London, Sep 18: Unlike a few years ago when Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool ruled the top four positions in the Premier League table, the Reds have found themselves out of the race in the past few seasons.

EPL 2012 13 | Fixtures | Results | Table

This time round, English champions Manchester City find themselves in fourth position which was previously occupied by Rafa Benitez's Liverpool side. However, after his departure, the Reds dropped down to seventh and eighth place in last two seasons.

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo was lucky enough to win the Champions League with the Blues for the first time in their history and saved his job after taking over as interim manager with the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

Liverpool sacked Kenny Dalglish despite winning the League Cup and appointed Brendan Rodgers as new manager. The Northern Irishman is yet to win a game after four matches, losing two and stuck on just 2 points as new Anfield boss. This is Liverpool's worst start in over 50 years.

Although rivals Manchester United lost their opening day clash against Everton, the Red Devils came back to win three in a row with impressive performances from Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa, Alexander Buttner and veteran midfielder Paul Scholes.

With two wins and two draws, City are set for yet another roller coaster ride with rivals Manchester United. However, United were helpless when City beat Queens Park Rangers in what was the last kick of the previous season to win the title after 44 years.

Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini will aim to retain the Premier League crown but his team have to face a relentless force in Arsenal, United and Chelsea. These three teams have been busy in the transfer market trying to find the best combination and overhaul their squad for the new season.

City also made several signings during transfer deadline-day but Mancini failed to sign his top targets in the summer. The Italian was frustrated and admitted they already lost the title after Van Persie moved to Manchester United.

Moreover, looking at Chelsea's signings this summer, the European champions now want to conquer England by matching City's overall spending spree. Moreover, Liverpool are already out of the title race, as Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are favourites to win the Barclays Premier League crown.

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