for Liverpool."
Finally, who is your tip to become the next England captain?
"Well I like to look at who's the best player and which player has the right characteristics. It's difficult to look beyond Wayne Rooney. He might well be the captain for Manchester United [this season]. I think he's matured. We've got to be careful that we don't put too much pressure on him, but Steven Gerrard thrived on that pressure. It could even make Rooney a better player."
McDonald's ambassador Martin Keown was speaking at FA Charter Standard club Ware Youth FC. The former Arsenal defender was helping street artist Ben Mosley celebrate the work of local community clubs across the country through the creation of a grassroots football mural. For more information about the McDonald's football programme visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/betterplay
Jack Prescott
