@Welsh it is very difficult to argue with what you wrote but I would go further and say Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal just are not prepared this season to challenge Liverpool. Of those teams I mentioned maybe Arsenal and Man City (if they sort themselves out at the back) could possibly cause some trouble to Liverpool, otherwise they will easily retain the title.
In response to the other things you stated I would say Bale will have an impact when he gets the opportunity to play and him being around has lifted morale at Spurs, it has also allowed Mourinho to be able to effectively put Dele Alli up for sale.
Everton will be playing a good solid style this season, they seem up for it. Leicester City too.
As for Chelsea with that clanger from Thiago Silva, what a disaster for him and for Chelsea against West Brom. Imagine the flak Kepa Arrizabalaga would have got if he was playing in goal and were losing 3-0 at half-time.
Sheffield United are in trouble, looks like a long hard season for them fighting relegation.
Do you think the top 8 could end up like this at the end of the season?
1. Liverpool
2. Manchester City
3. Manchester United
4. Leicester City
5. Arsenal
6. Everton
7. Chelsea
8. Tottenham
I'm thinking Liverpool will get the title again this year, unless the recent signing of Diaz to Manchester City can shore up their backline, and get some stability back there. I think we're looking at a very good Leeds side that will finish in the top half of the table, while Everton could throw their hat into the mix into the top 5/6. Despite Tottenham winning right now, I'm not overly impressed by them this season, and I don't think Gareth Bale will have an impact like everyone is expecting. At least not until he regains some sharpness, and fitness.
I thought Chelsea were really going to push top 2 this season between Liverpool, and Manchester City, but that West Brom performance, and Thiago Silva mishap might have just put some doubt in the mind of that team. Thiago Silva given the armband, and then I believe being stripped of it after that mistake isn't the best way to start his premier league debut.
Sheffield United have a horrible fixture list coming up, and although I do believe they'll pick up points against Man Utd, they might have some confidence issues after this very difficult schedule of theirs in the opening few weeks. Especially, since they've yet to score.