ESPN predict 2013-14 EPL winners: Man United 29%, Arsenal 21%, Chelsea 20% [Graphic]

With just days to go before the start of the 2013-14 Premier League season, it’s time for predictions as to who the likely winners of the league will be.

ESPN have dangled their toes into those shark-infested waters, with the American sports giants claiming to have the inside scoop with the aid of their Soccer Power Index.

After reportedly running “10,000 simulations of the season” using their special sports data, ESPN have concluded that Manchester United are 29% favourites to retain their Premier League crown this season. If true, that would mean David Moyes would win the league in his first season at Old Trafford.

Perhaps more surprising than their top tip though, is the claim that Arsenal are second favourites for the league with a 21% chance of scooping top honours.

ESPN’s Albert Lacada has explained how it came to be that the Gunners are the above Chelsea (20%) and Manchester City (16%), saying:

Turns out, 1-0 wins can really add up. This is especially true for Arsenal, sitting pretty in the ESPN Soccer Power Index with the second-highest chance of claiming the Premier League’s top spot in 2014.

Poor play in the first half of last season shows why the Gunners can’t be thought of as favorites going into the year. But a torrid run in the latter half (they won all but one of their last 16 EPL matches, and after Feb. 1 they led the league in points) propelled them into the conversation with Manchester City and Chelsea as serious candidates to threaten Manchester United for the EPL title this season — exactly one decade after their last triumph.

ESPN’s predictions can be seen on a graphic from their magazine below, together with percentages as to which clubs are most likey to quality for the Champions League.