Liverpool

Following a disastrous start to last season, it looked as though Liverpool could well be in the mire. However following the dismissal of Roy Hodgson and the welcoming back of Kenny Dalglish, their fortunes soon turned around. A terrific end to the season saw them come 6th, and with a mjor rebuilding plan in operation the Champions League is on the mind once again.

Goalkeeper

Jose Reina has broke records galore during his stint on Merseyside, if it wasn't for Iker Casillas he would be the Spanish number one and renowned worldwide as the one the finest around. Following doubts about his future towards the end of the season he confirmed he would stay, giving the side a major boost. Alexander Doni has also just arrived from Roma, providing a very good and solid deputy.

Defence

It is no secret that this Liverpool rearguard could do with a touch of TLC. A new left back is definitely is desperate need, while a central defender would also be welcomed with open arms. Jamie Carragher is getting no younger and Daniel Agger continues to be pestered by injuries, Martin Skrtel continues to perform however after completing every Premier League game last season.

Midfield

There is certainly no shortage of central midfielders at the club, but the more pressing concern is in the right wing berth. Dirk Kuyt could continue to operate there, but a more natural wide man would be the ideal solution. Stewart Downing has brought it for the opposite flank, while Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have added strength to the middle.

Forwards


It is hoped the £50+ partnership will really flourish at Anfield this season. While Luis Suarez had an immediate impact in England, racking up countless man of the match awards, Andy Carroll spent much of the time on the sidelines after arriving with an injury. David Ngog seems like he could be on the way out, so at least one more front man will need to be signed.

Manager

Dalglish has really united the club since his return, extinguishing the anguish and negativity that surrounded the previous brief regime. End of season form has really raised expectations, as has the lavish spending spree that is currently being enjoyed.

Areas to Strengthen

Despite the money already spent in this window and January, there is still plenty of improvements to be made. A left back must be the priority, while a centre back, right winger and striker would also be desired.

Expectations

Ignore all the talk of the title that is simply way out of reach, a return to the Champions League would be a huge coup for this side. It is still a rebuilding process at Liverpool, and they must first take small steps back into Europe's club competition before getting ahead of themselves in true style.

Odds

9/1 (Sky Bet)


Players in

Alexander Doni free (Roma) Stewart Downing £20m (Aston Villa) Jordan Henderson £16m (Sunderland) Charlie Adam £7m (Blackpool) Jose Enrique undisclosed (Newcastle United) Sebastian Coates undisclosed (Nacional) Craig Bellamy free (Manchester City) Villyan Bijev undisclosed (California Odyssey)

Players out

Sotirios Kyrgiakos undisclosed (Wolfsburg) Emiliano Insua undisclosed (Sporting Lisbon) Christian Poulsen undisclosed (Evian) David Ngog undisclosed (Bolton Wanderers) Raul Meireles (Chelsea, undisclosed) Paul Konchesky £1.5m (Leicester City) Tom Ince undisclosed (Blackpool) Gerardo Bruna undisclosed (Blackpool) Daniel Ayala undisclosed (Norwich City) Chris Mavinga undisclosed (Rennes) Tom Ince free (Blackpool) Jason Banton, Deale Chamberlain, Alex Cooper, Sean Highdale, Stephen Irwin, Nikola Saric (all released) Peter Gulacsi loan (Hull City) Stephen Darby loan (Rochdale) Martin Hansen loan (Bradford City) Daniel Pacheco loan (Atletico Madrid) Joe Cole loan (Lille) Villyan Bijev loan (Fortuna Dusseldorf) Alberto Aquilani loan (AC Milan)

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)