• 2010/11 Aviva Premiership season kicks off this weekend
• Leicester Tigers looking to defend their title

By Sky Sports

It only seems like yesterday that Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss snatched victory away from Saracens in the Premiership final at Twickenham.

But the new season is now upon us once again - with the closest ever title race a very realistic prospect.

The Tigers may have maintained their run of reaching their sixth successive final - and recording their third win in 2010 - but they face intense competition this time around.

Cash-backed Bath, beaten finalists Saracens and the talented Saints are all expected to be there or thereabouts at the end of the season once again.

But Harlequins, Wasps and Gloucester have ambitions of their own of finishing in the mix for the play-offs.

Sale, Leeds and London Irish have all spoken of the aims of breaking into the top echelons this time around too - and on their day can be a match for anyone.

Newcastle have recruited heavily and while the bookies might be against Exeter, they have the quality to shock a few sides, particularly in front of their own fans.

Bath

Big things are expected at the Rec following the arrival of millionaire owner Bruce Craig and the appointment of Ian McGeechan.

Exeter

Exeter are relishing the chance to finally dine at English rugby's top table - but they will face a fight to stay there.

Gloucester 

Inconsistency dogged Gloucester throughout the 2009/10 campaign but they will start the season in confident mood.

Harlequins

Harlequins could be the surprise package of the season, as Conor O'Shea prepares to kick off his first full campaign in charge.

Leeds Carnegie

After defying the odds last season, Leeds have high hopes that they can go on and break into the top six.

Leicester

The Tigers have been the undisputed kings of the Premiership in recent seasons and will once again be the side to beat.

London Irish

The Exiles have set their sights on returning to the play-offs but it looks a difficult proposition for the 2009 finalists.

London Wasps

Wasps have plenty of quality to challenge on all fronts but it is going to be tight at the top this year...

Newcastle Falcons

Kingston Park needs a revolving door fitted to the home changing rooms given the massive turnover of players over the past few years.

Northampton Saints

Having at one stage been chasing the treble, Saints were left with just the LV= Cup to show for their efforts last season.

Sale Sharks

A root and branch review in the aftermath of last season's struggles led to wholesale changes at the Sharks.

Saracens

After all the controversy of last season, the neutrals will be hoping Sarries do their talking on the pitch in the coming year.

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