Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates Everton a darkhorse in this season's top four race.
Ferguson feels that particular battles could turn out to be very tightly fought.
Tottenham gate-crashed the party last season, so Liverpool will be desperate to get back in. Manchester City have once again flexed their financial muscle while, with Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta free from injury, Ferguson expects major improvement from Everton.
"Everyone is optimistic at the start of the season and I am no different," said Ferguson.
"I would expect Liverpool to improve with Roy Hodgson. Tottenham are on the upswing given their fortunes last season and Harry Redknapp's experience.
"The interesting one is Everton because they have got all their players back.
"It is going to be a competitive league and we are all aiming to be in the Champions League. That is the priority at all these clubs."
