Former England and Arsenal defender Martin Keown counts down to the new season with a message for the two Manchester giants, United and City.

As the big kick-off approaches, Keown insists Manuel Pellegrini's side must get off to a flying start or suffer if they are slow like last year.

And after his huge spending spree earlier this summer, Keown believes it's time for Louis van Gaal to start showing he's worth all the hype at Old Trafford.

So, what does the future hold for his former club Arsenal? Find out below as the Sportsmail columnist runs through his predictions for 2015/16...

What’s caught your eye over the summer?

Manchester United's XI looks like it will change more than that of any of the other serious contenders. Bastian Schweinsteiger can finally replace Paul Scholes and I’m a fan of Morgan Schneiderlin, too. Louis van Gaal said the squad was broken so maybe he has fixed it now.

Manchester City will be pleased, too. Despite Raheem Sterling’s behaviour in leaving Liverpool, I rate him very highly. Arsenal have made only one addition in Petr Cech as have Chelsea, really, with Radamel Falcao. I’ll be interested to see if Mourinho pairs Falcao and Diego Costa at any point.

Louis van Gaal has made significant changes to his Manchester United side this summer

Will Sturridge and Benteke click at Anfield?

It could be a great combination. Andy Carroll and Christian Benteke are two of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League in the last five years but Carroll didn’t fit Brendan Rodgers’ style of play.

So, either this is Rodgers admitting he’ll change his style or he believes Benteke has a better all-round game. You need to be direct with Benteke but he will have to fit into Liverpool’s pressing game.

I wonder if they are losing patience with Sturridge and his fitness battle. They can’t rely on him being available enough of the time. But if he is, they could be lethal together.

Christian Benteke is an exciting addition to LIverpool and could form a fine partnership with Daniel Sturridge

Can Sterling succeed at City?

First of all, he needs to be in the team most weeks. He’ll want to match his 47 starts for Liverpool. He’ll also want to win a trophy. City need to look like champions from the off. They were too slow out of the blocks last season.

Sterling needs to look at matching David Silva’s Premier League goals (12) and assists (7) tally for last seaon. He must improve in front of goal. We’ve seen him fluff his lines too often.

Raheem Sterling will be hungry for silverware at Man City - he needs to emulate the success of David Silva

Which signing most excites you?

Benteke. Liverpool have always had a big-name striker: Toshack, Keegan, Dalglish, Fowler, Owen, Torres and Suarez... They have been the focal point of the team and Benteke can become that. He bullies defenders, a bit like Diego Costa.

And for brute strength, spring and power, he’s out on his own. He scored 12 goals in the last three months of the season to keep Villa up.

Can Mourinho work his magic on Falcao?

Falcao used to keep Costa out of the Atletico Madrid team. Mourinho suffered against him when he was at Real so he’ll feel he can rekindle his form. It’s just a case of whether his knee holds up. If Mourinho can turn him around, he really will be the Special One. Van Gaal couldn’t do it.

If Jose Mourinho can restore Falcao to a prolific striker at Chelsea this year, he truly will be the 'Special One'

Cech is a great signing but do Arsenal need more?

Whenever Arsene Wenger surprised the world with a signing, it made us feel stronger. Sol Campbell’s arrival did that. It’s a psychological blow against your opponents. But they do need more.

Olivier Giroud is their No 1 striker but when it really mattered — in the FA Cup final — he was left out for Theo Walcott. That led me to believe they’d sign a striker this summer and maybe they still will. If not, there’s just not the same competition for places as at other clubs.

Petr Cech is a great signing for Arsenal but they need to add some firepower up front before Deadline Day

Which one match do you want to see this season?

There are so many and that’s what makes the league so good. But if I had to choose I’d say United v Chelsea on December 28. It’s the peak of the season — the time for no excuses — and a good Christmas present for me.

Which player needs to deliver a big season?

Vincent Kompany. He was nowhere near as good last season as the previous year. He tried to play with injuries and it didn’t work. He played against Lionel Messi two years ago and was outstanding. Last year against the same opponent, he struggled.

Which boss must show he’s worth the hype?

Louis Van Gaal. He’s quite an arrogant man. He’s spent a lot of money, failed to get the best out of Angel di Maria and Falcao and his judgment is now questionable. Will this year’s signings fare any better?

Also in need of a good start are Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Martinez and Slaven Bilic. If Bilic gets off to a bad start, West Ham fans might be calling for Big Sam back!

Slaven Bilic needs to get off to a good start at West Ham... or their fans might call for Sam Allardyce to return!

Which team might surprise us?

Bournemouth. They’ve bought well with young defender Tyrone Mings and experienced stopper Sylvain Distin. Dean Court will be a tough place for teams to visit.

Everyone is expecting them to go down but they have a bright young manager in Eddie Howe and they might just light up the south coast.

I like they way they move the ball quickly with two-touch football.

Claudio Ranieri — will he sink or swim?

It will be tough. Nigel Pearson produced a miracle at Leicester and was well-liked and then, bang, he was gone. The players will feel they have to start again and that they have to earn the trust of a new man. That might create animosity towards Ranieri. Also, his recent record is poor — as Greece manager he lost to the Faroe Islands. Players will know that.

As Greece manager, Cluadio Ranieri lost to the Faroe Islands. The Italian may find it tough at Leicester City

Who’ll make a late run for the England squad?

Eric Dier could have a special season at Spurs and I’m fascinated that he’s been playing in midfield during pre-season.

I feel he can be better than a lot of the other young English players around. Luke Shaw can find his way back if Van Gaal gives him regular football. Nathan Redmond has impressed me and is back in the Premier League. Norwich did well to hold on to him.

And finally... who will take the honours?

Premier League: Chelsea.

Top four: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United.

Relegated: Watford, Norwich, Leicester.

FA Cup: Manchester United.

League Cup: Chelsea.

Chanpions League: Real Madrid.

Promoted: Middlesbrough, Burnley, Ipswich.