Wolverhampton Wanderers

Following a largely lacklustre season, when many tipped them for the drop, Mick McCarthy somehow managed to guide his side out of the relegation zone. Perching them in 17th, precarious but safe. This time a repeat is out of the question, a charge to 40 points and relative safety will be on the cards for the Irishman.

Goalkeeper

Wayne Hennessey will be expected to continue as number one, trying, with his defence, to pluck a leaky defence that leads to being stuck in the mire. Dorus De Vries has also been brought in as able deputy, being recruited from Premier League new boys Swansea City.

Defence

McCarthy has seen the need to strengthen this area, and has raided near rivals and a side helped relegate by guiding his troops safe. Roger Johnson was, half surprisingly, brought in from Birmingham City after being previously linked with bigger sides. Christophe Berra is a big imposing figure, but this whole defence needs to pull together and improve on last term.

Midfield

Matt Jarvis is the crown jewel of the Wolves midfield, providing the creative spark that has seen him linked to moves to much bigger sides. Jamie O'Hara has completed his move, after his loan spell expired, and will provide more flair. Nennad Milijas still half divides opinion, while Adam Hammill looked half decent at the back end of last season. Is there enough strength in depth however?

Forwards

In this area Wolves are quite strong, with first choices Kevin Doyle and Steven fletcher equipped to perform at a higher level. Behind them though goals just don't flow very freely.

Manager

McCarthy is held in high regard in these parts, and has for the most part done a very good job. If he continues to keep his side in this division he could be here forever more.

Area to Strengthen

There is not really any area where you would stop looking, if a good quality player became available the side would snap them up. However an area of most concern would be the defence, if it leaks it could be a tough season again.

Expectations

Steering clear of relegation will be the first target, and not wanting to get involved in a final day shoot out once again. Beyond that climbing as high as possible, once game at a time, will be all McCarthy is bothered about.

Odds

2500/1

Players in

Jamie O'Hara £5m (Tottenham Hotspur) Dorus De Vries free (Swansea City) Roger Johnson £7m (Birmingham City)

Players out 

Greg Halford undisclosed (Portsmouth) David Jones free (Wigan Athletic) Geoffrey Mujangi Bia free (Standard Liege) Nathaniel Mendez-Laing loan (Sheffield United) Danny Batth loan (Sheffield Wednesday) Scott Malone loan (Bournemouth) Steven Mouyokolo loan (Sochaux) David Davis loas (Inverness Caledonian Thistle) Adriano Basso, John Dunleavy, Marcus Hahnemann, Andre Landell, Nathan Rooney (all released)

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)

West Bromwich Albion

Following what was a sticky period early on last season, Roy Hodgson arrived following a tough spell himself and guided the team up the table. After a troubled stint at Liverpool, the former Fulham manager went quite a way to rebuilding a broken reputation. Held in very high regard at the moment by Baggies faithful, he will be targeting last season 11th place as the benchmark this time round.

Goalkeeper

A little while ago you would have quite rightly stated that this could be troublesome, however following the arrival of Ben Foster on loan that is no longer the case. Despite being relegated last season, the Birmingham owned stopper is still held in high regard in the Premiership. Marton Fulop is also another new face, and will provide the back up.

Defence

Despite looking suspect in the early stages of last season, confidence was instilled when a new manager was in place and form started to turn around. Some of the rearguard did impress at the back end of 2010/11, with deputy captain Jonas Olsson a commanding presence, but Hodgson was taken into account some of the earlier failings and added a few more bodies.

Midfield

There's quite a nice mix of fearsome and creative in the middle of the park for The Baggies. Somen Tchoyi and Youssuf Mulumbu can do the tidying up, while players such as captain Chris Brunt and the highly rated Graham Dorrans provide the flair. Zoltan Gera has also returned to add to that, in a move that should also please the fans.

Forwards

Last season's stand out performer Peter Odemwingie now seems almost certain to stay, which is a huge relief to everyone at the club. There are plenty of other strikers at the club, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Simon Cox etc, but it remains to be seen who will be Odemwingie's partner or if rotation will be employed.

Manager

Hodgson could not have done much more to endear himself to the fans last season, and the first target this season will be to put enough points on the board to preserve their Premier League status. Beyond that building on 11th would be a huge achievement.

Areas to Strengthen

Getting in a top quality partner for Odemwingie would be ideal, but isn't exactly going to be massively craved. Building on the quality of the squad overall will be the main aim in the rest of the transfer window.

Expectations

Following the heroics performed by Hodgson in 2010/11, much will be expected this time. However neither gaffer nor fans will not be getting ahead of himself, and consolidation will appease the vast majority.

Odds

2000/1

Players in

Shane Long £6.5m (Reading) Marton Fulop free (Ipswich Town) Gareth McAuley free (Ipswich Town) Billy Jones fee (Preston North End) Zoltan Gera (unattached) Ben Foster loan (Birmingham City)

Players out

Borja Valero undisclosed (Villarreal) Scott Carson £2.1m (Bursaspor) Ishmael Miller £1.2m (Nottingham Forest) Marek Cech undisclosed (Trabzonspor) Pablo Ibanez undisclosed (Birmingham City) Abdoulaye Meite free (Dijon) Gianni Zuiverloon free (Real Mallorca) Giles Barnes free (Doncaster Rovers) Boaz Myhill loan (Birmingham City) Chris Wood loan (Birmingham City) James Hurst loan (Blackpool) Marcus Haber (all released)

Tottenham Hotspur

After a fourth placed finish in 2009/10, added to the bizarre remarks of Harry Redknapp concerning a title challenge, last season kind of slipped away in the end and Spurs were off the pace in 5th. Their summer has been dominated by the will he won't he departure of Luka Modric, and while other have been strengthening Tottenham have been left behind.

Goalkeeper

Heurelho Gomes is one of the most hit and miss keeper the Premier League has seen. Stunning one minute but horrific the next, and it seems Harry Redknapp has had enough of this up and down form. Carlo Cudicini is still on the books, and now Brad Friedel has linked up with the squad the battle for the first team place will be fierce.

Defence

There's quite a bit of strength in the Tottenham defence, although the injury troubles of the main man at the back Ledley King is a constant concern. Michael Dawson is a solid centre half, while the full backs try and attack as much as possible.

Midfield

If Modric goes he will of course have to be replaced, but other than that there isn't an awful lot wrong in the middle. Gareth Bale is getting recognition world wide, Sandro continues to impress while Rafael Van Der Vaart was a fantastic signing. Steven Pienaar and Aaron Lennon need to impress after a sticky season last time out.

Forwards

There's plenty of goals from midfield, but do this side's strikers contribute enough. Talk is rife of comings and goings, but it does seem this is where Redknapp needs the most help. And there isn't a front man out there who hasn't been linked with White Hart Lane yet this summer.

Manager

After pulling Spurs from the relegation places to Champions League in two season was a master stroke. As a result now though expectations have gone through the roof, and it could be a problem living up to what fans believe they should be achieving.

Areas to Strengthen

A prolific striker need to arrive, this could be the difference between the top tier of Europe or being nowhere. If Modric departs the Croatian will need to be replaced, but some of the deadwood need to be driven out.

Expectations

It would be unrealistic to expect a title challenge, but now Champions League football has been tasted both players and fans have got the taste for it. This could however be out of reach with the money spent by the other sides around them.

Odds

50/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Brad Friedel free (Aston Villa) Scott Parker £5m (West Ham United) Souleymane Coulibaly undisclosed (Siena) Cristian Ceballos free (Barcelona) Emmanuel Adebayor loan (Manchester City) Yago Falque loan (Juventus)

Players out 
 
Jamie O'Hara £5m (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Peter Crouch £10 (Stoke City) Wilson Palacios £8m (Stoke City) Robbie Keane £1.8m (LA Galaxy) Johnathan Woodgate free (Stoke City) Paul-Jose M'Poke undisclosed (Standard Liege) David Bentley loan (West Ham United) Jermaine Jenas loan (Aston Villa) Steven Caulker loan (Swansea City) Bongani Khumalo loan (Reading) Nathan Byrne loan (Bouremouth) Ryan Mason loan (Doncaster Rovers) Jon Obika loan (Yeovil Town) Kyle Naughton loan (Norwich City) Olumide Durojaiye (released)

Swansea City

The Swans beat arch rivals Cardiff City to become known as the first ever Welsh side to reach the Premier League. After a 3rd place finish last season, it meant the lottery of the play offs sealed their promotion. Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers their style of play has received plenty of praise, but can they turn it into top flight safety

Goalkeeper

Jose Moreira has been brought in from Benfica to add competition for places, and could be installed as number one right away. This does look like a potentially sticky point for the club, particularly if Swansea's defence buckles under the pressure of top flight football.

Defence

Ashley Williams is very highly thought of, while both captain and vice captain operate in defensive berths. No real big name defender with top heaps of top flight experience has been brought in, so the trust shown could swing from one extreme right through to the exact opposite.

Midfield


With the free flowing football so often on display at The Liberty Stadium, it is clear that a lot of pacy, creative talent will be on show in the middle of the park. Scott Sinclair is the main man of this side, dazzling since his move from Chelsea, but Wayne Routledge should also be their helping out creatively.

Forwards

Clearly identified as one of the weaker points of the side, and Rodgers reacted by signing Danny Graham and Leroy Lita. The latter of which joins fellow strike partner Luke Moore in having genuine Premiership experience, during their time with Reading and Aston Villa respectively.

Manager

Rodgers stock could not really be much higher right now. He delighted the fans by having his team play such a pleasing, easy an the eye brand of football, and he has now led them to the top tier. Safety will be his hardest task yet.

Areas to Strengthen

When you are a new team to the top flight, you can never have enough experience in your ranks. Plus the need for a large squad in emphasised on a regular basis now, and it is this strength in depth that they could perhaps be lacking.

Expectations

With this being new ground, and achieved when it maybe wasn't too expected in the first place, the Swansea faithful won't be getting too ahead of themselves and 17th place would do nicely.

Odds

5000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Jose Moreira undisclosed (Benfica) Leroy Lita £1.75m (Middlesbrough) Danny Graham £3.5 (Watford) Wayne Routledge £2m (Newcastle United) Michael Vorm £1.5m (Utrecht) Federico Bassone undisclosed (Leeds United) Darnel Situ undisclosed (Lens) Gerhard Tremmel free (Red Bull Salzburg) Steven Caulker loan (Tottenham Hotspur)

Players out

Stuart MacDonald £80,000 (Bournemouth) Darren Pratley free (Bolton Wanderers) Dorus De Vries free (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Albert Serran and Gorka Pintado free (AEK Larnaca) Kerry Morgan free (Neath) Scott Donnelly loan (Wycombe Wanderers) Sam Rose-Miles, Thomas Butler, Jamie Grimes, Cedric Van Der Gun, Charles Kaiser, Jordan Prosser, Matthew Whatley (all released)

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)

Stoke City

Tony Pulis has turned Stoke City into a formidable Premier League side, whose fans are among the fiercest, and loudest, England's top tier has to offer. Often criticised for what people believe to be a bullish mentality, the side now contains some flair and is starting to shed the long ball tag that was associated with them for so long. They will be hoping to better last seasons 13th place finish this time round.

Goalkeeper

Asmir Begovic is widely expected to cement the number one spot this season, casting a shadow over Thomas Sorenson's future at The Potters. Having two good quality keepers though is by no means a bad thing, and during their time at the top table of English football this has never been a worry.

Defence

Big imposing centre half's are the order of the day, with Captain Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth forming a good partnership over the years. The signing of Jonathan Woodgate is a risk, but if they can keep him fit, a problem for many of his past clubs, then he could prove to be one of the best captures of the window.

Midfield


Their is quite a creative edge in this side now, bucking the trend of a few years back. Matthew Etherington is arguably the main man in this side, but Jermaine Pennant has also settled down and produced some good displays after a disappointing few years. There is quite a lot of strength in the middle of the park, so this side seems quite well stocked.

Forwards

A new front man seems to on Pulis's agenda, but just who that person is remains a mystery. The long chase for Carlton Cole has gone a bit awry, but it wouldn't be a surprise if by the end of the window his is plying his trade at The Brittania. If a new man does arrive though, there will have to be a clear out of some of the deadwood.

Manager

Despite the belief that Stoke area a one dimensional side, Pulis has got them playing some good football. He has firmly transformed them into a Premiership side, and it doesn't look like they will be leaving the top table any time soon.

Areas to Strengthen

A new striker could be on the cards, with no real 20+ goal front man on the books. Elsewhere this side looks all set for another mid tabled finish, maybe a bit of strength in depth could be added to ensure progression on last term.

Expectations

Mid table shouldn't be too far out of reach for this side, although any kind of improvement on last season will please everyone involved with this club. The Brittania is not an easy place to go and win, and the Stoke faithful will no doubt be the loudest once more as they roar their team up the table.

Odds

2000/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Jonathan Woodgate free (Tottenham) Matthew Upson free (West Ham United) Cameron Jerome £4m (Birmingham City) Peter Crouch £10m (Tottenham Hotspur) Wilson Palacios £8m (Tottenham Hotspur)

Players out

Carl Dickinson £250,000 (Watford)Abdoulaye Faye free (West Ham United) Eidur Gudjohnsen free (AEK Athens) Ibrahima Sonko free (Ipswich Town) Andrew Davies loan (Crystal Palace)  Zack Foster, Jack Harrison, Alexander Hedley, Cameron Mitchell, David Parton, Laton Wint (all released)