The 2022/23 Premier League season is nearly upon us.
On Friday evening, the campaign kicks off with Arsenal's trip to Crystal Palace, which looks set to be an absolute corker.
Mikel Arteta's side have looked mighty impressive in pre-season, with new signing Gabriel Jesus one of the standout performers.
But a visit to Selhurst Park is not the ideal start for Arsenal, particularly after they were handsomely beaten there 3-0 last season.
The Gunners will need to get off to a good start in 2022/23 if they are to finish in the top four, as the competition for the coveted places is as tough as it has ever been.
One man who thinks Arsenal will eventually miss out on Champions League qualification yet again is Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand.
He's also tipping another London side to fail in their pursuit of a top four finish - Chelsea.
In a recent interview, Ferdinand revealed he has serious doubts about the Blues going into 2022/23, as he believes there are negative things going on behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, despite the acquisitions of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JULY 20: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea looks on after the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chelsea FC and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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Ferdinand on Chelsea ahead of 2022/23
"I don't care about results in pre-season, it was more the aftermath," Ferdinand told The Mirror. "The way the manager spoke in the press conference afterwards was the startling thing for me, it opened my eyes.
"There must be some things happening behind the scenes that we're not aware of as yet, he seems disgruntled and unhappy. There are maybe some players angling for a move behind-the-scenes that we're not aware of. He's brought Sterling in who will be a great addition, but if they lose the players that they're talking about losing.
"Rudiger's a massive loss, but Koulibaly's come in - I think he'll be a good signing this year. He's experienced. But I think they need more again and I think he's very aware of that and it's not happening quick enough for them. If they don't have any more movement in the window, I'd be worried about them."
Ferdinand then went on to predict where he thinks all the Premier League's six big clubs will finish in 2022/23, with both Chelsea and Arsenal outside the top four.
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 27: Rio Ferdinand of BT Sport looks on prior to the Liverpool FC Training Session at Stade de France on May 27, 2022 in Paris, France. Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final on May 28, 2022. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Ferdinand's top six prediction for 2022/23
"I think it [the top six in order] will go Man City, Liverpool, Spurs, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal," the former England international added.
United in fourth? That's certainly a bold call, one that many will not agree with - including many Red Devils supporters.
The club have struggled in the transfer market thus far and the Cristiano Ronaldo saga is still ongoing.
Away from United, Ferdinand has gone for City to pip Liverpool to the title for the third time in four years, while he reckons Spurs will take the bronze medal this time around after securing fourth in 2021/22.
Will he be proven right? Only time will tell and who knows, a Newcastle United or a West Ham United might even end up gatecrashing the top six...