A look at EPL 2010 -2011

From TheStar

A look at the 20 English Premier League clubs and their prospects

ARSENAL
Nickname: Gunners.
Stadium: Emirates Stadium (capacity 60,355).
Manager: Arsene Wenger (since September 1996).
Honours: Champion 13 times (last in 2004), FA Cup 10 times (last in 2005), League Cup twice (last in 1993), Cup Winners' Cup (1994), Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (1970).
Last season: 3rd.
New players: Laurent Koscielny (Lorient), Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux)
Departed: Luke Freeman (Yeovil Town — loan), Kerrea Gilbert (released), Mikael Silvestre (released), William Gallas (released), Sanchez Watt (Leeds United — loan), Sol Campbell (Newcastle), Pedro Botelho (Cartagena — loan), Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Francis Coquelin (Lorient — loan), Luke Ayling (Yeovil Town), Philippe Senderos (Fulham), Fran Merida (Atletico Madrid).
prospects: The season will start on a high note after Cesc Fabregas announced he was staying after Barcelona's bids for its former youth player were rejected. But should the Gunners fail to capture any silverware for the sixth successive season, their 23-year-old captain may decide to renew his push to move to the Spanish champions. Manager Arsene Wenger has once again resisted spending big money in this transfer window. Instead, the Frenchman shrewdly brought in long-term target Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer and center back Laurent Koscielny. Both have looked promising in preseason — Chamakh adds aerial presence to a side that, at times, relies too heavily on carving teams open through the middle of the field, while Koscielny has displayed excellent positional awareness and already appears to have struck a partnership with Thomas Vermaelen.

ASTON VILLA
Nickname: Villa.
Stadium: Villa Park (42,788).
Manager: Kevin MacDonald (temporary since August 2010).
Honours: Champion seven times (last in 1981), FA Cup seven times (last in 1957), League Cup five times (last in 1996), European Cup (1982), European Super Cup (1983).
Last season: 6th.
New players: None
Departed: Wilfred Bouma (released), Stephen O'Halloran (Coventry).
Prospects: Villa's plans were thrown into turmoil when manager Martin O'Neill quit days before the start of the season. No new players appeared to be arriving, with only more departures on the horizon. Villa has been able to keep Manchester City at bay as it pursues James Milner, but the league's big spenders could weigh in with an offer too tempting. Milner would be reunited with former Villa teammate Gareth Barry, a fellow England midfielder, who moved to Eastlands in the last offseason. Villa has finished sixth the past three seasons, which signifies it is consistently vying for European qualification, but must quickly recover from the shock loss of O'Neill and the potential departure of the versatile Milner. Enhancing its place in the Premier League could prove difficult for Villa this season. Clubs around them have all improved while they are likely to fall behind if they fail to recruit a few quality signings.

BIRMINGHAM
Nickname: The Blues.
Stadium: St. Andrew's (30,079).
Manager: Alex McLeish (since November 2007).
Honours: League Cup winner (1963), league best 6th in 1956, FA Cup runner-up (1931, '56), Inter-Cities Fairs' Cup runner-up (1960, '61).
Last season: 9th
New players: Nikola Zigic (Valencia), Enric Valles (NAC Breda), Ben Foster (Manchester United).
Departed: Jake Jervis (Notts County — loan), Lee Carsley (Coventry), Franck Queudrue (released), Gary McSheffrey (Coventry), Artur Krysiak (Exeter).
Prospects: Improving on a top-half finish after being promoted from the League Championship in 2009 will be a tough task for manager Alex McLeish. The signings of striker Nikola Zigic and goalkeeper Ben Foster are merely replacements for the departed Christian Benitez and Joe Hart. City will be hoping the lofty Zigic will cause a threat with his aerial presence, although the Serbia international has proved in preseason he is also comfortable with the ball at his feet. After being behind Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United, Foster now has a chance of resurrecting his career and could finally fulfill the potential he has shown over the years. The key to Birmingham's success last season was its home form. McLeish's team turned St. Andrew's into a fortress, losing two games at home. Should it maintain similar organization and discipline this term, City will avoid any case of second-season syndrome — especially if owner Carson Yeung marks his first full season at the helm by further investing in the squad.

BLACKBURN
Nickname: Rovers.
Stadium: Ewood Park (31,367).
Manager: Sam Allardyce (since December 2008).
Honours: League champion three times (last in 1995), FA Cup six times (last in 1928), League Cup (2002).
Last season: 10th.
New players: Mame Diouf (Manchester United — loan).
Departed: Andy Haworth (Bury), Steven Reid (West Bromwich Albion), Marcus Marshall (Rotherham).
Prospects: Uncertainty surrounding Indian businessman Ahasan Ali Syed's proposed takeover appears to have scuppered the chance of strengthening the squad. A bid is yet to be accepted or rejected. But manager Sam Allardyce is in desperate need for a potent goalscorer. Strikers Jason Roberts and Nikola Kalinic only mustered seven Premier League goals between them last season, and while the loan acquisition of Mame Diouf is a step in the right direction, the 22-year-old Manchester United player has little experience in England's topflight. A promising sign for Blackburn is the emergence of Phil Jones, Martin Olsson, Steven Nzonzi and Junior Hoilett. All four have featured in abundance preseason and they could be key to a comfortable mid-table finish. Another crucial player for Rovers is David Dunn. The midfielder orchestrated the majority of Blackburn's attacking play last season — keeping him fit and on form will be vital to the club's position in the table at the end of the campaign.

BLACKPOOL
Nickname: The Tangerines.
Stadium: Bloomfield Road (12,555).
Manager: Ian Holloway (since May 2009).
Honours: League best 12th in 1938, FA Cup (1953).
Last season: Promoted in League Championship playoff.
New players: None.
Departed: Daniel Nardiello (Exeter), Joe Martin (released), Alhassan Bangura (released), Hameur Bouazza (released), Danny Mitchley (released), Ben Burgess (Notts County).
Prospects: Blackpool was one of the biggest surprises in English football last season. After being tipped for relegation from the League Championship last year, Ian Holloway's side won promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs. The northwest side's stint in the topflight could be short lived however, as many pundits and bookmakers predict they will be propping up the table for the duration of the campaign. As of yet, Holloway has failed to add to his threadbare squad which consists of just 17 senior players. And with a lack of funds for both transfers and wages, the Blackpool manager is restricted to bringing in talent that is mainly unproven in the Premier League. A positive for the Tangerines is that Charlie Adam is fit for the new season. The 24-year-old Scotland midfielder was a catalyst in Blackpool's promotion success and for any chance of survival, it is imperative he stay fit.

BOLTON
Nickname: The Trotters.
Stadium: Reebok Stadium (28,723).
Manager: Owen Coyle (since January 2010).
Honours: FA Cup four times (last in 1958), league best third in 1892, 1922, '25.
Last season: 14th.
New players: Robbie Blake (Burnley), Martin Petrov (Manchester City), Marcos Alonso (Real Madrid).
Departed: Nicky Hunt (Bristol City), Ali Al Habsi (Wigan Athletic — loan).
Prospects: The capture of Martin Petrov could be the most astute piece of business in the Premier League this offseason. The Bulgaria midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements following another glut of signings at Manchester City. But don't be fooled, the 31-year-old left-sided player exhibited his qualities in the limited time he was given at Eastlands. Should he replicate those performances under Owen Coyle, Bolton will certainly benefit. On the other wing is Chung-Yong Lee, who showed plenty of promise after signing for the Trotters in January. He looks destined to flourish, and by combining with Petrov, Bolton has quality out wide. Coyle is attempting to replace his side's conventional style of long-ball and aggression with a more fluid passing game. The signing of Jack Wilshere on loan in January demonstrated this, and although the Arsenal midfielder is staying put in north London, Coyle has shown he has the right eye for players who are willing to fit in his new system.

CHELSEA
Nickname: The Blues.
Stadium: Stamford Bridge (41,841).
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti (since June 2009).
Honours: League champion four times and defending champions, FA Cup six times and defending champion, League Cup four times (last in 2007), Cup Winners' Cup twice (last in 1998), European Super Cup (1998).
Last season: 1st.
New players: Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool)
Departed: Ryan Bertrand (Nottingham Forest — loan), Ben Gordon (Kilmarnock — loan), Liam Bridcutt (released), Nana Ofori-Twumasi (Peterborough), Jeffrey Ntuka (Kaizer Chiefs), Danny Philliskirk (Oxford United — loan), Joe Cole (Liverpool), Rhys Taylor (Crewe Alexandra — loan), Juliano Belletti (released), Michael Ballack (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Stoch (Fenerbahce).
Prospects: The lone acquisition of Yossi Benayoun has not been the marquee signing everyone expected Chelsea to make this offseason. With an aging squad, many anticipated Carlo Ancelotti would take advantage of owner Roman Abramovich's wealth and invest heavily in big-name players. The departures of Joe Cole, Juliano Belletti and Michael Ballack, has depleted Chelsea of vital experience, which is needed in the pursuit of domestic and European success. Michael Essien will be like a new signing — the Ghana international missed the majority of last season through injury and having him fit for selection will seriously strengthen Chelsea's midfield. The emerging Jeffrey Bruma has shown promise in preseason matches and the 18-year-old center back does not look far from challenging for a first-team place. The same can be applied to Gael Kakuta, the tricky attacker shone for France in last month's under-19 European Championship and he will hope to be given a more prominent role by Ancelotti this season.

EVERTON
Nickname: The Toffees.
Stadium: Goodison Park (40,157).
Manager: David Moyes (since March 2002).
Honours: League champion nine times (last in 1987), FA Cup five times (last in 1995), Cup Winners' Cup (1985).
Last season: 8th.
New players: Jan Mucha (Legia Daewoo Warsaw), Jermaine Beckford (Leeds).
Departed: Anton Peterlin (Plymouth Argyle), Lukas Jutkiewicz (Coventry), Carlo Nash (Stoke), Dan Gosling (Newcastle), John Ruddy (Norwich).
Prospects: A quiet offseason in the transfer window will suit David Moyes. The disruption of Joleon Lescott moving to Manchester City and a few crucial injuries hampered Everton's start to last season. If all had been well for the duration of the campaign, Everton would likely have secured qualification for the Europa League. The activity this offseason which has pleased everyone connected with the club is that midfield kingpin Mikel Arteta has signed a new five-year deal. Should Steven Pienaar also extend his contract, it will mean Moyes' desire to keep his current crop of players together has been fulfilled. This season's ambitions will resemble those similar to previous campaigns — the aim is European qualification. The addition of Jermaine Beckford from Leeds is a slight gamble from Moyes, with the free striker's goalscoring prowess has only been proven in League One.

FULHAM
Nickname: The Cottagers.
Stadium: Craven Cottage (25,700).
Manager: Mark Hughes (since July 2010).
Honours: League best 7th in 2009, FA Cup runner-up (1975), Europa League runner-up 2010.
Last season: 12th.
New players: Philippe Senderos (Arsenal).
Departed: Wayne Brown (Bristol Rovers), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Christopher Buchtmann (Cologne), Elliot Omozusi (Leyton Orient).
Prospects: Following in Roy Hodgson's footsteps will be an tough task for Mark Hughes but it's one the 46-year-old former Manchester City manager believes he is capable of doing. Overachievers would be the fitting word to describe The Cottagers under Hodgson. The club's annual progression was highlighted by its exploits in the Europa League last season, producing a stunning run to the final where it lost to Atletico Madrid. What Hughes will bring to Craven Cottage is an entirely different style. The former Wales striker molded Blackburn into an aggressive side that finished bottom of the Premier League discipline table in each of his four seasons in charge. To sculpt Fulham in a similar fashion would be unwise. Under Hodgson, the team's work rate and tactical astuteness allowed it to win back the ball on the majority of occasions — all Hughes needs to do is maintain rather than change this ethic. Whether the new coach can optimize the potential from such a small squad, in the way Hodgson achieved, remains to be seen. Hughes has been promised money for transfers but with the players he already has, a mid-table spot should easily be within reach.

LIVERPOOL
Nickname: The Reds.
Stadium: Anfield (45,362).
Manager: Roy Hodgson (since July 2010).
Honours: League champion equal record 18 times (last in 1990), FA Cup seven times (last in 2006), League Cup seven times (last in 2003), European Cup five times (last in 2005), UEFA Cup three times (last in 2001), European Super Cup three times (last in 2005).
Last season: 7th.
New players: Danny Wilson (Rangers), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege), Jonjo Shelvey (Charlton Athletic).
Departed: Philipp Degen (Stuttgart — loan), Ray Putterill (Accrington Stanley), David Martin (Milton Keynes Dons), Albert Riera (Olympiacos), Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea), Robbie Threlfall (Bradford), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao).
Prospects: A new lease of life has been breathed into Anfield following the arrival of Roy Hodgson. Rafa Benitez appeared to be undermined by his players toward the end of his six-year reign. One of Hodgson's traits is being able to ensuring players fulfill their potential, which could see captain Steven Gerrard, who had a subdued season by his own standards, emerge again as one of the world's most influential midfielders. The same can be said for Ryan Babel, who was left frustrated during Benitez's reign but Hodgson has the right characteristics to enhance his talent. The free acquisition of Joe Cole proves Liverpool is able to attract quality players as it tries to regain a place in the Champions League in 2011-12 by returning to the top four. A player in the mould of Cole, who has a good blend of flair and the ability to unlock defenses with both dribbling and passing, was absent at Anfield last season. The future, though, could be defined by the willingness of new owners to spend on players. The Reds have been up for sale since April.

MANCHESTER CITY
Nickname: The Blues.
Stadium: City of Manchester Stadium (47,726).
Manager: Roberto Mancini (since December 2009).
Honours: League champion twice (last in 1968), FA Cup winner four times (last in 1969), League Cup winner twice (last in 1976), Cup Winners' Cup winner (1970).
Last season: 5th.
New players: Yaya Toure (Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia), Jerome Boateng (Hamburg), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio).
Departed: Adam Clayton (Leeds — loan), Javier Garrido (Lazio), Benjani (released), Sylvinho (released), Gunnar Nielsen (Tranmere — loan), David Ball (Swindon Town — loan), Valeri Bojinov (Parma), Martin Petrov (Bolton Wanderers), Paul Marshall (Walsall).
Prospects: Despite another offseason of big-spending, the Premier League club with the biggest spending power will now have to trim its 38-man squad to comply with new Premier League guidelines. Whether Roberto Mancini's latest acquisitions can all gel together fast enough to sustain a title challenge will be compelling to watch, but it is difficult to ignore a side that will be enriched with quality which will stretch through to the substitute's bench. Instant success will be demanded. Abu Dhabi owner Sheikh Mansour has already shown an alarming shortage of patience, firing Mark Hughes during his second season after failing to put City on target for a top-four finish. Should Mancini get off to a slow start, the Italian could be gone by December — the first anniversary of Hughes' exit. Another key test will be Mancini's ability to juggle squad rotation with team morale — a number of high-profile players may be warming the bench too often for their liking.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Nickname: The Red Devils.
Stadium: Old Trafford (76,212).
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson (since November 1986).
Honours: League champion equal record 18 times (last in 2009), FA Cup winner record 11 times (last in 2004), League Cup four times and defending champion, European Cup three times (last in 2008), Cup Winners' Cup (1991), World Club Cup twice (last in 2008), European Super Cup (1991).
Last season: 2nd.
New players: Chris Smalling (Fulham), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara).
Departed: Joshua King (Preston North End — loan), Mame Diouf (Blackburn — loan), Sam Hewson (released), Febian Brandy (released), James Chester (Carlisle —loan), Matthew James (Preston North End — loan), Cameron Stewart (Yeovil Town — loan), David Gray (Preston North End), Danny Drinkwater (Cardiff — loan), Zoran Tosic (CSKA Moscow), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96), Tom Heaton (Cardiff), Ben Foster (Birmingham).
Prospects: Alex Ferguson has reiterated there is a lack of value in the transfer market. This may go some way in explaining why Manchester United has not purchased anyone after the World Cup — players are simply too expensive. The acquisitions of Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez are for long-term purposes. Smalling, under the guidance of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, has the perfect opportunity to develop into a promising center back. Likewise with Hernandez, the 22-year-old striker who shone for Mexico in the World Cup and who should develop his talent further playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. Hernandez's eye-catching displays in preseason indicate that he may have a more influential role in the team than first anticipated. Regardless of signings, United has the quality and experience to regain the Premier League trophy from Chelsea and the strength in depth to mount a serious challenge in Europe.

NEWCASTLE
Nickname: The Magpies.
Stadium: St James' Park (52,387).
Manager: Chris Hughton (since October 2009).
Honours: League champion four times (last in 1927), FA Cup six times (last in 1955), Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners (1969), UEFA Intertoto Cup winners (2006).
Last season: Promoted as League Championship winner.
New players: Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Dan Gosling (Everton), James Perch (Nottingham Forest).
Departures: Fabrice Pancrate (released), Nicky Butt (released).
Prospects: Newcastle's reaction to Premier League relegation in May 2009 could not have been better — it has bounced straight back up into the big time without any hiccups. Equipped with Jose Enrique, Jonas Gutierrez and the experienced Kevin Nolan, Chris Hughton has enough quality to avoid the trap door back into the second tier. The secret to Newcastle's success last season was a solid defense, which will be crucial to its survival — particularly away from home. The signing of Sol Campbell may have brought ridicule following unflattering photographs of the large 35-year-old defender in preseason. But putting his physical condition aside, the center back performed well for Arsenal last season and should provide assurance for Newcastle's rear guard.

STOKE
Nickname: The Potters.
Stadium: Britannia Stadium (28,383).
Manager: Tony Pulis (since June 2006).
Honours: League best finish fourth in 1936, '47, League Cup (1972).
Last season: 11th.
New players: Carlo Nash (Everton), Florent Cuvelier (Portsmouth).
Departed: Louis Moult (Bradford City), Ibrahima Sonko (Portsmouth), Diego Arismendi (Barnsley), Andy Griffin (Reading), Steve Simonsen (Sheffield United), Nathaniel Wedderburn (Northampton Town).
Prospects: Tony Pulis has established his side as one that can competently obtain a comfortable finish each season. Stoke has secured its Premier League status over the past two seasons by turning its home into a fortress, where many teams fail to prepare for the physical encounter and longball bombardment. Stoke has not brought in many new faces over the offseason — its only signings so far have been Florent Cuvelier who at 17 can be regarded as one for the future and veteran goalkeeper Carlo Nash. The Potters have been linked with Loic Remy, although French club Nice has stated the 23-year-old forward will not be moving to England. Attracting players of Remy's caliber will always be a challenging task for Pulis since his side is restricted to a modest transfer budget and wage bill. Subsequently, Stoke is likely to be resigned to another season of mid-table obscurity, unless it can bring in a few players of quality before the transfer window closes on Aug. 31.

SUNDERLAND
Nickname: The Black Cats.
Stadium: Stadium of Light (49,000).
Manager: Steve Bruce (since June 2009).
Honours: League champion six times (last in 1936), FA Cup twice (last in 1973).
Last season: 13th.
New players: Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes), Titus Bramble (Wigan Athletic), Ahmed Al-Muhammadi (ENPPI Club — loan), Simon Mignolet (St. Truidense VV), Christian Riveros (Cruz Azul).
Departed: Marton Fulop (Ipswich Town), Michael Liddle (Leyton Orient — loan), Nyron Nosworthy (Sheffield United — loan), Daryl Murphy (Celtic), Lorik Cana (Galatasaray), Roy O'Donovan (Coventry).
Prospects: Steve Bruce's priority is to improve the club's abysmal away form. Having only mustered two wins on the road last season, Sunderland's answer to that dismal record was to purchase Marcos Angeleri and Titus Bramble, who was a questionable purchase according to many Black Cats fans due to his error-prone reputation which the defender obtained while playing for bitter rivals Newcastle. But since moving to Wigan, Bramble has matured into a dependable center back, particularly under Bruce's guidance. Linking up with his former manager at the Stadium of Light could be the solution to Sunderland's leaky defense. Christian Riveros demonstrated for Paraguay at the World Cup he could bring some much-needed creativity to Bruce's midfield this season. Again Sunderland will be relying heavily on Darren Bent to score the majority of their goals. Assuming Bruce's side avoid another 14-game league run without winning — a feat it managed midway through last season — it could sneak into the top half of the standings.

TOTTENHAM
Nickname: Spurs.
Stadium: White Hart Lane (36,310).
Manager: Harry Redknapp (since November 2008).
Honours: League champion twice (last in 1961), FA Cup winner eight times (last in 1991), League Cup four times (last in 2008), Cup Winners' Cup (1963), UEFA Cup twice (last in 1984).
Last season: 4th.
New players: None.
Departed: John Bostock (Hull — loan), Adel Taarabt (Queens Park Rangers), Oscar Jansson (Northampton Town — loan), Sam Cox (Barnet FC), David Button (Plymouth Argyle), Dorian Dervite (Villarreal), Lee Butcher (Leyton Orient).
Prospects: Over the years, Harry Redknapp has gained the reputation of a shrewd operator in the transfer market. But the manager famed for being able to spot a bargain buy has come away empty handed. Despite having failed to sign anyone, Redknapp says he still needs two or three new recruits to provide the quality for Tottenham to mount a title challenge. Overambitious perhaps, but providing Spurs successfully negotiate their Champions League playoff this month, Redknapp knows he will be able to attract — and pay for — players of a higher standard. The difficulty this season will be to balance domestic efforts with a credible European challenge. The way Spurs pipped Manchester City to fourth place in the Premier League last season was commendable, considering the vast difference both teams have to spend, but repeating the same feat this campaign will undoubtedly prove a much harder test.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Nickname: The Baggies.
Stadium: The Hawthorns (26,500).
Manager: Roberto Di Matteo (since June 2009).
Honours: League champion (1920), FA Cup five times (last in 1968), League Cup (1966).
Last season: Promoted as League Championship runner-up.
New players: Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Gabriel Tamas (Auxerre), Steven Reid (Blackburn), Boaz Myhill (Hull).
Departed: Marcus Haber (St Johnstone — loan), Borja Valero (Villarreal — loan), Joss Labadie (Tranmere), Filipe Teixeira (released) Robert Koren (released).
Prospects: Once again, West Brom finds itself back in the Premier League. England's 'yo-yo' club was promoted to the top flight for the fourth time since 2000 after finishing runner-up to Newcastle in the Championship last season. Its surprise departure was the release of Robert Koren. The 29-year-old midfielder featured for Slovenia in the World Cup but was unable to secure an extension at The Hawthorns — considering he played a large part in West Brom's last Premier League venture it was a bold decision by Roberto Di Matteo. Like all teams that are newly promoted, West Brom has to build its survival on consistent home form. If the Baggies can keep an organized defense and Scott Carson can replicate last season's match-winning performances in goal, they have quality in Graeme Dorrans and Chris Brunt to provide an attacking threat which could propel them to safety.

WEST HAM
Nickname: Hammers.
Stadium: Upton Park (35,647).
Manager: Avram Grant (since June 2010).
Honours: League best finish 3rd in 1986, FA Cup winner three times (last in 1980), Cup Winners' Cup (1965).
Last season: 17th.
New players: Tal Ben-Haim (Portsmouth — loan), Frederic Piquionne (Lyon), Pablo Barrera (Universidad Nacional), Thomas Hitzlsperger (Lazio).
Departed: Bondz N'Gala (Plymouth Argyle), Josh Payne (released), Guillermo Franco (released), Araujo Ilan (released), Matt Fry (Charlton Athletic — loan).
Prospects: At the close of last season, West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan proclaimed everyone, barring Scott Parker, would be considered for sale. With its first team departures amounting to the release of Guillermo Franco and Araujo Ilan, and its only public offer being for the indispensable captain, it seems West Ham's players are not particularly desirable transfer targets. Avram Grant, who stepped in for the departed Gianfranco Zola, realized this and has strengthened the squad with signings who all, apart from Pablo Barrera, have Premier League experience. Much will depend on the form of the core players. Goalkeeper Robert Green will need to put his World Cup nightmare with England behind him, as will defender Matthew Upson, who looked out of depth in the loss to Germany. Scott Parker will be required to maintain his fine form in the midfield engine room, while Carlton Cole needs to replicate the first half of last season.

WIGAN
Nickname: The Latics.
Stadium: DW Stadium (25,138).
Manager: Roberto Martinez (since June 2009).
Honours: League best finish 10th in 2006, FA Cup best quarterfinal in 1987, League Cup best quarterfinal in 2003.
Last season: 16th.
New players: Ronnie Stam (FC Twente), James McArthur (Hamilton Academical), Antolin Alcaraz (Club Brugge), Ali Al Habsi (Bolton Wanderers), Mauro Boselli (Estudiantes de La Plata).
Departed: Olivier Kapo (released), Jason Koumas (Cardiff — loan), Antonio Amaya (Rayo Vallecano — loan), Titus Bramble (Sunderland), Tomasz Kupisz (Jagiellonia B.), Tomasz Cywka (Derby County).
Prospects: After viewing the table at the close of last season, Roberto Martinez could not escape the fact his side has issues at both ends. Wigan had the second worst defensive record — the only team to concede more goals was relegated Burnley. To combat this, Martinez has signed Antolin Alcaraz and Ronnie Stam, both unproven in England and a significant gamble to take by throwing them straight into Premier League action. In attack, Wigan's signings last offseason failed to make a significant impact. Hugo Rodallega pitched in with ten league goals but the rest of Martinez's strike force remained anonymous. Mauro Boselli's arrival has brought revitalized hope since the 25-year-old forward has looked promising in preseason and Wigan can be confident he can transfer this into sustainable league form. Undoubtedly, Wigan play good football under Martinez but it hovered perilously close to the relegation zone last term — in some circumstances, it would be wise for the Latics to sacrifice their free-flowing mentality in exchange for points.

WOLVERHAMPTON
Nickname: Wolves.
Stadium: Molineux (28,525).
Manager: Mick McCarthy (since July 2006).
Honours: League champion three times (last in 1959), FA Cup winner four times (last in 1960), League Cup winner twice (last in 1980).
Last season: 15th
New players: Stephen Hunt (Hull), Steven Mouyokolo (Hull), Steven Fletcher (Burnley), Jelle Van Damme (Anderlecht).
Departed: Sam Vokes (Bristol City — loan), Mark Little (Peterborough), Jason Shackell (Barnsley), Andrew Surman (Norwich), Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Peterborough — loan), George Friend (Doncaster), Daniel Jones (Sheffield Wednesday), Chris Iwelumo (Burnley).
Prospects: Wolverhampton survived in the Premier League last season despite scoring the lowest amount of goals — 32 — in the topflight. By placing his faith in Kevin Doyle, manager Mick McCarthy was rewarded with nine league goals from the striker, but placing such responsibility on one player could have gone disastrously wrong. Should the Ireland international have picked up an injury, Wolves required Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to deputize but he struggled to replicate his League Championship form from the previous season. McCarthy has highlighted this weakness and has acted according by signing Steven Fletcher from Burnley and Stephen Hunt from Hull, both of whom were the top scorers for their respective clubs last term. Wolves recorded just one more win than 18th-placed Burnley but their ability to grind out draws home and away against Aston Villa and Everton contributed to their survival. McCarthy will look to build on last season by making Molineux a tougher place to visit and the added threat of Fletcher and Hunt should ease his goalscoring concerns.