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)

Blackburn Rovers

Under Venky's it was widely expected that Blackburn would be a tad flashy this summer, but so far this summer their only big venture into the transfer market has been to sell Phil Jones to Manchester United. Rumours are rife around Ewood Park, and new bodies will need to be brought in if Steve Kean is to improve on last seasons 15th place finish.

Goalkeeper

This isn't really an issue at the Lancashire based side, with Paul Robinson continuing to draw plaudits and Mark Bunn an adequate replacement. After his arrival from Spurs the ex England international has never failed to impress, so this is definitely a solid foundation from which to build.

Defence

A potential sticky point with only just over two weeks left to the curtain raiser of this seasons Premier League. Jones has already left and rumours continue to link Chris Samba to both Spurs and Arsenal, this will no doubt bring in money to be respent but will a player of equal quality be found? Michel Salgado isn't getting any younger, but Captain Ryan Nelsen will continue to be a rock at the hear at the Rovers defence.

Midfield

David Dunn is no doubt the gem of the side, whose creativity is heavily relied upon. However with increasing injury problems over the last couple of seasons, Blackburn's midfield has begun to grow independent of Dunn. Morten Gamst Pedersen now looks likely to stay after many windows of being linked away, Steven N'Zonzi continues to impress while Argentine Mauro Formica should play a more central role this time round.

Forwards

It is on the front line where this side could need the most strengthening. Nikola Kalinic and El Hadji Diouf look certain to leave, while Junior Hoilett is staying but he can by no means be expected to lead the line and provide a huge goals tally to propel the side up the table. Ruben Rochina, who arrived at the same time as Formica, should figure more this season but they still seem a bit short.

Manager

 

Steve Kean was thrust in charge of this side after the shock sacking of predecessor Sam Allardyce, and came dangerously close to falling to falling off that tight rope himself. There is some talent within this squad, but it seems like not quite enough to stay away from a relegation dog fight just yet.

Areas to Strengthen 

With a Jones shaped void in defence that could quickly be joined by Samba, it is imperative that a possible leaky back line is patched up fast. Without new additions here the Premier League's front men would run riot. In addition to this one maybe two striker need to be added to boost fire power, and if you believe the rumour mills Kean is intensely looking at the area. If there's any cash left after that, maybe a bit more creativity in the middle of the park.

Expectations

With the squad currently at his disposal, kean could expect nothing more than a place perched just above the drop zone. Similarly to last season. However with some good signings, a mid tabled finish is more than achievable.

Odds

2500/1 (Sky Bet) 

Players In

David Goodwillie £2m (Dundee United) Radosav Petrovic undisclosed (Partizan Belgrade)Myles Anderson free Bruno Ribeiro free Simon Vukcevic undisclosed (Sporting Lisbon) Scott Dann £8m (Birmingham City) Ayegbeni Yakubu undisclosed (Everton) Jordan Slew £1.1m (Sheffield United)

Players Out

Phil Jones £16m (Manchester United) Frank Fielding £400,000 (Derby County) Brett Emerton free (Sydney) Nikola Kalinic undisclosed (Dnipro)  Zurab Khizanishvili, Jordan Bowen, Jason Brown, Michael Potts, Benjani Mwaruwari, Maceo Rigters (all released) Keith Andrews loan (Ipswich Town)

Aston Villa

The Villains used to have major hopes of cracking what was the infamous 'big four,' under Martin O'Neill they of course came very close to this. But last season was no doubt one of transition, and with major changes this summer it could be very sticky this time round. Last season turned out a bit sour, but despite a controversial switch across the second city Alex McLeish could turn this sleeping giant round with a few shrewd signings.

Goalkeeper

This team have been blessed in this position for years, with Brad Friedel being once of the most consistent for years. However with the signing of Shay Given from Manchester City they have no doubt got one of the Premier League's finest. With a season of bench warming in Manchester though, it remains to be seen if the Irishman can regain top form once again.

Defence

Always a strong point for the side, and despite a few hiccups it was no different last season. Despite the criticisms Richard Dunne seems to have been revitalised in Birmingham, and has dug his side out of many a tough situation and can bag a few too. Carlos Cuellar could be moving on though, and he will need to be replaced before the season starts.

Midfield

With the losses of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing it is of no doubt that this is an area in need of strengthening. Charles N'Zogbia seems to be the man charged with that, but he cant perform miracles alone, despite how promising his talent is and he will need support. Midfield still seems a bit weak for this side, and expect to see McLeish stepping into the market for more troops in this position.

Forwards

On the outset it seems that Aston Villa are fine in this area, but there is a fine line between promising youngster and Premiership striker. Gabriel Agbonlahor is no doubt very talented, but it seems someone more prolific should be signed to partner Darren Bent up top. He can only bang the goals in so long and at some point will slump, all strikers do, it's at that point someone else need to pick up the mantle. And Villa just don't seem to have that at the moment.

Manager

Last season Aston Villa were rocked days before the start of the season, where O'Neill resigned leaving the side in peril. Gerard Houllier was charged with turned the tides, but more health problems followed and the Premier League dream failed to materialise. McLeish could well work wonders, but despite the Carling Cup win last year hasn't performed miracles in the Premiership. With a few good signings though Villa could well have a good year, Randy Lerner will have to loosen the purse strings though.

Areas to Strengthen

Wingers are more importantly creativity is severly lacking in this side, after the much hyped departures of Young and Downing. N'Zogbia seems a certainty, but it could perhaps be asking a little much for him to do it alone. A bit more firepower wouldn't be the worst thing either.

Expectations

After such high expectations over the last few seasons, Villa fans will no doubt be inflated once again. Realistically though, they should be happy if their side manager a solid top half finish. Something which they could no doubt build on next term.

Odds

400/1 (Sky Bet)

Players In

 Shay Given £3.5m (Manchester City) Charles N'Zogbia £9.5 (Wigan Athletic) Alan Hutton undisclosed (Tottenham Hotspur) Jermaine Jenas loan (Tottenham Hotspur)

Players Out

Ashley Young £15m (Manchester United) Stewart Downing £20m (Liverpool), Brad Friedel free (Tottenham Hotspur) Jonathan Hogg and Andreas Weimann undisclosed (Watford) Luke Young undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers) Nigel Reo-Coker John Carew Moustapha Salifou Robert Pires Isaiah Osbourne Harry Forrester Arsenio Halfhuid Durrell Berry Ellis Deeney Calum Flanagan (all released) Jean Makoun loan (Olympiacos)

Arsenal

The Gunners have huge title aspirations ahead of the new season, but after six seasons without a trophy and persistent rumours of exits is that realistic? One big name has already left, two more and mooted to be following and as yet Arsene Wenger doesn't seem too concerned. The Frenchman who a few years ago seemed invincible is starting to divide opinion, can he silence those critics in the 2011/2012 campaign.

Goalkeeper

It seem like this has forever been the troubled spot for Arsenal, with fans for the last couple of years blaming this as a lack of failure. Jens Lehmann brought back last year, with rotation/injuries seeming all three regular keepers, Manuel Almunia, Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, all given chances to impress but failing to do so. A reliable man between the sticks is a must have for any side, and despite the stubborn 'I know best' attitude that Wenger seems to have adopted in recent times, unless he rectifies this situation his barren streak will continue.

Defence

 

With Thomas Vermaelen back this term after a lay off last season, what seemed a slightly leeky defence, especially from set pieces, could be slightly patched up. Although that doesn't take away from the fact new additions are needed, and fast. Defenders were already a priority before Gael Clichy headed up north, so now they are needed more than ever. Despite Wengers insistence that his defence held it's own last year, it was clear to see it simply did not. As already mentioned, conceeding too many from set pieces can be a huge problem. Continue the trend this season and trouble will undoubtedly follow.

Midfield

There certainly isn't ever a lack of creativity in the middle of the park at The Emirates, but two of the usual suspects could be off anytime soon. Samir Nasir seems to have been linked to everyone of note, Manchester City more than most, while Cesc Fabregas' on off move back to Barcelona wore thin years ago but could come to a head this summer. Add that to the other 'squad' players rumoured to be going and Arsenal could find themselves a little short. The wise old heads need a good season, and from and England perspective the contunine rise of Jack Wilshire wouldn't be too bad.

Forward

This doesn't seem to be a big problem, with no doubt one of the Leagues finest in Robin Van Persie, if they can keep him fit, gracing their front line. Ivorian Gervinho has also arrived, although he could operate out wide if needed, along with Marouane Chamakh who failed to replicate his early season from and drifted off. The Morrocan international certainly needs to find some form, and goals, this season. Nicklas Bendtner seems out of the door already, but it will be this postion which is bottom of the list for strenghthening.

Manager

It is of no doubt to any of the footballing world the massive impact Wenger has had on the English game, with his brand of football also a joy to behold. But the bottom line is good football only gets you so far, and trophies are what the paying fans, shareholders, owners and players crave. Another barren season and a man who is already starting to have his doubters, could just find himself out of a job.

Areas to Strengthen

Phil Jagielka is the latest of a long list of Defenders that has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, with one target in Phil Jones already having signed for rivals Manchester United and the Gary Cahill front going cold. Well for now anyway. But it could be unlikely that there will be a huge influx of activity until the futures of the aforementioned Fabregas and Nasri are sorted out. Defenders are certainly needed, a strong goalkeeper wouldn't hurt and if those two do go some midfielder dynamo's will have to be added.

Expectation

A title bid has become the norm of expectations nowadays, with good showings in both domestic and european competition craved. It could perhaps be a little early to just this side, with a month of the transfer window still left and a long of ins and outs expected. Although even at this early stage it does seem that a title tilt could be out of reach, as could, dare I say it, a place in the top four.

Odds
 
9/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Gervinho £10.5m (Lille) Carl Jenkinson £1m (Charlton Athletic)Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain £15m (Southampton) Jon Toral undisclosed (Barcelona) Hector Bellerin undisclosed (Barcelona) Andre Santos £6m (Fenerbache) Joel Campbell undisclosed (deportivo Saprissa) Park Chu-Young undisclosed (Monaco) Per Mertesacker undisclosed (Werder Bremen) Mikel Arteta £10m (Everton) Yossi Benayoun loan (Chelsea)

Players out

Gael Clichy £7m (Manchester City) Jay Emmanuel-Thomas £1.1m (Ipswich Town) Cesc Fabregas undisclosed (Barcelona) Samir Nasir £24m (Manchester City) Emmanuel Eboue undisclosed (Galatasaray) Armand Traore undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers)  Mark Randall free (Chesterfield) Roarie Deacon free (Sunderland) Jamie Edge free (West Bromwich Albion) Gilles Sunu undisclosed (Lorient) Denilson loan (Sao Paulo) Thomas Cruise (released) Wellington loan (Levante) Carlos Vela loan (Real Sociedad) Pedro Botelho loan (Rayo Vallecano) Henri Lansbury loan (West Ham United) Nicklas Bendtner loan (Sunderland) Joel Campbell loan (Lorient)

Premier League Preview

With the new Premier League season a mere stones throw away, the nation is licking their lips in anticipation. In the build up to the new campaign though, Sports Portal will be previewing each side in the top flight. What is your sides hopes and aspirations for the new campaign, can the manager and the players deliver and what signing, if any, need to be made? Keep you eyes peeled for our full guide.

Transfer flops: Helder Postiga

When a highly rated young striker heads to the Premier League from the continent, it is always a hugely exciting time for which ever side the prodigy chooses. That was exactly the case at Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, when Glen Hoddle brought an exciting Portuguese 21-year-old to White Hart Lane.

That man was of course Helder Postiga, the fleet footed exciting goal getter who arrived from Jose Mourinho's FC Porto for £6.25m. So what next for a young man who was tipped to reach the highest echelons of the football world? Surely a tremendous season in which he captured the imagination of fans worldwide?

Well it didn't exactly go to plan. A season that very much fell below the required standard was followed by a swift return to his native Portugal. After a solitary disappointing Premier League goal, FC Porto returned and rescued Postiga from his English nightmare with Pedro Mendes heading in the opposite direction.

This misguided attempt to conquer England seemed to have a big impact on the front man, and after four seasons back at Porto two loan switched followed. Saint Etienne was first up, quickly followed by a short stint in Greece with Panathinaikos. Sporting Clube de Portugal is where Postiga currently plies his trade, but how different a career this could've been had he been patient while in Portugal and not been so hasty to move on. Such a shame for a man who has an impressive record at international level, scoring 15 goals in 40 games for Portugal.

Future Stars - Coutinho

Brazilian Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, better known by just the latter, is one of the few things Rafael Benitez did right at Inter Milan. Giving the attack minded 19-year-old his Serie A debut in an otherwise unsuccessful stint in charge of the Nerazzurri.

Originally signed my Inter in 2008, red tape meant he was unable to ply his trade at the Italian giants until last year. Up until that point he was loaned back to his native country, where Vasco De Gama took him under their wing for two years.

Now officially in Milan, he has made quite an impression, and is one of many Brazilian players who could be charged with winning the World Cup on home soil. With the Samba nation currently going though something of a transitional period, a new breed, not too dissimilar to England, will be trusted with bringing back pride to a damaged nation after South Africa 2010.

Until that point an already promising club career will surely continue to prosper. Interest is already starting to come from around Europe, such has been his impression in such a short space of time.