Wednesday 31 August 2016 16:37, UK
Sky Sports' rugby presenter Alex Payne gives his thoughts on the potential winners and losers on the eve of another Aviva Premiership season.
Grand Final winners: Saracens
Several clubs have risen to dominate the Premiership for a number of years; Bath, Leicester, Wasps and now Saracens. They have one of the best set-ups in professional rugby and the backbone of the England team in their ranks, all of whom are motivated to be Lions next summer.
Don't underestimate the long-term effect of Paul Gustard's departure to national duty and they will do well to be as lucky with injuries but they have the best squad depth, a fantastic team spirit and a strong winning mentality. Three Premiership titles in six years looks likely to become four in seven.
Aviva Premiership regular season winners: Saracens
Wasps' off-season shopping has certainly caught the eye and with Beale, Le Roux, Cipriani and Eastmond all joining the likes of Gopperth, Halai and Daly, they can now lay claim to one of the best backlines in Europe. However, Sarries finished top by a head having only lost four of their 22 regular season games last time out.
Saracens have the Premiership's master plan at the moment, and should still be too strong across the whole campaign.
Premiership top four: Saracens, Wasps, Exeter, Leicester
Northampton and Bath could mount impressive challenges but it is hard to see past the same top four as last year. All of them have recruited cleverly, resulting in increasingly heavyweight squads.
I'm not sure we're at the point where the rugby mirrors football's big four just yet, but this quartet seem to be the Premiership's standard bearers at the moment.
Top try scorer: Chris Ashton (Saracens)
Last season. he picked up 11 tries in 14 Premiership games so if he can keep himself out of trouble and fit, Ashton could break Dominic Chapman's record of 17 tries in a season that he has held since 1997/98.
England seem to have moved on without him, meaning he should get plenty of time to shine in his club jumper. Also worth looking at Christian Wade (5/1) and last season's top try scorer Thomas Waldrom (6/1).
Top points scorer: Jimmy Gopperth (Wasps)
Danny Cipriani's arrival will keep Gopperth on his toes but he is likely to be Wasps' starting 10 and goal kicker. With their attacking intent and box office new recruits, Wasps could be a lot of fun to watch this season, scoring a barrel-load of points which will bring plenty of opportunities for their Kiwi points machine.
Last season, he was second in the final standings to Gareth Steenson. He finished 73 points ahead of Gopperth and contributed over 44 per cent of Exeter's total points for the campaign.
Most yellow cards: Worcester
Bath were the bad boys last season, with 17 yellow cards in 22 games, but are likely to be much improved in their discipline this time around under new head coach Todd Blackadder.
London Irish, who were third on the list of offenders, have been dispatched to the Championship which leaves Worcester in between. Pressure leads to penalties and the Warriors are likely to be battling towards the wrong end of the table again. I'm backing sin bins at Sixways.
To finish bottom: Bristol
I think we could be in for a proper tussle to avoid the drop this season, certainly more competitive than London Irish's desperate scrabble last season.
Newcastle lack the household names of other squads but do boast a ground that sends shivers down the spine of opponents - literally and metaphorically! Worcester have obviously parted company with Dean Ryan, but only a year or earlier than he would have handed over to Carl Hogg anyway.
The Warriors have also recruited well, and Ben Te'o will be a useful addition to the leadership group.
Gloucester, Quins and Bath all have vulnerabilities but plenty of talent to cover the cracks. Which leaves Bristol. After seven years in the Championship, I'm not sure they will have quite enough experience or squad depth to hold on to their place in the Premiership.
