<p><br /> Arsene Wenger has predicted the toughest Premier League title race in history.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Arsenal boss believes up to seven teams could be competing for honours this season, including Everton and even managerless Aston Villa.<br /> </p><p><br /> Although Chelsea won the double last season with Manchester United a close second in the Premier League and Arsenal third, the changing of the guard had already begun.<br /> </p><p><br /> Tottenham finished fourth after a nail-biting battle with Manchester City while Liverpool dropped out of the Champions League places.<br /> </p><p><br /> Wenger is confident Arsenal can climb the "two stairs" required to clinch their first title since the Invincibles swept all before them in 2004.<br /> </p><p><br /> But City will have bankrolled their title challenge to the tune of £100 million if James Milner completes his move to Eastlands.<br /> </p><p><br /> And Wenger told Arsenal.com: "What changed in England last year is that everybody could drop points, it was the first season that really happened. So it will be more open this year.<br /> </p><p><br /> "You expect Manchester City, who invest a huge amount of money, to be one of the contenders as well.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Tottenham [can challenge] if they can confirm what they produced last year, Aston Villa as well. You could have six or seven teams because Everton for me has a strong squad too.<br /> </p><p><br /> "I believe we have a good chance. The most important thing is that we have that belief."<br /> </p><p><br /> Wenger is having to manage a potential midfield injury crisis as Arsenal build towards their opening match of the season against Liverpool on Sunday.<br /> </p><p><br /> Abou Diaby, Alex Song and Denilson have all been nursing injuries during pre-season while Cesc Fabregas has not featured at all since the World Cup.<br /> </p><p><br /> Fabregas has flown to Mexico with Spain this week, disrupting his preparations further and Wenger will decide whether or not to risk his captain at Anfield on Friday.<br /> </p><p><br /> With Wenger's options stretched, 18-year-old pair Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong could well be called upon to continue their impressive pre-season partnership.<br /> </p><p><br /> Wilshere and Frimpong started in central midfield in Arsenal's last three pre-season games, against AC Milan, Celtic and Legia Warsaw.<br /> </p>
