Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is wary of the title threat of Manchester City.
The sheer weight of Manchester City's spending marks them out as a big danger, whilst Carrick also feels Liverpool will be striving hard to make their mark under new boss Roy Hodgson after last season's difficulties.
Yet Carrick still views Chelsea as the team to beat, last season's Double triumph demanding greater respect.
"Chelsea are the champions, so you have to put them right up there" said the 29-year-old.
"You have to respect what they have in the squad and what they have achieved over a number of years now.
"The manager has gone on record to say if you finish above Chelsea the chances are you will win the league and he is not usually far wrong with things like that.
"With the players they have brought in, Manchester City's aim is obviously to be up there challenging.
"In the same way that we have to give Chelsea respect, we give City respect.
"On paper they have a very good team but that does not always win you leagues, as we have found out ourselves."
Need your Manchester United news fix? Click here for all United news and transfer rumours.