Which club will be the pride of the north west next term?

Liverpool

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers surprised Premier League spectators last season by keeping his side competing for the title until the end.

After snatching the individual award of LMA Manager of the season, Rodgers will be looking to land trophies for his team, with Liverpool 9/2 to finish above their regional rivals.

Despite losing Luis Suarez to Barcelona, the Anfield giants have invested heavily, luring both potential and proven quality to the club with transfers like Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic, and Rickie Lambert.

Having already reinforced more than any of their north west peers, Liverpool should be able to keep up the momentum gained from last season’s brush with silverware.

Crucially, Rodgers already appears to have plugged the gaps in defence, with the additions of former Southampton centre back Dejan Lovren and Spanish star Javier Manquillo.

Manchester City

Odds-on at 4/6 to finish above their local competitors, City have probably undergone the least changes of any of their fellow north west clubs this transfer window.

This could be beneficial though, as the Sky Blues lifted the Premier League trophy last campaign, and may be wise not to tinker with a winning formula.

Sensible signings have been preferred to blockbuster deals, and the stability and sense of calm provided by boss Manuel Pellegrini may prove key for a side who have won two of the last three Premier League titles.

New additions Willy Caballero, Fernando, Frank Lampard and Bacary Sagna will all provide depth and competition, with an expected deal for a centre back believed to be the last of their summer spending.

Manchester United

United seem to have already blown away the cobwebs from last term, and have been in exhilarating form during pre-season, adapting well to new boss Louis van Gaal’s impressive tactical system.

They remain unbeaten so far in the International Champions Cup, with several stars looking revived under the Dutchman, and expensive new acquisitions Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw settling well.

Further signings are expected, but the Old Trafford club are in a bullish mood, with Van Gaal’s new formation promising to allow the talented trio of Juan Mata, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney to play in their favoured positions.

The Red Devils are currently the most decorated English club, with 20 league titles to Liverpool’s 18, and are 9/4 to get back to business and rank as the top north west club once more.