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)

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)

Chaos at Manchester United!

Fourth place in the league is not what was expected by fans on the red half of Manchester prior to this seasons big kick off, but that is just where they find themselves.

Although still unbeaten and level on points with Arsenal, everyone connected with the club will be worried about how they just keep on throwing away leads.

Fulham, Everton and West Bromwich Albion have all recovered from going behind, while Liverpool also came from two down but couldn't hold on and Bolton Wanderers also put the frighteners on them by twice going ahead.

For a team and set of fans well used to winning this just isn't good enough.

And the rumours surrounding Wayne Rooney don't help at all.

It is looking increasingly likely that the former Everton hitman could well be on his way, sooner or later.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are possible destinations, with Chelsea and Manchester City also in the frame as it is known he is not keen on a move abroad.

The problems are centred round Rooney's new contract, which he is now demanding £200,000 a week, and the ankle injuries or lack of which have led to him being dropped lately.

Although it is no secret that he is disturbingly out of form, cashing in isn't an options for the club if they are to remain challengers on all fronts.

They still haven't recovered from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, so another prized asset going could be too much.

Especially if he just drifts across the city and joins the blue half of Manchester, who would certainly match his wage demands.

Added to the twist is the hype surrounding Sir Alex Ferguson, who could also leave the club if you believe such things.

This however seems way wide of the mark, after all he hasn't fully knocked Liverpool of their perch yet.

They are still clinging their by the skin if their teeth.

United will no doubt recover from this and be their by the end of the season challenging for honours.

Fergie will no doubt steer his ship through these choppy waters and emerge stronger than ever once more.

Capello faces selection dilemma following squad announcement

Kevin Davies has hit the headlines following Fabio Capello's squad announcement for the upcoming game against Montenegro.

The 33-year-old Bolton striker will make his debut if he takes to the Wembley turf next Wednesday, with him vying for a spot along with Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Darren Bent.

Davies' selection owes much to injuries to Jermain Defoe, Bobby Zamora and Gabriel Agbonlahor, although he has beaten Newcastle's Andy Carroll who was tipped to win a place.

Despite this though it is in the centre of defence where the Italian faces the biggest problem.

Manchester United and Chelsea stars Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are both recalled to the squad, and will be favourite to partner each other against the Europeans minnows.

However that would of course be extremely hard on Phil Jagielka, who has performed admirably whilst deputising for the Three Lions.

The Everton centre back would rightfully feel hard done by if dropped, with Capello also facing a big decision about whether to reinstate Ferdinand as captain.

Steven Gerrard has taken the armband in his absence, and a lot of debate enraging about Rio's return.

Many people are in favour of the Liverpool midfielder keeping the arm band, which would make the most sense for the side.

Surely Ferdinand has a lot more on his mind, e.g regaining fitness and a regular slot for both club and country again, rather than being burdened by captaincy.

Elsewhere Joe Hart will continue between the sticks, but we could see a new face in midfield.

Gareth Barry and Gerrard will surely get starts with Adam Johnson also a favourite, but the final place could be up for grabs.

Any one of Tom Huddlestone, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jack Wilshire and Ashley Young could grab that final spot.

Despite the debate over personnel though it should be a fairly straight forward victory for England, with nothing else to be tolerated.

Rooney lay off - just what he needs!

Following a sub standard World Cup, allegations about his private life, a poor start to the new campaign and calls for his boss for the media to lay off it has not been a good few months for Wayne Rooney.

Now it has been announced by Sir Alex Ferguson that the striker will be out for three weeks, due to an ankle injury picked up during the 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers.

However this could be the perfect tonic to get back to form upon his return.

If, against the odds, he can get away from the spot light and sort out some of the problems that have blighted his recent past maybe he could return to form on the field.

So far this season Rooney has only scored once, from the penalty spot, whereas Dimitar Berbatov is the clubs top scorer with seven and Michael Owen has been strengthening his case for a starting spot with three goals in a week.

The former Everton hitman though has cut a forlorn figure up front this season, the weight of the world clearly implanted on his shoulders.

One thing is for sure though, he needs to rid the skeletons from his closet before his form returns and this injury could've come at the perfect time.

Rest, recuperation and no media intrusion, could just bring about the old Wayne Rooney in a months time when he graces the football pitch again.

It could also be a blessing for Manchester United, they have got nothing out of the striker this season and have struggled for wins.

They face a Valencia side tomorrow who top La Liga, as well as needing some big points in the Premier League before the international break hits.

It seems this injury could be perfect for club and player.