NEW season, same old story? Well, I’d certainly say that was the case for most of the Premier League, which kicks off for the 2009-10 instalment on Saturday.

But on Merseyside, it might not necessarily be that way. Liverpool and Everton had superb seasons last year, both representing significant progress.

Liverpool achieved their highest points total of the Premier League era and got closer than they ever have before to winning it.

Everton maintained their status as a top five club and reached their first major final for 14 years before an agonising defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup at Wembley in May.

So both clubs have plenty to build on and now have enhanced ambitions.

However, building on them will be very difficult – possibly more difficult than it has ever been before.

Elsewhere, however, we could be looking at more of the same – and here’s my breakdown of how I think the Premier League will pan out.

TOP FOUR

WHILE I do think Liverpool have a chance of the title, I’m slightly concerned that I’m basing that on what might happen at other clubs rather than what’s happening at Anfield.

I firmly believe that if Rafael Benitez had the funds available this would have been the perfect summer to go all out and get David Villa.

That would have been the ultimate statement of intent in terms of strengthening and building on the title challenge they mounted in the last campaign.

But for whatever reason, it seems Benitez hasn’t been able to make that real top quality world class addition to his forward line – and there’s a chance the attacking outlets might have been weakened.

Aquilani is unproven at Premier League level and can’t play for weeks anyway, while the departure of Xabi Alonso could be a big blow.

I think it presents a problem for Steven Gerrard in terms of his opportunities to support Fernando Torres in attack as being without the quick, incisive delivery of Alonso could see him be pushed back deeper in his search of possession.