Sunderland

Wearside has seen plenty of comings and goings in the close season, with Steve Bruce not hanging around in securing some of his targets. Last seasons 10th place finish was a good effort, and it will certainly take a lot to match or beat that. However smart purchases have been made, and if they can make the Stadium of Light a fortress there's no reason why they can't show improvement.

Goalkeeper

Keiren Westwood has arrived to add depth to an already strong goalkeeping line up, Craig Gordon is still their, despite the continuous links back to Scotland, while Steve Mignolet has also impressed. An area that no doubt has a lot of strength.

Defence

There's plenty of experience in this backline, highlighted by the fact they could field a back four consisting of ex Manchester United players. The main problem though could be gelling the new boys in with the new squad, something that is potentially a problem throughout their side.

Midfield


After the loss of Jordan Henderson, and bolstered by the huge influx of cash, Bruce has been busy trying to add some steel and creativity in the middle of the park. Sebastian Larsson could perhaps be his finest signing, securing the Swedes signature on a free transfer. While Lee Cattermole will once again lead the side, not the rumours linking him with a move away have subsided.

Forwards

Despite the loss of Darren Bent, Bruce has gone out and strengthened but it is Asamoah Gyan who will be trusted with leading the front line. Frazier Campbell's impressive development could continue, while Ji Dong-Won will add strength, while Connor Wickham is a tremendous prospect.

Manager

Bruce has been doing a good job in the North East, and the squad he now has at his disposal is the finest during his time at Sunderland. Some good results, and a well placed finish in the Premier League will have to be had to justify his outlay though.

Areas to Strengthened

As previously stated this side has strengthened all aspects already, so their isn't much left for Bruce to do except prepare his side for this Saturday's opening fixture.

Expectations

With some of the players at his disposal and the amount spent, despite the fee's received for Henderson and Bent, expectations will quite justifiably be high. A top half finish will have to be had to please the Sunderland faithful.

Odds

1250/1

Players in

Ahmed Elmohamady £2m (ENPPI) Connor Wickham £15m (Ipswich Town) Craig Gardner £6m (Birmingham City) Ji Dong-Won £2m (Chunnam Dragons) Wes Brown undisclosed (Manchester United) John O'Shea undisclosed (Manchester United) David Vaughan free (Blackpool) Keiren Westwood free (Coventry City) Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City) James McClean £350,000 (Derry City) Nicklas Bendtner loan (Arsenal)

Players out

Jordan Henderson £16m (Liverpool) Anton Ferdinand £3m (Queens Park Rangers) Steed Malbranque undisclosed (Saint Etienne) Nathan Luscombe free (Hartlepool United) Robbie Weir and Michael Key free (Tranmere Rovers) Jean-Yves M'Voto free (Oldham Athletic) Cristian Riveros loan (Kayserispor) George McCartney loan (West Ham United) Boudewijn Zenden, Dan Madden, Nathan Wilson, Michael Lamb, Andrew Harrison, David Brown (all released)

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)

England for European success?

That is no doubt some of the ridiculous comments that we will be hearing over the coming days following England 2-0 victory yesterday.

Indeed it was an impressive performance, well it was for all of 15 minutes.

In those opening moments Fabio Capello's men ripped into Wales, who couldn't cope with the passing and movement on show.

Although the home sides defence was extremely lacklustre, especially in the space allowed to Ashley Young.

Space which allowed the Aston Villa winger to win the penalty for the Frank Lampards penalty, and play the killer ball in setting up team mate Darren Bent.

But the way in which England dropped off after going into a 2-0 lead was alarming and should be a cause for concern.

Should that have been against a bigger team, no offence to Wales, they would've no doubt threw away all the hard work done early on.

All ifs and buts of course, but it is a problem that has plagued England for years.

They are though leading their qualifying group, and should secure top spot for next years championships.

A lot of hard work will have to be done to improve, but will Fabio Capello still have the desire in what will be his last foray as boss.

It remains to be seen, but at least his side will be there.

Gary Speed's Wales look all at sea, and have now been hit by news that Craig Bellamy could retire from international duty.

Bad times for the our neighbours.

Ferdinand back as captain

Column inches have been filled with debate about the England captaincy, ever since Steven Gerrard stepped in for the injured Rio Ferdinand.

The Liverpool man gave Fabio Capello a huge headache by leading from the front, and proving an inspiration as he dragged England out of the mire and pulled the side forward.

However with the Manchester United defender back from injury, the decision has been made up ahead of Wednesday's game.

Rio will retain the armband, but it is hugely unlikely that the debate will end there.

If England do struggle against Montenegro at Wembley, both Ferdinand and Capello will once again be put under huge pressure.

But the most concerning of all will be the effect this will have on Gerrard.

He thrived as the leader of his c0untry, proving the talisman the country have always cried for from him.

This decision though could prove a huge confidence sap, and he could drift back into putting in mediocre performances.

A man who looks like he is well and truly shackled.

However this isn't the only problem concerning the England hierarchy.

Injuries have once again become took their toll, with Phil Jagielka's injury meaning it is likely Joleon Lescott will take a place in the starting eleven.

However Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent are also out, with Peter Crouch favourite to partner the out of sorts Wayne Rooney in attack.

Despite this though, the spotlight will no doubt be cast around Ferdinand and Gerrard as England look to build on their winning ways.

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.