Heskey in? Peltier Out? The Leicester City rumour mill.

The Leicester City rumour mill has picked up pace in the last few days, with several players linked with moves in and out of the club.

Without doubt the biggest rumour which has had the fans talking is a possible return of Emile Heskey. The 62 times capped England international was released by Aston Villa at the end of the season and is now a free agent. Speculation has mounted in the past few days that Heskey, 34, has met Pearson to discuss personal terms, with talk of either a pay-as-you-play or a one year deal being put forward.

Another striker which has been reported with a move to the King Power Stadium is Reading striker Simon Church. The 23-year-old has moved down the pecking order at the Berkshire club and with the Royals being promoted to the Premier League, is unlikely to feature much next season. However, Leicester face competition from several other Championship clubs. Bolton, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Watford have all enquired about the Wales international.

Meanwhile, a couple of names are rumoured to be on their way out of the club, including a fans favourite.

Right-back Lee Peltier, has attracted interest from Leeds United. The 25-year-old, signed from Huddersfield Town last summer for £750,000, made 40 appearances for the Foxes last season but manager Nigel Pearson is looking to replace Peltier with Hull right-back Liam Rosenior. Leeds are prepared to offer £500,000 for Peltier, while Pearson will approach his former club for Rosenior who is in the last year of his contract. Peltier has since tweeted "Thanks for all the support from the fans, I have heard nothing so I can't comment, but appreciate all the nice comments, now off on my holidays."

Matt Mills has been linked with a move north of the border to Scottish champions Celtic. Reports in the Daily Record claim the Hoops want to get Mills on a season long loan after initial talks stalled. City wanted £3m for their club captain but Celtic weren't willing to pay as much, instead offering defender Kelvin Wilson as part of any possible deal. However, Pearson rejected that offer, meaning Celtic have come in with a revised offer and willing to pay all of Mills' wages, reportedly between £20,000 and £25,000 per week.

Finally, free agent Nicky Shorey has been linked with a move to Leicester. The 31-year-old left-back was released by West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season, and reports state Shorey has already held talks with Pearson at the King Power Stadium. However, the England international is thought to be weighing up his options before he makes a decision on his future.

Hodgson reign gets off to a win

Norway 0-1 England

Roy Hodgson's reign as England manager started with a win as they overcame Norway 1-0 in Oslo.

Ashley Young's goal, his fourth in as many internationals, was enough as the Three Lions warmed up for Euro 2012, with their first game against France 16 days away.

The only goal of the game came after eight minutes from a fine solo run from Young. The Man United winger ran at Brede Hangeland after receiving a knock down from Andy Carroll before firing left footed across 'keeper Rune Jarstein.

Robert Green, making his first England appearance since his infamous blunder against the USA at the 2010 World Cup, was nearly once again embarrased. Morten Gamst Pedersen whipped in a corner from the left which hit Green's left hand post before bouncing out of play.

However, that was Norway's only chance of the opening 30 minutes. in what was a typically quiet start to an international friendly.

England's lead could have been extended by James Milner on 33 minutes. He was picked out by a good through ball from Young, but after getting into the box, could only fire straight at Jarstein.

Norway had a half chance to equalise as Mohammed Abdellaoui played a one-two with Pedersen, but the Hannover striker fired wide on the turn. The home side were then forced into a substitution as Espen Ruud replaced Tom Hogli five minutes before the break after a heavy challenge from Steven Gerrard. The England captain escaped a caution, but may well have seen a card had it been a competitve game.

Despite a few sloppy passes giving possession away cheaply, manager Hodgson would have been pleased with how the first half of football went under his stewardship.

England's first substitution came at half time as Gareth Barry replaced Gerrard and the Man City midfielder took the armband.

The first chance of the second half fell to England. After Young was brought down on the edge of the area, Leighton Baines curled a shot towards the bottom right hand corner, but Jarstein did enough to keep the ball out.

A minute later England went even closer. Phil Jones made a run from right back and his shot was deflected onto the post by a Norwegian defender before going out of play.

Theo Walcott was introduced ten minutes into the second half replacing Scott Parker, meaning Milner dropped into central midfield alongside Barry.

Norway had a chance on the hour as John Arne Riise got by Theo Walcott before firing one of his trademark shots from a tight angle, but Green got enough behind it to turn it behind from a corner.

The hosts were becoming more of a threat while England looked bereft of ideas and confidence, giving the ball away cheaply.

Hodgson combated this with a double substitution. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for his England debut, replacing goalscorer Young, while Jordan Henderson, also making his debut, replaced Barry after he picked up a slight knock to his groin. Joleon Lescott was given the captain's armband.

Norway's momentum diminished, struggling to find a way through England's defence as the game ticked towards the end. Adam Johnson replaced Stewart Downing and Martin Kelly was also brought on for his full England debut, replacing Phil Jones at right back.

England didn't create many chances in the second half, but more importantly they didn't concede many either. Although it wasn't the most exciting of performances, Hodgson will be pleased to start off with a win and will know a lot more about his players than he did two hours before.


Norway: Jarstein, Hogli, Demidov, Hangeland, Riise, Tettey, Elyounoussi, Henriksen, Pedersen, Braaten, Abdellaoui. Subs: Pettersen, Madsen, Ruud, Grindheim, Huseklepp, Jenssen, Berisha.

England: Green, Jones, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Downing, Young, Carroll. Subs: Hart, Kelly, Henderson, Barry, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Defoe, Adam Johnson.

Pearson looking for young talent in transfer market

Young, hungry and ambitious. The three buzzwords Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has used to describe his three new signings when talking to the press in the past week.

Richie De Laet and Matt James were signed from Manchester United for a reported £1m each, while striker Jamie Vardy was bought from Fleetwood for at least the same amount. Although early in the summer, Pearson's actions in the transfer market suggest that gone are the days of big names on high wages being signed, instead signing players who are excited to play on a regular basis.

This time last year, Leicester City fans were licking their lips as the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham and Owen Hargreaves were linked with moves to Sven-Goran Eriksson's big spenders. Although those transfers never materialised, some big names on big wages did join the King Power Stadium twelve months ago.

Ghanaian right back John Pantsil, Swiss international Gelson Fernandes and Man City midfielder Michael Johnson were three of the bigger names to sign (although the latter two were on loan). Notably, all three were shown the exit when Nigel Pearson was reappointed. Although Pearson didn't have much time to bring in the players he wanted in the January transfer window, the signings he did make were a sign of things to come.

Wes Morgan was signed from Nottingham Forest to bolster up a leaky defence, while two more Man United youth products Danny Drinkwater and Ben Marshall were snapped up after both had had impressive loan spells at Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. All three had an impressive end to the season at Leicester, especially Marshall who has qucikly become a fans favourite.

Pearson appears to be building a squad of players with the desire to play football week in, week out instead of buying big names on high wages which Sven did last summer. De Laet has been on loan at several Football League clubs but hasn't played regularly, while James has only played 28 games of league football in his career. Vardy, meanwhile, hasn't played at Football League level but caught Pearson's eye after scoring 31 goals in 36 appearances for the Conference champions.

Norwich City are a fine example of how far young and hungry players can take you. Many pundits were writing off Norwich as they prepared for life back in the Premier League. Manager Paul Lambert hadn't made any big name signings, instead opting for players with barely any top flight experience from the lower leagues. But he easily guided the club to safety, surprising many teams and pundits along the way.

Also worth noting are the six players released by the club this week, many of whom were on high wages. Darius Vassell was the most high profile of the players released, while Steve Howard and Matt Oakley were also reportedly on big wages plus all three are on the wrong side of 30.

Alan Hansen famously once said 'you can't win anything with kids', but with the experience of Sean St.Ledger, Morgan, and Richie Wellens and the exciting younger players Pearson is looking for, hopefully that is a recipe for success.

Leicester release six players

Leicester City have released six players, with England international Darius Vassell being the most high profile player on the exit list.

Vassell, 31, had an injury hit 2011/12 season with the Foxes after being signed by Sven-Goran Eriksson in November 2010. He made 44 appearances for the club, mostly as a substitute, scoring six times. Bulgarian international defender Aleksander Tunchev, 30, has also been released along with goalkeeper Chris Weale, midfielder Matt Oakley and strikers Steve Howard and Elliott Chamberlain.

Tunchev was bought by current manager Nigel Pearson during his first spell at the club from CSKA Sofia in July 2008, but much like Vassell, his time at the King Power Stadium has been curtailed by injuries, playing 34 games in four seasons.

Howard, 36 and Oakley, 34, were signed from Derby County by Ian Holloway in January 2008. Both were unable to prevent Leicester from being relegated to League One, but the duo played a key role in the club winning the division at the first time of asking. Howard formed a formidable partnership with Matty Fryatt and was named Player of the Season while Oakley captained the side throughout the campaign. Howard made 147 appearances, scoring 28 goals while Oakley made 137 appearances, scoring ten times.

Weale, 30, signed from Bristol City in May 2009 and became City's number one for the club's return in the Championship. However, the signing of Kasper Schmeichel last season saw Weale drop down the pecking order and he was loaned out to Northampton Town. The 'keeper made 75 appearances for Leicester.

Youth team product Chamberlain, 20, never made a first team appearance for City.

Premier League Preview: The Final Day

 

Never in Premier League history has so much been riding on the last 90 minutes of a season. The 2011/12 season culminates on Sunday with three major issues still waiting to be resolved: Who will qualify for next season's Champions League? Who will be relegated? And more importantly, who will win the title?

Race for the title

Current Standings      Last day fixtures

1. Man City +63 86      Manchester City v QPR
2. Man Utd +55 86       Sunderland v Manchester United

The equation is simple. Manchester City have to beat Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium and they will win their first title in 44 years. City's home record this season has been phenomenal, winning 18 out of 19 home games and drawing the other. On paper then, a home banker. Not at all. QPR are scrapping for their lives at the other end of the table and need three points to guarantee safety. There are a few other sub-plots to consider as well. R's manager Mark Hughes is returning back to the club where he was sacked in a "very unethical way" according to Sir Alex Ferguson and will be eager to prove a point to the City owners. What better way than to spoil their party? Add to that QPR trio Shaun Wright-Phillips, Nedum Onuoha and Joey Barton returning to the club where they made their name, and Anton Ferdinand hoping to do his brother Rio a favour and City's chickens shouldn't be counted.

If City do slip up, then neighbours Manchester United can steal the title. If there is one thing we all know about Man United it's that they don't know when they are beaten. The current champions are away to an out of form Sunderland and will be favourites to win the game, if not the title. But the Black Cats' manager Martin O'Neill will also want to make sure the season doesn't fizzle out after a fantastic turnaround in fortunes since his appointment. Sunderland haven't won a league game since a 3-1 win at home to QPR on the 24 March seven games ago, but on their day can beat anyone in the league. Just ask Man City, who they beat 1-0 on New Year's Day and are the only team to come away from the Etihad with a point and should have arguably got all three.

Fight for fourth

Current Standings             Last Day Fixtures

3. Arsenal +24 67                Everton v Newcastle
4. Tottenham +23 66           Tottenham v Fulham
---------------------------         West Brom v Arsenal
5. Newcastle +7 65

This is far more complicated, with three clubs fighting out for two spots and Champions League qualification. Arsenal are currently in pole position and travel to the Hawthorns on the final day to face West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham are the current occupants of the final Champions League place and welcome Fulham to White Hart Lane. This season's surprise package Newcastle are still in with a chance of Champions League football, but must win at an in form Everton and hope either Spurs or Arsenal lose.

The Hawthorns is sure to have a carnival atmosphere on Sunday as the Baggies say goodbye to new England manager Roy Hodgson. With this in mind, the home side will be determined to end the season with a win and in turn secure a top half finish. For Arsenal to finish third they must simply win. However, if they do lose, they will have to hope Spurs lose and Newcastle fail to win. A draw will be good enough to finish at least fourth.

On paper, Spurs have the easier fixture on the last day with a home game against Fulham. Their form however, isn't the best. They have won just three of their 12 league games since the end of February, while Fulham have won five of their last seven and can finish as high as seventh. But a more encouraging stat for Spurs is that Fulham have only won four away games this season and scored only 12 goals, the second lowest in the division. For Spurs to finish third they have to win and hope Arsenal fail to beat West Brom. A draw will be good enough providing Newcastle fail to win and Arsenal lose by two or more goals.

Newcastle visit Everton on Sunday needing to win due to their inferior goal difference compared to the two North London clubs. It won't be easy though, as they face an Everton side who are unbeaten in their last eight games. Indeed both clubs have had successful seasons, with Everton looking set to finish above Merseyside rivals Liverpool for the first time since 2004/05. But it's the Toon who have taken the most plaudits this season. Many expected them to struggle at the start of the season after selling key players, but the form of their two strikers Demba Ba and Papis Cisse has seen them in a scenario where they are guaranteed at least Europa League football. Newcastle have to win at Everton and hope either Spurs fail to win or Arsenal lose or both to finish a remarkable season in the top four.

To add to the confusion, whoever finishes the season in fourth place are not sure of Champions League football. If Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in the final of the Champions League, then it will be they who qualify for the competition next season and the team who finishes fourth will drop into the Europa League. If Chelsea lose, then the team who finishes fourth will play in the Champions League, entering the competition in the playoff stage.

Relegation dog fight

Current standings                 Last Day Fixtures

17. QPR -22 37                       Manchester City v QPR
------------------------                Stoke City v Bolton
18. Bolton -31 35

Blackburn Rovers and Wolves have already been relegated into the Championship, but who will join them? It will be either last season's winners of the Championship, Queens Park Rangers or Premier League stalwarts Bolton, who have been in England's top division since 2001.

The R's are currently favourites to stay up after their recent home form. Five consecutive wins at Loftus Road against Liverpool, Arsenal, Swansea, Tottenham and Stoke has seen them go into the last day with a chance of survival which seemed unlikely a couple of months ago. As already mentioned, if they are to stay up in their first season back in the Premier League they will have to take a point at the Etihad Stadium, which seems unlikely. Their best chance of staying up will come at the Britannia Stadium, as Stoke take on Bolton.

It's been a turbulent season for Wanderers. They have struggled near the bottom of the Premier League from almost the outset, but it was the collapse of midfielder Fabrice Muamba in an FA Cup tie at Tottenham which put it all into reality. Muamba's remarkable recovery in hospital coincided with Bolton becoming galvanised on the pitch as results picked up at a crucial stage of the season. Due to their inferior goal difference, Bolton need all three points at Stoke to have a chance of staying up, but we all know that is easier said than done for any team that goes to the Britannia Stadium. A win for the Potters would equal their best points tally in the Premier League, some going for a team that will play its 56th match of a gruelling season. They've only lost four times at home in the league this season, but there is some hope for Bolton. Last season, Wigan needed a win on the last day at the Britannia to stay up. They did

FA Cup final preview

Chelsea v Liverpool
FA Cup Final - Wembley
Saturday 5 May. Kick off: 17:15

Match Preview:

Chelsea and Liverpool meet at Wembley on Saturday looking to bounce back in the best possible fashion from surprising midweek defeats.

Chelsea's form in recent weeks has been nothing short of outstanding. After sacking Andre Villas-Boas and replacing him with assistant Roberto Di Matteo the Blues haven't looked back. 15 games under Di Matteo has yielded only two defeats at Manchester City and Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle. But there form prior to Papis Cisse's two wonder goals had seen everyone stand up and take note of Di Matteo's credentials. A 5-1 crushing of Tottenham in the FA Cup semi final was followed by a ground out 1-0 win at home to Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi final. After a goalless draw at Arsenal, the Blues put in what must be the performance of the season, drawing 2-2 in the Nou Camp to knock out Messi and co and reach the final in Munich. The week was rounded off with a superb 6-1 win against rivals QPR, with much maligned striker Fernando Torres bagging a hat-trick.

Meanwhile, the Reds have already lifted silverware at Wembley this season, beating Cardiff City on penalties in the Carling Cup final, but have underperformed in the league under manager Kenny Dalglish since that epic match in February. They have lost seven of their 12 league games including home defeats to Wigan, West Brom and most recently Fulham and face the realistic possibility of finishing the season outside the top seven. However there is no doubt that Liverpool have enjoyed their best success of the season in the cups, knocking out Chelsea and then Man City over two legs in the Carling Cup and Man United and a resurgent Everton in the FA Cup to reach two Wembley finales. To win two trophies out of the three that they have entered must be deemed as a success on Merseyside, despite a below par league standing.

Form: (Last 5 games)

Chelsea: WDXWL

Liverpool: WWLWL

Stats:

Chelsea:

• This will be Chelsea's fourth FA Cup final in the past six seasons. The Blues won the previous three.
• Hold a 5-4 head-to-head lead over Liverpool in the FA Cup
• Caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo won the FA Cup twice as a player with Chelsea in 1997 and 2000.

Liverpool:

• Have won their last four matches versus Chelsea in all competitions.
• On the three previous occasions Liverpool beat Everton in an FA Cup semi-final, the Reds have gone on to lose the final.
• Looking to become the first club to win the FA Cup/League Cup double twice, having done it in 2001.

Team news:

Chelsea: Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata are amongst those expected to be recalled after being on the bench for Wednesday night's league defeat against Newcastle.
Either Didier Drogba or Fernando Torres will start as a lone striker. Defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill are both doubts with hamstring injuries.

Liverpool: Kenny Dalglish is also expected to make changes having made nine for the league defeat against Fulham on Tuesday. Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Jose Enrique are all set to start.
Midfielders Lucas Leiva and Charlie Adam are Liverpool's only injury concerns.

Likely line-ups:

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Mata, Sturridge, Drogba.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Gerrard, Kuyt, Bellamy, Downing, Suarez.

Odds: (Skybet) Chelsea (11/8) Draw (9/4) Liverpool (2/1)
Steven Gerrard to score first: 10/1

Premier League Preview 2011/12

It's the league where every team in England (and Wales) want to play. Often described as the best league in the world, the English Premier League has the best players, the most entertaining matches, and more importantly for the clubs, where the money is at. I'll give all of the twenty teams a lowdown and predict where each will come in what is sure to be another exciting season.

Arsenal:


2010/11: Premier League: 4th. FA Cup: Sixth Round. League Cup: Runners up. Champions League: Round of 16. Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie (22)

Key Player: Cesc Fabregas. At the time of writing, Fabregas is still an Arsenal player. But like the past few summers, the Spaniard has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona. The future of Samir Nasri has also been in doubt, although he looks like he will be staying at the Emirates Stadium for this season at least. If both stay, then Arsenal will again challenge for the title. Should they both depart, then Champions League qualification could be in jeopardy.

Lowdown: Last seasons League Cup final against Birmingham City was meant to end Arsenal's six years without a trophy. Instead, it was the the beginning of a disastrous end to the season. Birmingham beat the Gunners 2-1 at Wembley and within two weeks, they had crashed out of the Champions League and FA Cup to Barcelona and Manchester United respectively. Their form in the league wasn't great either. After losing to Birmingham, they won just three of their last 11 league games, ending the season in a disappointing fourth.

Transfers: In: Gervinho (£12m from Lille) Carl Jenkinson (£1.2m from Charlton). Out: Gael Clichy (£7m to Man City), Denilson (Loan to Sao Paulo), Wellington (Loan to Levante), Mark Randall (Free to Chesterfield), Roarie Deacon (Free to Sunderland), Tom Cruise, Jens Lehmann (both released).

Prediction: If any of the teams who finished in the top four last season are going to drop out, it's going to be Arsenal. However, the chasing pack are still a long way behind the Gunners. 4th

Aston Villa:


2010/11: Premier League: 9th. FA Cup: Fifth Round. League Cup: Quarter Final. Europa League: Fourth Qualifying Round. Top Goalscorer: Ashley Young & Darren Bent (9)

Key Player: Darren Bent. When Villa paid Sunderland £24 million for Bent in January 2011, both eyebrows and questions were raised at the price. However, Sunderland's loss was definitely Villa's gain as the England international scored nine goals, including a brace at the Emirates Stadium as they beat Arsenal 2-1 to steer the club away from relegation and towards a respectable ninth placed finish.

Lowdown: Villa were inconsistent last season, largely because they had four managers in a season. Martin O'Neill surprisingly resigned at the beginning of last season, leaving Kevin McDonald to take temporary charge. Gerard Houlier was then appointed manager, but health issues meant he had to step down, leaving ex-player Gary McAllister in charge for the final five games of the season. They have since appointed Alex McLeish as manager from rivals Birmingham, much to the dismay of many fans. Those fans wouldn't have been cheeerd up with the sales of key players Ashley Young to Man United and Stewart Downing to Liverpool. McLeish faces a tough task to turn fans views around, but Villa must stick with him and replace Young and Downing to avoid another inconsistent season.

Transfers: In: Shay Given (£3.5m from Man City) Out:Ashley Young (£20m to Man United), Stewart Downing (£20m to Liverpool), Brad Friedel (Free to Tottenham), Nigel Reo-Coker, John Carew, Robert Pires (all released)

Prediction: Much will depend on who McLeish buys to replace Young and Downing and if the Scot is given time to turn around restless fans. 10th

Blackburn Rovers:

2010/11: Premier League: 15th. FA Cup: Fourth round. League Cup: Third round. Top Goalscorer: Mame Biram Diouf (6)

Key Player: Paul Robinson. The ex-England keeper pulled off a number of important saves last season to keep Blackburn's head above water. His consistent performances earned him the Supporters' Player of the Year last season as well as a call up back into the England squad. He will be a very important player again this season as Blackburn try and battle the drop once again.

Lowdown: After securing Premier League football for another season on the last day of last season, Blackburn's Indian owners will be hoping the club can push on. After all, they sacked Sam Allardyce when the club was in a comfortable mid-table position and replaced him with unknown manager Steve Kean. It went downhill from there, as they went ten games without a win from the begining of February to the end of April. But they ended the season with a four match unbeaten run to ensure Premier League survival, and they'll be hoping to keep that momentum going at the start of this season. They'll have to do it without youngster Phil Jones. He was sold to Man United for £20m.

Transfers: In: Myles Anderson (Undisclosed from Aberdeen). Out: Phil Joines (£20m to Man United), Frank Fielding (Undisclosed to Derby County) Zurab Khizanishvili (Free to Kayserispor), Jason Brown, Maceo Rigters, Benjani (all released)

Prediction: Rovers need to buy a goalscorer if they are to improve on last season. To do that, the Indian owners need to put their hand in their pocket. 15th

Bolton Wanderers:

2010/11: Premier League: 14th. FA Cup: Semi Final. League Cup: Third Round. Top Goalscorer: Johan Elmander (12)

Key Player: Gary Cahill. He's only 25, but he has already played over 100 times for Bolton. The defender received his first England cap last season after another impressive season and started his first international against Ghana in March. He has also been strongly linked with moves to both Arsenal and Man United in the past few months, but at the time of writing remains a Wanderers player.

Lowdown: Bolton were the surprise team for much of last season, but a poor end to last season meant they finished in a disappointing 14th place, despite spending most of the season in the top half. The reason why arguably stems from the 5-0 defeat to Stoke City in the FA Cup semi final. After that, they lost five of their final six games. This season they need to find a goal scorer. Johan Elmander has joined Galatasary, while Daniel Sturridge has returned to parent club Chelsea.

Transfers: In: Darren Pratley (Free from Swansea). Out: Johan Elmander (Free to Galatasary), Ali Al Habsi (£4m to Wigan Athletic), Danny Ward (Undisclosed to Huddersfield), Jlloyd Samuel, Joey O'Brien, Tamir Cohen (all released)

Prediction: If they can buy a proven goal scorer, then there is no reason why Bolton can't finish in the top half this season. Whether they will or not is another matter. 13th.

Chelsea:

2010/11: Premier League: 2nd. FA Cup: Fourth round. League Cup. Third round. Champions League: Quarter Finals. Top Goalscorer: Nicolas Anelka (16)

Key Player: Didier Drogba. It's no coincidence that Chelsea's loss of form coincided with the Ivorian contracting malaria. He got it while on international duty in October but never recovered fully during the season. Much will depend on Drogba's health if Chelsea are to win another league title under new manager Andre Villas-Boas, especially if £50 million Fernando Torres keeps missing the proverbial barn door with a banjo.

Lowdown: Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as soon as last season had finished. However, it was a month later until Andre Villas-Boas was unveiled as the Blues new manager. Chelsea reportedly paid £12 million in compensation to Porto for Villas-Boas' services after he won a treble with the Portugese club last season. Dubbed the 'new Mourinho', Villas-Boas is only 33, but will take on the most pressure filled job in English club football. Things have been made harder with the news that Michael Essien is out for six months after a knee operation.

Transfers: In: Thibaut Courtois (£7.9m from Genk). Out: Michael Mancienne (£3m to Hamburg), Jacopo Sala, Gokhan Tore (Undisclosed to Hamburg), Fabio Borini (Free to Parma), Jack Cork (Undisclosed to Southampton), Danny Philliskirk (Free to Sheffield United), Jan Sebek (Free to FK Baumit Jablonec) Michael Woods (Released)

Prediction: Chelsea will definitely be challenging for the title, but whether they have the strength in depth to compete in all four competitions is another matter. The Champions League, no doubt, remains Roman Abramovich's biggest obsession. 3rd.

Everton:

2010/11: Premier League: 7th. FA Cup: Fifth Round. League Cup: Third Round. Top Goalscorer: Jermaine Beckford & Louis Saha (10)

Key Player: Mikel Arteta. The Barcelona trainee has shown his class for the Toffess in recent seasons and it's a little wonder how they have managed to keep hold of him. It's also a little wonder how Arteta hasn't played for Spain, which shows just how strong Spain's midfield is. He signed a five year contract extension at the beginning of last season, much to the delight of Everton fans.

Lowdown: Everton's now seemingly traditional poor start to the season cost them once again last season as they went without a win for the first six games of the season. Their form picked up however, leading them to a 7th placed finish. Consistency was also an issue. They crashed out of the League Cup to League One Brentford, and out of the FA Cup against Championship side Reading. Yet they did the double over Man City and took four points off both Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as beating the latter in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Transfers: In: None. Out: James Vaughan (£2.5m to Norwich City), Kieran Agard (Free to Yeovil), Hope Akpan (Free to Crawley), John Nolan (Free to Stockport), Iain Turner (Released)

Prediction: With a good start and more consistent performances against the lesser teams, Everton could go far both in the league and cups. 7th

Fulham:

2010/11: Premier League: 8th. FA Cup:Fifth Round. League Cup: Third Round. Top Goalscorer. Clint Dempsey (13)

Key Player: Clint Dempsey. He is Fulham's all time leading goalscorer in the Premier League as well as holding the record for the most goals scored by an American in a Premier League season. He was also voted Fulham fans Player of the Year. His twelve goals last season were important to the Cottager's impressive top half finish. If you take the American's goals out of the season, Fulham would have had eight less points and would have finished 16th.

Lowdown: The 2011/12 season has already started for Fulham after entering the Europa League First Qualifying Round on 30th June, 39 days after last season ended. The club's brief summer holiday was interrupted with the shock reisgnation of Mark Hughes. In came ex Tottenham manager Martin Jol, who will be hoping to reach another respectable league position as well as another good run in the Europa League at a club who constantly punch above their weight.

Transfers: In: Marcel Gecov (£700k from Slovan Liberec), John Arne Riise (Undisclosed from Roma), Dan Burn (Undisclosed from Darlington), Tom Donegan (Undisclosed from Everton), Csaba Somogyi (Free from Rakospalotai). Out: Jonathan Greening (Undisclosed to Nottingham Forest), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Undisclosed to Crystal Palace), Zoltan Gera (Free to West Brom), Diomansy Kamara (Free to Eskisehirspor), Eddie Johnson, Pascal Zuberbuhler, John Pantsil, Matthew Saunders (All released)

Prediction: Fulham may get a good start as they will be well into the swing of competitve football by the time the league season starts. But they may end the season tired and results may deteriorate. 9th

Liverpool:

2010/11: Premier League: 6th. FA Cup: Third Round. League Cup: Third Round. Europa League: Last 16. Top Goalscorer: Dirk Kuyt (15)

Key Player: Luis Suarez. The Uruguyan came to prominence at the 2010 World Cup as he helped his country reach the semi finals. He literally gave Uruguay a helping hand as he handled on the goal line in the last minute of extra time in the Quarter Final against Ghana, but his goals for both country and his old club Ajax helped secure a move to Merseyside. Liverpool paid £22 million for Suarez's services, and he became an instant hit, scoring in front of the Kop on his debut against Stoke. He then provided all three goals for Dirk Kuyt when Liverpool beat Man United in February. After spending half a season in England, much is expected of Suarez this season.

Lowdown: Last season was a season of two halves. The first, under Roy Hodgson, was bordering on a disaster. A poor start to the league season, as well as a shock exit in the Carling Cup against League Two Northampton Town, meant it was only a matter of time until Hodgson was sacked. In came Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, and after buying Suarez and Andy Carroll from Newcastle and selling Fernando Torres to Chelsea, results and performances improved. An impressive sixth placed finish followed, and the big spending has continued this season.

Transfers: In: Jordan Henderson (Undisclosed from Sunderland), Charlie Adam (Undisclosed from Blackpool), Stewart Downing (Undisclosed from Aston Villa), Doni (Free from Roma). Out: Paul Konchesky (Undisclosed to Leicester City), Gerardo Bruna (Free to Blackpool)

Prediction: Liverpool have strengthened, but the players they have bought aren't world class and they still have some dead wood to sell. Champions League qualification will be a step too far. 5th.

Manchester City:

2010/11: Premier League: 3rd. FA Cup: Winners. League Cup: Third Round. Europa League: Round of 16. Top Goalscorer: Carlos Tevez (23)

Key Player: Joe Hart. Last season was arguably Hart's best. He became both England and Man City's Number One, and was instrumental in ending the club's 35 year drought without a trophy as they won the FA Cup. He kept 29 clean sheets, 19 of which were in the league, winning Hart the Golden Glove. He is, however, prone to the odd error, something he'll hope to sort out sooner rather than later.

Lowdown: With Man City's billions, it was no surprise that they broke into the top four. Roberto Mancini's men were expected to qualify for the Champions League given the vast amount of money they spent last summer. More importantly, they ended the club's 35 years without a trophy, beating Stoke City in the FA Cup final. Now, City face the prospect of Champions League football, and a true test of how far their money can take them.

Transfers: In: Gael Clichy (£7m from Arsenal), Stefan Savic (Undisclosed from Partizan). Out: Felipe Caicedo (£1m to Levante), Jerome Boateng (Undisclosed to Bayern Munich), Shay Given (£3.5m to Aston Villa), Jo (Undisclosed to Internacional), Donal McDermott (Undisclosed to Huddersfield), Scott Kay (Free to Macclesfield), James Poole (Free to Hartlepool), Shaleum Logan (Free to Brentford), Kim Skogsrud and Tom Skogsrud (Free to Rangers), Andrew Tutte (Free to Rochdale), Javan Vidal (Free to Yeovil Town) Patrick Vieira (Retired).

Prediction: They should be Man United's biggest rivals to the Premier League title, and a good run in the Champions League will be a good season for the Citizens. 2nd.

Manchester United:

2010/11: Premier League: 1st. FA Cup: Semi Finals. League Cup: Quarter Final. Champions League: Runners up. Top Goalscorer: Dimitar Berbatov (21)

Key Player: Wayne Rooney. In October last season, Rooney said that he wanted to leave the club and it looked like United's season was in jeopardy. But after a remarkable u-turn from Rooney, United never looked back. There were still doubts over Rooney's form, that was until he scored a remarkable bicycle kick against rivals Man City which Sir Alex Ferguson described as the best goal he ever witnessed at Old Trafford. Rooney's hat-trick against West Ham in April helped United come from 2-0 down, scoring his 100th Premier League goal in the process, while in the penultimate game of the season, Rooney scored a penalty in a 1-1 draw at Blackburn to secure United's 19th top division title.

Lowdown: Last season was one to remember for United fans, just because they overtook Liverpool's 18 league titles. The worrying thing for United's title rivals is that they have strengthened their squad with the additions of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David De Gea. Two players who have left are Edwin Van Der Sar and Paul Scholes, both have retired, but their squad is still strong enough to compete in all competitions. The only forgetable part of last season was the Champions League Final, where they succumbed to Barcelona's skill, speed and passing. Fergie and company will be more determined than ever to win a fourth European Cup.

Prediction: A 20th league title is achievable with the squad they have, and if they avoid Barcelona, they could well win the Champions League as well. 1st.

Newcastle United:

2010/11: Premier League: 12th. FA Cup: Third Round. League Cup: Fourth Round. Top Goalscorer: Kevin Nolan (12)

Key Player: Cheik Tiote. The Ivorian midfielder has become something of a cult-hero at St James' Park for his tough tackling and all action displays. Indeed, he had one of the worst disciplinary records in the Premier League last season, picking up 14 yellow cards and one red. But it was his goal against Arsenal which sealed a place in Toon fans hearts, a 25 yard volley which completed Newcastle's turnaround coming from 4-0 down to draw 4-4. Halfway through last season Tiote was linked with a move to Real Madrid, but he signed a new six year contract, keeping him at Newcastle until 2017.

Lowdown: The beginning of the 2010/11 season was rosy for Newcastle. They thrashed Aston Villa 6-0 in their first home game of the season, plus they beat rivals Sunderland 5-1 at St James Park and won 1-0 at Arsenal. But after Chris Hughton's surprise sacking in December and Andy Carroll being sold on the last day of the January transfer window to Liverpool, Newcastle's results dropped. Fortunately for Newcastle, they had already amassed enough points in the first half of the season to stave off the threat of relegation. The sale of last season's top scorer Kevin Nolan to Championship side West Ham may prove to be a bad piece of business.

Transfers: In: Mehdi Abeid (Free from Lens), Demba Ba (Free from West Ham United), Sylvain Marveaux (Free from Rennes), Yohan Cabaye (£4.3m from Lille). Out: Kevin Nolan (£3m to West Ham United), Ben Tozer (Free to Northampton Town), Daniel Leadbitter (Free to Torquay United), Patrick McLaughlin (Free to York City), Sol Campbell, Shefki Kuqi, Matthew Grieve, Andy Mogwo, Nathan Evans, Ryan Page, Ben Robinson, Aaron Spear (all released)

Prediction: They should have enough quality to stay up. New signing Demba Ba will be responsible for filling the void left by Andy Carroll in the second half of last season. 14th.

Norwich City:

2010/11: Championship: 2nd. FA Cup: Third Round. League Cup: Second Round. Top Goalscorer: Grant Holt (23)

Key Player: Grant Holt. The Norwich captain scored 21 league goals last season to help the club achieve back to back promotions. This will be his first season in the Premier League; a far cry from where he began his career at non-league Workington. He is well known in the Football League, where he has scored goals at Rochdale, Nottingham Forest and Shrewsbury, before Norwich paid the Shrews £400,000 for him. His scoring raito for the Canaries is better than one in two, and has been Norwich's player of the season for the past two years.

Lowdown: Norwich fans couldn't have wished for a better past two seasons. They strolled to the League One title, despite being humiliated on the opening fixture of that season, losing 7-1 at home to Colchester. Many Canaries fans would have settled for a comfortable mid table finish in the Championship the following season. But instead, they were in and around the playoffs for much of the season before a final surge saw them finish second. It's a remarkable rise, and much of the credit has to go to manager Paul Lambert. Ironically, Lambert was the Colchester manager who masterminded the 7-1 defeat of Norwich. Delia Smith and company sacked then Norwich manager Brian Gunn and brought in Lambert. The rest, as they say, is history.

Transfers: In: James Vaughan (Undisclosed from Everton), Steve Morison (Undisclosed from Millwall), Elliott Bennett (Undisclosed from Brighton & Hove Albion), Anthony Pilkington (Undisclosed from Huddersfield Town), Bradley Johnson (Free from Leeds United), Ritchie De Laet (Loan from Manchester United), Kyle Naughton (Loan from Tottenham Hotspur). Out: Luke Daley (Undisclosed to Plymouth Argyle), Matthew Gill (Free to Bristol Rovers), Sam Habergham (Free to Tamworth), Jens Berthel Askou (Released)

Prediction: If any of the newly promoted teams are going to stay up, it's going to be Norwich. They have made impressive signings and more importantly, have a winning mentality. 17th.

Queens Park Rangers:

2010/11: Championship: Winners. FA Cup: Third Round. League Cup: First Round. Top Goalscorer: Adel Taarabt (19)

Key Player: Adel Taarabt. On his day, Taarabt can be devastating, carving open defences as easily as a knife through butter. He has skills, he has pace, he can dribble and he can finish. But when he has an off day, he can be very frustrating. Fortunately for QPR fans, they saw the former a majority of the time last season as he helped Neil Warnock's side win the Championship. But which Taarabt will they see this season? He has made it clear that he wants to move to a bigger club. Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with his signature, and Paris Saint Germain have also been strongly linked. He is QPR's captain this season but whether his head is there or not will be key to QPR's fortunes.

Lowdown: QPR spent a lot of money last season trying to get promotion, which they ulitimately achieved, even if their was a cloud hanging over them on the last day of last season as the threat of a points deduction threatened to spoil their promotion party. They are meant to be one of the richest clubs in the world, yet this summer they haven't spent a penny in transfer fees. That doesn't mean they'll struggle, as they have got some very good players in Taarabt, Paddy Kenny and new signings Jay Bothroyd and Kieron Dyer (when fit), but manager Neil Warnock himself has said he is surprised by the lack of transfer activity taking place at Loftus Road.

Transfers: In: Jay Bothroyd (Free from Cardiff City), Kieron Dyer (Free from West Ham United). Out: Mikele Legertwood (Undisclosed to Reading), Georgios Tofas (Free to Anagennisi Dherynia), Lee Brown (Free to Bristol Rovers), Joe Oastler (Free to Torquay United), Gavin Mahon, Josh Parker, Elliott Cox, Roman Rose, Pascal Chimbonda (all released).

Prediction: Much will depend on Taarabt. His mind is probably elsewhere, and if QPR don't strengthen, they'll be in trouble. 20th.

Stoke City:

2010/11: Premier League: 13th. FA Cup: Runners up. League Cup: Fourth Round. Top Goalscorer: Kenwyne Jones & Jonathan Walters (12)

Key Player: Ryan Shawcross. Stoke's captain and a rock in the heart of their defence, Shawcross has been an ever present in helping Stoke survive three seasons in the Premier League. His impressive performances have lead him to be linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium, but no doubt he will stay at a club who will be playing Europa League football after losing last seasons FA Cup final to Man City. He has also been called up to the England squad, but has yet to receive an international cap. If he performs as consistently as he did last season, he will be knocking on Fabio Capello's door.

Lowdown: Stoke continued to punch above their weight, with another safe mid-table finish in the league last season. The season will be best remembered however, for Stoke reaching the FA Cup final, the first in the clubs 148 year history. That has earnt them Europa League football this season, and Potters fans will be hoping for a good run in Europe. They still have the stigma of being a side who constantly hoof the ball instead of passing it despite having scored some well worked goals last season. They are a much better side than scoring goals from a Rory Delap throw in when they first came into the Premier League, and their league positions and cup runs have shown as much.

Transfers: In: Jonathan Woodgate (Free from Tottenham Hotspur). Out: Abdoulaye Faye (Free to West Ham United), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Free to AEK Athens), Ibrahima Sonko (Released).

Prediction: The Potters will continue to make steady progress under Tony Pulis. A good run in Europe could be a help or a hinderence. 11th.

Sunderland:

2010/11: Premier League: 10th. FA Cup: Third Round. League Cup: Third Round. Top Goalscorer: Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent (11)

Key Player: Asamoah Gyan. After an impressive World Cup for Ghana, Sunderland paid a club record £13 million for him from Rennes. He had a good debut season at the Stadium of Light, scoring on his debut against Wigan. Much will be expected of the Ghanian this season as he is expected to fill Darren Bent's shoes after his move to Aston Villa in January.

Lowdown: Sunderland struggled after selling Darren Bent to Villa. Bent left when Sunderland were sixth, but nine games without a win saw the Black Cats drop to 14th and into a relegation battle. They did manage to steer clear from relegation, finishing in the top half of the table, but the lack of presence up front following Bent's departure raised questions for this season. To address this, Steve Bruce has bought ten players including hot prospect Connor Wickham, but has lost Jordan Henderson to Liverpool.

Transfers: In: Ahmed Elmohamady (£2m from ENPPI), Connor Wickham (£12m from Ipswich Town), Ji Dong-Won (£2m from Chunnam Dragons), Craig Gardner (£6m from Birmingham City), Sebastian Larsson (Free from Birmingham City), Keiren Westwood (Free from Coventry City), Roarie Deacon (Free from Arsenal), Wes Brown (£1m from Manchester United), John O'Shea (£5m from Manchester United), David Vaughan (Free from Blackpool). Out: Jordan Henderson (£16m to Liverpool), Cristian Riveros (Loan to Kayserispor), Liam Noble (Loan to Carlisle United), Boudewijn Zenden, Jean-Yves M'voto, Nathan Luscombe, Robbie Weir, Michael Noble (all released).

Prediction: Once all Sunderland's summer signings have gelled and Bent's goals have been replaced, the Black cats will again finish in the top half. 8th.

Swansea City:

2010/11: Championship: 3rd. FA Cup: Fourth Round. League Cup: Fourth Round. Top Goalscorer: Scott Sinclair (24)

Key Player: Scott Sinclair. His hat-trick in last season's play off final against Reading ensured that a Welsh team will be playing in the Premier League for the first time. After starting his career at Bristol Rovers, he joined Chelsea but struggled to break into the first team. He had loan spells at six different clubs before joining the Swans at the beginning of last season. It was a great debut season as he scored 19 league goals; his pace causing problems for Championship defences. He will be wanting to prove to Chelsea that he can play at Premier League level.

Lowdown: Brendon Rodgers became Swansea manager at the beginning of last season after Paulo Sousa left for Leicester City. He couldn't have wished for a better debut as the Swans gained promotion via the playoffs. After finishing the season third, they played Nottingham Forest in the semi finals. Despite playing most of the game with ten men, they held on for a goalless draw at the City Ground before winning 3-1 at home. They met Reading at Wembley, where Sinclair's hat-trick helped the Swans win 4-2 in an entertaining playoff final. Their preparation for life in the Premier League has been scuppered with the departures of captain Darren Pratley to Bolton and goalkeeper Dorus de Vries to Wolves.

Transfers: In. Danny Graham (£3.5m from Watford), Jose Moreira (Undisclosed from Benfica), Steven Caulker (Loan from Tottenham Hotspur). Out: Darren Pratley (Free to Bolton Wanderers), Dorus de Vries (Free to Wolves), Albert Serran (Free to AEK Larnaca), Scott Donnelly (Loan to Wycombe Wanderers), Kerry Morgan (Free to Neath), Cedric van der Gun, Yves Makabu Ma-Kalambay (all released)

Prediction: The loss of Pratley and de Vries is a blow. Their passing football will be easy on the eye, but it won't save them from relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur:

2010/11: Premier League: 5th. FA Cup: Fourth Round. League Cup: Third Round. Champions League: Quarter Finals. Top Goalscorer: Rafael van der Vaart (15)

Key Player: Gareth Bale. Everyone in the world knows about Gareth Bale after his stunning hat-trick against Inter Milan in last seasons Champions League. He demolished arguably the best right back in the world, Maicon, with his pace, skill and crossing. His performances throughout last season helped Tottenham to the quarter finals of the Champions League and earnt him a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year and he was also named the PFA Players' Player of the Year. He missed the end of last season through injury, which coincided with Spurs winning once in ten games, which proved costly as Spurs missed out on a second successive season of Champions League football.

Lowdown: Harry Redknapp's side have gained many admirers from neutrals as they play exciting attacking football. The player that pulls the strings for Spurs is Croatian Luka Modric. His future at White Hart Lane is in doubt after being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester United. While Tottenham have many other quality players like Bale and Rafael van der Vaart, losing Modric would be a massive blow.

Transfers: In: Brad Friedel (Free from Aston Villa), Souleymane Coulibaly (£1.3m from Siena). Out: Jonathan Woodgate (Free to Stoke City), Paul-Jose M'poku (£600k to Standard Liege), Jamie O'Hara (£5m to Wolves), Steven Caulker (Loan to Swansea City), Kyle Naughton (Loan to Tottenham Hotspur).

Prediction: Much will depend on the sale of Luka Modric. If he stays, then Spurs will challenge for Champions League football. If he goes, then they'll struggle to replicate last seasons fifth placed finish. 6th.

West Bromwich Albion

2010/11: Premier League: 11th. FA Cup: Third Round. League Cup: Fifth Round. Top Goalscorer: Peter Odemwingie (15)

Key Player: Peter Odemwingie. The Nigerian international signed for the Baggies last August from Lokomotiv Moscow and was an immediate success. He scored an 81st minute winner on his debut against Sunderland and also scored in Albion's 3-2 victory at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. He had scored ten goals by March and became West Brom's top goalscorer in a season. He also won two Premier League Player of the Month awards in September and April. His goals were key in ensuring West Brom a healthy 11th placed finish in their first season back in the Premier League.

Lowdown: Roberto Di Matteo's sacking came something of a surprise when it was announced on February. The club were out of the relegation zone and looked like they would stay up. Roy Hodgson was brought in and after an impressive run of results, steered Albion to a mid table finish and the club's decision to sack Di Matteo look justified. In the 13 games that Hodgson managed, Albion lost only twice. Hodgson and Baggies fans will be looking for another season safe from relegation.

Transfers: In: Gareth McAuley (Free from Ipswich Town), Billy Jones (Free from Preston North End), Zoltan Gera (Free from Fulham). Out: Scott Carson (£1.5m to Bursaspor), Gianni Zuiverloon (Undisclosed to Real Mallorca), Giles Barnes (Free to Nottingham Forest), Abdoulaye Meite (Free to Dijon), Reuben Reid (Free to Oldham Athletic), Marcus Haber (Released), Dean Kiely (Retired)

Prediction: Albion shouldn't have to worry about the threat of relegation while Hodgson is at the helm. A good cup run may also happen. 12th.

Wigan Athletic:

2010/11: Premier League: 16th. FA Cup: Fourth Round. League Cup: Quarter Final. Top Goalscorer: Charles N'Zogbia (10)

Key Player: Hugo Rodallega. The Colombian has been a huge success for the Latics since he arrived two and a half seasons ago. He is Wigan's all time leading goal scorer in the Premier League, scoring 22 goals, including the goal that kept Wigan in the Premier League last season on the last day of the season at Stoke. His goals will be even more important should last season's top goalscorer Charles N'Zogbia leave to join Aston Villa.

Lowdown: For a club of Wigan's size to have spent six consecutive seasons in the Premier League is something of a miracle. They were 13 minutes away from ending their stay last season. A 0-0 draw at Stoke wasn't enough for them to stay up before Rodallega headed a 77th minute winner. The four games they went unbeaten at the end of last season, including coming from two goals down to beat West Ham 3-2, were priceless. They'll face another battle this season to keep up their record of being the only team in England not to be relegated from the top flight.

Transfers: In: Ali Al-Habsi (£4m from Bolton Wanderers). Out: Antonio Amaya (Undisclosed to Real Betis), Steven Caldwell (Free to Birmingham City), Jason Koumas, Daniel de Ridder, Joseph Holt, Thomas Lambert, Thomas Oakes, Abian Serrano Davila (all released).

Prediction: It'll be a case of unlucky seven for Latics fans as their stay in the Premier League will come to an end. But not without a fight. 18th.

Wolverhampton Wanderers:

2010/11: Premier League: 17th. FA Cup: Fourth Round. League Cup. Fourth Round. Top Goalscorer: Steven Fletcher (12)

Key Player: Matt Jarvis. Wolves' Player of the Season had a season to remember at Molineux last season. His displays earnt him his first England cap, coming off the bench against Ghana in March, and also signing a new contract to keep him at the club until 2015. He featured in all but one of Wolves' Premier League games last season and scored four times. It was his dribbling, however, which caught the eye, often running down the left wing and delivering crosses into the box. He provided six assists last season, and will be key to Wolves' success this season.

Lowdown: You would've thought that Wolves had won the league judging by the scenes at Molineux after the final whistle on the last day of last season. Instead, they had stayed up by the skin of their teeth, by one place and one point. Their survival is largely down to their home record. They picked up 28 of their 40 points at Molineux, including wins against Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Transfers: In: Jamie O'Hara (£5m from Tottenham Hotspur), Roger Johnson (Undisclosed from Birmingham City), Dorus de Vries (Free from Swansea City). Out: Greg Halford (£1m to Portsmouth), Adriano Basso, John Dunleavy, Marcus Hahnemann, David Jones, Nathan Rooney (all released)

Prediction: They face another battle to keep their Premier League status but their home record should see them survive. 16th.

My Premier League Table:

1.Man United
2.Man City
3.Chelsea
4.Arsenal
5.Liverpool
6.Tottenham
7.Everton
8.Sunderland
9.Fulham
10.Aston Villa
11.Stoke City
12.West Brom
13.Bolton
14.Newcastle
15.Blackburn
16.Wolves
17.Norwich
18.Wigan
19.Swansea
20.QPR

That is my take on the forthcoming Premier League season. No doubt their will be shocks and surprises and many twists and turns. If it's anything like last season, it will be one to remember.

Note: All transfers accurate up to the time of writing.