Bolton Wanderers

Under the astute guidance of Owen Coyle Bolton showed steady, if unspectacular, progress last term. The loan signing of Daniel Sturridge, following that of Jack Wilshire, seemed inspired and a few more like that could see his side propel up the table. Wanderers have not been a side to sink into relegation battles too much over recent seasons, and another mid (ish) table finish could be more likely. 

Goalkeeper

Jussi Jaaskelainen has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League during his stay of over a decade. It is incredible that he has not been snatched by a bigger side either here or on the continent. Ali Al Hadsi has departed for fierce rivals Wigan Athletic, but in Adam Bogdan Bolton still have a competent deputy.

Defence

Gary Cahill continues to be linked with the higher echelons of the English game, but even if he were to depart The Trotters would still be ok in the centre of their defence. Zat Knight and David Wheater would be more than able to fill in, but it is at full back where they could perhaps suffer. There is no doubt they are solid defensively, but is the quality there to be the attacking full backs modern day football seems to demand?

Midfield

Down the years The Reebok Stadium side have had a solid midfield, typically tough to break down whilst also having enough creativity to challenge in the attacking third. Fabrice Muamba along with new boy Nigel Reo Coker provide the steel, whilst Stuart Holden and Martin Petrov are full of creative juices. However it could perhaps be Chung-Yong Lee, who has admiring glances from higher in the game, who is the main attraction in the middle.

Forward

Johan Elmander has departed for Galatasaray and Sturridge has gone back to Chelsea, so certain improvement is needed. Captain Kevin Davies is sure to be the focal point of the attack once again, while Ivan Klasnic will feature at times, but a proven goalscorer is a necessity.

Manager

Coyle has endeared himself to the Wanderers faithful since his controversial move from Burnley, and will no doubt make further improvements in the 2011/12 season. He has built a good side on years of solid foundations, and it wont take much for a mid table finish or higher to become a reality.

Areas to Strengthen

The most important thing on the shopping list should be a proven goalscorer to work alongside Kevin Davies. Sturridge proved a sensation at the back end of last term, but a similar deal looks unlikely, so other targets need to indentified as without it this side could struggle for goals.

Expectations

After a 14th placed finish last year, it wouldn't take much for this side to improve and march up the table. For that to happen though, as mentioned, goals will need to come from somewhere.

Odds

2500/1 (Sky Bet)

Players In

Darren Pratley free (Swansea City) Nigel Reo Coker free (Aston Villa) Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears joint £3m (Burnley) David Ngog undisclosed (Liverpool) Tuncay Sanli loan (Wolfsburg) Dedryck Boyata loan (Manchester City) Gael Kakuta loan (Chelsea) 

Players Out

Ali Al Habsi £4m (Wigan Athletic), Matt Taylor undisclosed (West Ham United) Andrew Burns free (Bradford City) Johan Elmander free (Galatasaray) Jason Brown free (Aberdeen) Ricardo Gardner, Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O'Brien, Tamir Cohen, Sam Sheridan, Maison McGeechan, Tom Eckersley (all released)