A club-by-club guide to the Premiership season

Bath: Everyone’s favourite away trip because of the beauty of the city. They play some beautiful stuff and are the most potent attacking force in the Premiership. Their new owner, Bruce Craig, is ambitious for success and they have made some shrewd signings. Key player: Olly Barkley. He made a big difference when he returned from injury last season and will be looking to prove a point to the England selectors. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Exeter: They will be out to make a statement in their opening game at home to Gloucester. Given that they start at a financial disadvantage to the rest, I think they will have to prioritise fixtures and rest their big players at certain times. Key player: Ryan Davis. I always rated him at Bath and Exeter should have the forwards to serve him. Photograph: Stephen Pond/Empics Sport

Gloucester: They have beefed up their pack with the signings of Jim Hamilton and Brett Deacon and if Olly Morgan stays fit they will have a menacing counter-attacker at full-back. Freddie Burns is an outside-half to watch in a team of undoubted potential. Key player: I think Olivier Azam is their catalyst. He is an experienced forward others follow. When he fires, so do Gloucester. Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images

Harlequins: They had a major distraction before the start of last season and it clearly took its toll. They have shrewdly recruited Mark Mapletoft to their coaching staff and what I admire about Quins is the close bond the players have developed. They do not have many big stars, but they have generally been together a long time and play for each other. Key player: Nick Evans. The New Zealand outside-half is a creative force who will relish the ambition that is now being encouraged. Photograph: Mark Wieland/Getty Images

Leeds: They were the success story of last season, avoiding relegation with something to spare after a strong second-half to the campaign. They are a well-drilled side where the sights are being set high. They are strong in the set-pieces but I think they will miss Seru Rabeni. Key player: Ceiron Thomas. He kicked some crucial goals last season and put his forwards in good positions. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

Leicester: They are always the team to beat. Uncompromising in the set-pieces and defence, they have a never-say-die attitude. They generate more income than anyone else and they are the Toulouse of the English game with real strength in depth: just look at their options at tight-head prop. Key player: Ben Youngs. I expect the scrum-half to become a top international player, someone with superstar quality. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images

London Irish: They were hit hard by injuries last season with key players out for long periods. I expect them to be major challengers, as they were two years ago, and they are probably the most opportunistic side in the league: there is certainly no one better at snatching interception tries. Key player: Ryan Lamb. I think the outside-half will bloom in his second season under Mike Catt and he will relish the new mood. Photograph: Stephen Pond/EMPICS Sport

Newcastle: They have to do more travelling than anyone else in the Premiership and it is important for them, under a new coaching team, to turn Kingston Park into a fortress. Jimmy Gopperth was the leading points scorer in the Premiership last season when they pulled off some big victories away. Key player: James Hudson. He is a quality line-out forward who will lead by example. Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Northampton: They were outstanding last season, undone only at the end when fighting on three fronts eventually took its toll, if not before they have won the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Much will depend on how they get over the loss of two second rows, Juandre Kruger and Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, and how Courtney Lawes develops. Key player: Brice Reihana. He is someone who gets better with age, easily one of the best overseas signings made by a Premiership club. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/EMPICS Sport

Sale: They are a bit of an unknown quantity having had a big turnover of players. I expect them to adopt an open style with Mike Brewer in charge and the return of Andrew Sheridan to fitness is hugely significant for them. He was badly missed last season. Key player: Charlie Hodgson. He is still one of the best outside-halves in the business. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

Saracens: They have become a major player under Brendan Venter and are clearly one of the favourites for the title. They have added significantly to what was already a strong squad and the fact they won their play-off semi-final at Northampton said everything about the way they have developed. Key player: Alex Goode. He proved himself from full-back last season and it will be interesting to see how much time he is given in his preferred position of outside-half. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

Wasps: We suffered from a number of senior players suffering long-term injuries last season, such as Tom Rees, Phil Vickery and Richard Birkett. They are back and firing and, with Riki Flutey back, there is a more mature feel to us now. One of the things I am looking for is accurate goal-kicking. Key player: One to watch will be our new scrum-half, Nic Berry. He will put pressure on the excellent Joe Simpson and the two have contrasting styles. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images