Wigan Athletic

For much of last season it seemed like this side could be on the way down, but a final day victory at Stoke City ensured their Premier League status for another year at least. That 16th placed finish did appease some of the fans, and owner Dave Whelan, who is confident rosier times lie ahead under Roberto Martinez. However with their best player in Charles N'Zogbia leaving it could be another long season.

Goalkeeper

Ali Al Habsi had a fine season on loan from local rivals Bolton Wanderers in 2010/11, so much so Wigan fought to make it a permanent deal. If he continues to perform he could be the difference between loss and draw or draw and win.

Defence

Despite a couple of bright sparks this defence could be a major weak point in their quest to move up the table. Maynor Figueroa's long awaited move away seems to have been shelved and his attacking qualities will be integral, elsewhere though you can imagine Premiership strikers looking forward to games against this side.

Midfield

James McCarthy seems destined to one day perform at a much higher level, while Ben Watson was last year expected to move on but still remains at the DW Stadium. Although other than that their doesn't seem much depth, and some work could have to done to ensure relegation is avoided.

Forward

Victor Moses will make the step up this year and feature more heavily, while Hugo Rodallega needs to establish himself in a huge way after going under the radar for some of last season. These two could no doubt play at a higher level, but below this there's once again a lack of depth that could let them down.

Manager

Martinez is liked by most of the fans and Whelan certainly see's something that encourages him, but is the squad really up to the task? Last season's escape endeared him to his public, but failure to replicate that this time could see them turn and test Whelan's boast that he wouldn't get the sack if even they went down.

Areas to Strengthen

Apart from the goalkeeper, every other position in this squad could do with some kind of strengthening. If this fails to happen, Wigan could be in for a rough ride.

Expectations

After last terms struggle, Wigan fans won't be getting too far ahead of themselves. Consolidation whilst also starting to slowly build would appease them no end.

Odds

3000/1

Players in

Ali Al Habsi £4m (Wigan Athletic) Shaun Maloney £1m (Celtic) David Jones free (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Albert Crusat undisclosed (Almeria) Nouha Dicko free (released) Patrick Van Aanholt loan (Chelsea)

Players out

Steven Caldwell free (Birmingham City) Charles N'Zogbia £9.5m (Wigan Athletic) Antonio Amaya undisclosed (Real Betis) Daniel De Ridder free (Grasshopper Zurich) Steven Caldwell free (Birmingham City) Mauro Boselli loan (Estudiantes) Jason Koumas, Daniel Lambert, Thomas Oakes, Mike Pollit, Abian Serrano, Callum Williams (all released)