Arsenal

2006-7 record: League 4th FA Cup 5th round Carling Cup Runners-up Champions League Last 16

Manager: Arsène Wenger

Chop rating: 3/5 Arsène Wenger was badly hurt when he lost his friend, neighbour and dining companion David Dein, the former Arsenal vice-chairman, and the Frenchman cannot afford yet another season of transition. For now, he holds the key to his future. However, this particular pendulum has not yet come to rest

New faces Uncapped Frenchman Bacary Sagna may add defensive steel, Havard Nordtveit is only 17, Lukasz Fabianski is a capable custodian, but all eyes will be on the Brazilian-Croat striker Eduardo da Silva

Player to watch If Da Silva, purchased for anything between £7m and £16m depending on whom you believe, scores well and often, Thierry Henry will merely be a fondly remembered old boy. If not, Arsenal will be in trouble

In an ideal world Da Silva scores goals – he managed 34 in 32 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb last season – Emmanuel Adebayor finally starts to justify Wenger’s faith in his abilities, Robin van Persie stays fit and Europe finally yields to the Gunners after years of going so close

In the real world The crunching tackles could be as much in the boardroom as on the pitch. Don’t rule out a Banquo-like return of Dein to haunt his former colleagues. Downstairs, it’s hard to see them narrowing the gap on Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League. Making serious Champions League progress is imperative but likely to be as elusive as ever

Official club website www.arsenal.com

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 Jens Lehmann, 21 Lukasz Fabianski, 24 Manuel Almunia Defenders 3 Bacary Sagna, 5 Kolo Toure, 6 Philippe Senderos, 10 William Gallas, 20 Johan Djourou, 22 Gael Clichy, 27 Emmanuel Eboue, 31 Justin Hoyte, Armand Traore Midfielders 2 Abou Diaby, 4 Francesc Fabregas, 7 Tomas Rosicky, 13 Alexander Hleb, 15 Denilson, 16 Mathieu Flamini, 17 Alexandre Song, 19 Gilberto, Mark Randall Forwards 9 Eduardo da Silva, 11 Robin van Persie, 25 Emmanuel Adebayor, 26 Nicklas Bendtner, 32 Theo Walcott Players in Eduardo da Silva (Dinamo Zagreb, £8m), Bacary Sagna (Auxerre, £6m), Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw, £2m), Havard Nordtveit (FK Haugesund, £2m) Players out Thierry Henry (Barcelona, £16.2m), Freddie Ljungberg (West Ham, £3m), Jeremie Aliadiere (Middlesbrough, £2m), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham, undisclosed), Arturo Lupoli (Fiorentina, free), Mart Poom (Watford, free), Matthew Connolly (Colchester, loan), Kerrea Gilbert (Southend, loan)

If they were a pop star they would be... Texas’s Sharleen Spiteri Widely loved, but quiet of late

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 4th Played some great football last season but couldn’t score often enough. It’s a big ask for Da Silva to change that Title odds 10-1

Aston Villa

2006-7 record: League 11th FA Cup 3rd round Carling Cup 4th round

Manager: Martin O’Neill

Chop rating: 1/5 Canny as ever, Martin O’Neill’s dampening down of the enthusiasm generated by Villa’s excellent start last season served him well when the inevitable slump came along as Christmas approached. An improvement on 11th is essential, not least as Doug Ellis’s departure means O’Neill has lost a wonderful lightning conductor

New faces Much depends on which Nigel Reo-Coker Villa have signed from West Ham, the midfield dynamo of 2005-6 or last season’s pale imitation. Harry Forrester has not left school and Marlon Harewood’s goalscoring record at the highest level hardly inspires confidence

Player to watch Understandably, O’Neill was concerned that Gabriel Agbonlahor’s first full season would end in burnout. Instead, it finished with him being declared Villa’s young player of the year and on the fringes of a full international call-up. Both scores and makes goals, and is blessed with breathtaking pace

In an ideal world Ashley Young wakes up, Norway striker John Carew builds on last season’s steel-jawed menace in attack and, by May, they don’t regret giving two of their better players to Fulham

In the real world The defence still looks a little cumbersome for the challenge posed by the Premier League’s leading strikers, but if the correct Reo-Coker has headed up the M6 to Birmingham, he will inject midfield steel and Carew looks as hungry for goals as he ever was. The cups might offer all sorts of salvation

Official club website www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Thomas Sorensen, Stuart Taylor Defenders Wilfred Bouma, Gary Cahill, Mark Delaney, Martin Laursen, Olof Mellberg, Stephen O’Halloran, Isaiah Osbourne Midfielders Gareth Barry, Patrik Berger, Craig Gardner, Shaun Maloney, Stilian Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker Forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew, Marlon Harewood, Luke Moore, Ashley Young Players in Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham, £8.5m), Marlon Harewood (West Ham, £4m) Players out Steven Davis (Fulham, £4m), Aaron Hughes (Fulham, £1m), Gavin McCann (Bolton, £1m), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls, free), Stephen Henderson (Bristol City, free), Robert Olejnik (Falkirk, free), Jlloyd Samuel (Bolton, free), Lee Hendrie (Sheffield United, free), Chris Sutton (retired), Eric Djemba-Djemba (released), Liam Ridgewell (Birmingham, £2m)

If they were a pop star they would be... Chrissie Hynde Everybody knows who they are, nobody really cares any more

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 10th Faded after that bright start under O’Neill. Scoring was the problem, and the arrival of Harewood should help Title odds 250-1

Birmingham

2006-7 record: League Promoted, Championship runners-up FA Cup 4th round Carling Cup 4th round

Manager: Steve Bruce

Chop rating: 4/5 A home defeat by Norwich City in October almost cost Steve Bruce his job, but showing the resilience that served him so well as a player, he took City to automatic promotion in difficult, backbiting circumstances. However, he is still not loved and difficult times lie ahead

New faces Most intriguing of a peculiar bunch is Olivier Kapo, the French midfielder from Juventus who arrives after a loan season at Levante. Stuart Parnaby and last season’s City loanee, Fabrice Muamba, are known quantities, unlike Scotland international Garry O’Connor, who is fresh from a rotten time in Russian football with Lokomotiv Moscow, while Ghanaian keeper Richard Kingson has played in Turkey for 11 years. Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder struggled in Spain with Celta Vigo, defender Franck Queudrue gets a fresh start after leaving Fulham, Liam Ridgewell moves across the city from Aston Villa and Brazilian defender Rafael Schmitz is on a year’s loan from Lille

Player to watch Although Gary McSheffrey has not scored since February, his hard-running creativity was the difference between City facing another year in Championship tundra and sampling the bounty of the Premier League, a competition he looks made for

In an ideal world The yo-yo business would stop, City would be in a position to build

In the real world Boardroom confusion and rapid personnel rotation do not make for a happy club. Survival would be the first step on the road to eternal joy

Official club website www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Colin Doyle, Richard Kingson, Artur Krysiak, Maik Taylor Defenders Radhi Jaidi, Stephen Kelly, Samuel Oji, Stuart Parnaby, Mathew Sadler, Rafael Schmitz, Martin Taylor, Olivier Tebily, Franck Queudrue, Liam Ridgewell Midfielders Neil Danns, Damien Johnson, Olivier Kapo, Sebastian Larsson, Fabrice Muamba, Mehdi Nafti, Daniel de Ridder Forwards Sone Aluko, Mikael Forssell, Cameron Jerome, Gary McSheffrey, Garry O’Connor, Rowan Vine Players in Olivier Kapo (Juventus, £3m), Garry O’Connor (Lokomotiv Moscow, £2.7m), Fabrice Muamba (Arsenal, undisclosed), Richard Kingson (Hammarby, free), Stuart Parnaby (Middlesbrough, free), Daniel de Ridder (Celta Vigo, free), Rafael Schmitz (Lille, loan), Franck Queudrue (Fulham, £2.5m), Liam Ridgewell (Aston Villa, £2m) Players out DJ Campbell (Leicester, £2.1m), Stephen Clemence (Leicester, £1m), Bruno N’Gotty (Leicester, free), Julian Gray (Coventry, free), Neil Kilkenny (Oldham, loan)

If they were a pop star they would be... Linda McCartney Unloved while they’re here, but they’ll be missed when they’re gone. Possibly

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 14th Can Bruce keep them up this time? He has not been shy in the transfer market, and probably will Title odds 2,500-1

Blackburn

2006-7 record: League 10th FA Cup Semi-finals Carling Cup 3rd round Uefa Cup Last 32

Manager, Mark Hughes

Chop rating: 2/5 Obsessed with shaking off Rovers’ reputation as the Premier League’s bully boys, Mark Hughes may feel he has taken Blackburn as far as he can, should a big job turn up

New faces To the chagrin of those who want Rovers to push on, the transfer window seems to have steamed over in Blackburn. Still uncapped by Holland, striker Maceo Rigters scored just five times in 60 NAC Breda appearances, while Gunnar Nielsen is merely goalkeeping cover and 6ft 2in Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz, brought in from Bayern Munich to improve Blackburn’s aerial threat up front, has the reputation of being injury-prone. The faithful are not encouraged

Player to watch While Benni McCarthy’s commitment to the Rovers cause does not seem wholly unbreakable, he was in imperious form last season. If Rovers retain his services and he retains some interest, they’ll do just fine

In an ideal world David Bentley, who controversially snubbed a call into England’s Under21 squad, would benefit from his self-enforced summer of repose and blossom into a Premier League giant, Tugay’s creaking legs would hold out for another season and Jason Roberts would build on his late-season goal glut

In the real world Rovers’ squad looks painfully thin, and not merely for a side which began its competitive season in Vilnius on July 22 and will surely progress to what passes for Uefa Cup glory. Injuries and a couple of domestic cup runs – their usual lifeblood – may further exacerbate an already potentially perilous situation

Official club website www.rovers.premiumtv.co.uk

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Jason Brown, Peter Enckelman, Frank Fielding, Brad Friedel, Gunnar Nielsen Defenders Bruno Berner, Stephane Henchoz, Tony Kane, Zurab Khizanishvili, Aaron Mokoena, Ryan Nelsen, Eddie Nolan, Andre Ooijer, Christopher Samba, Andy Taylor, Stephen Warnock Midfielders David Bentley, David Dunn, Brett Emerton, Tugay Kerimoglu, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Sergio Peter, Steven Reid, Robbie Savage, Keith Treacy Forwards Matt Derbyshire, Paul Gallagher, Francis Jeffers, Benni McCarthy, Maceo Rigters, Jason Roberts, Roque Santa Cruz Players in Roque Santa Cruz (Bayern Munich £3.8m), Gunnar Nielsen (BK Frem Copenhagen, undisclosed), Maceo Rigters (NAC Breda, undisclosed), Players out Andy Todd (Derby, undisclosed), Michael Gray (Wolves, free)

If they were a pop star they would be... Pink Unrepentantly butch in a gentle world

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 8th Top 10 last season, but with a negative goal difference. Dark horses for Europe after signing Santa Cruz Title odds 500-1

Bolton

2006-7 record: League 7th FA Cup 4th round Carling Cup 3rd round

Manager: Sammy Lee

Chop rating: 4/5 Sammy Lee’s appointment was not greeted with universal acclaim in Peter Kay’s hometown. Little Sam, destined forever to loiter in Big Sam’s wake and shadow whatever happens, desperately needs a good start

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 12 Ian Walker, 22 Jussi Jaaskelainen, 26 Ali Al Habsi Defenders 2 Nicky Hunt, 3 Jlloyd Samuel, 5 Abdoulaye Meite, 15 Gerald Cid, 28 Lubomir Michalik Midfielders 4 Kevin Nolan, 6 Gary Speed, 7 Stelios Giannakopoulos, 8 Ivan Campo, 10 Christian Wilhelmsson, 11 Ricardo Gardner, 16 Andranik, 17 Danny Guthrie, 18 Mikel Alonso, 19 Gavin McCann, 23 Blerim Dzemaili, 24 Joey O’Brien, 25 Abdoulaye Faye Forwards 9 Heidar Helguson, 14 Kevin Davies, 20 Ricardo Vaz Te, 21 El-Hadji Diouf, 29 Zoltan Harsanyi, 39 Nicolas Anelka, Daniel Braaten Players in Gavin McCann (Aston Villa, £1m), Gerald Cid (Bordeaux, undisclosed), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zurich, undisclosed), Zoltan Harsanyi (FC Senec, undisclosed), Heidar Helguson (Fulham, undisclosed), Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa, free), Mikel Alonso (Real Sociedad, loan), Danny Guthrie (Liverpool, loan), Christian Wilhelmsson (Nantes, loan), Daniel Braaten (Rosenborg, (undisclosed) Players out Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea, free), Chris Howarth (Carlisle, free), Quinton Fortune, Cesar Martin, Henrik Pedersen and David Thompson (all released) New faces An intriguing bunch. Switzerland international Blerim Dzemaili is already injured, defender Gerald Cid was an outcast at Bordeaux last season after Allardyce negotiated a precontract deal last Christmas. Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel were stagnating at Aston Villa but both have quality to spare, although Heidar Helguson has hardly struck fear into defensive hearts in his seven years in England; if Mikel Alonso matches his brother Xabi in ability as well as DNA he will do well, and Danny Guthrie is highly regarded at Anfield, from where he arrives on a season’s loan, as does will-o’-the-wisp Swedish winger Christian Wilhelmsson and Norwegian forward Daniel Braaten Player to watch El-Hadji Diouf may not win any humanitarian of the year awards, but he remains the one Wanderers player capable of something special. If Lee can control him as effectively as did Allardyce, the future of both player and manager will look brighter . . .

In an ideal world It will be as if Allardyce never left, Lee’s new signings will blend seamlessly and Wanderers will still be an irritant to the supposed superiors

In the real world Lee has already changed Allardyce’s flexible formation into 4-4-2 and the new blood cannot be expected to gel instantly. Words such as ‘consolidation’ and ‘transition’ may find themselves overused

Official club website www.bwfc.premiumtv.co.uk

If they were pop stars they would be... Sugababes They’ve lost their leader but they struggle on

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 11th Is there life after Big Sam? Yes, under Little Sam, who wants to play ‘more football’. But more could mean less Title odds 500-1

Chelsea

2006-7 record: League 2nd FA Cup Winners Carling Cup Winners Champions League Semi-finals

Manager: Jose Mourinho

Chop rating: 2/5

Jose Mourinho swaggered through last season’s mishaps in typically confrontational fashion. Now, he has promised to be ‘calm, cool and relaxed’. Another invisible season from German midfielder Michael Ballack may put such sentiments to the test

New faces Florent Malouda should solve the problem of Chelsea’s troublesome left-wing berth, and having rejected overtures from Juventus, Arsenal and Liverpool, he will relish the chance to reignite his relationship with Didier Drogba, fashioned at Guingamp. Steve Sidwell should be a revelation, while Tal Ben Haim and Claudio Pizarro are ideal back-up for the routine games, and Danny Philliskirk may come good in five years’ time

Player to watch Andriy Shevchenko had a rotten maiden season, but, like a couple who marry just to get the right passport, he and Chelsea are stuck with each other. Cursory examination of his history suggests last year was a blip, and he should blossom

In an ideal world Chelsea would win everything, in the sort of style which will reenergise Roman Abramovich’s interest, and Mourinho will stay mellow

In the real world Mourinho will bore on about how much every other club’s billionaire owner has spent this summer compared with Chelsea. They will doubtless pick up a trophy or two, but will need a style transplant to endear themselves to the wider world

Official club website www.chelseafc.com

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 Petr Cech, 23 Carlo Cudicini, 40 Henrique Hilario Defenders 2 Glen Johnson, 3 Ashley Cole, 6 Ricardo Carvalho, 18 Wayne Bridge, 20 Paulo Ferreira, 22 Tal Ben Haim, 26 John Terry, Alex Midfielders 4 Claude Makelele, 5 Michael Essien, 8 Frank Lampard, 9 Steve Sidwell, 10 Joe Cole¸12 John Obi Mikel, 13 Michael Ballack, 15 Florent Malouda, 16 Arjen Robben, 19 Lassana Diarra, 24 Shaun Wright-Phillips Forwards 7 Andriy Shevchenko, 11 Didier Drogba, 14 Claudio Pizarro, 17 Scott Sinclair, 21 Salomon Kalou, Players in Florent Malouda (Lyon, £13.5m), Alex (PSV Eindhoven, free), Tal Ben Haim (Bolton, free), Claudio Pizarro (Bayern Munich, free), Steve Sidwell (Reading, free) Players out Yves Makaba-Makalamby (Hibernian, undisclosed), Geremi (Newcastle, free), Nuno Morais (Apoel Nicosia, free), Khalid Boulahrouz (Seville, loan), Michael Mancienne (QPR, loan) Ben Sahar (QPR, loan), Jimmy Smith (Norwich, loan) In the departure lounge Arjen Robben, Michael Ballack

If they were a pop star they would be... Madonna Fabulously wealthy London-based foreigners who sign up the occasional African

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction: 1st regained. Malouda is a class act and Ben Haim very useful Title odds 6-4

Derby County

2006-7 record: League Promoted via Championship playoff FA Cup 5th round Carling Cup 2nd round

Manager: Billy Davies

Chop rating: 4/5 Billy Davies worked a minor miracle by taking cash-strapped, internally feuding Derby County up into the Premier League after several near-misses with Preston North End, but it remains to be seen whether he can cut it in the big time

New faces Not quite the smorgasbord of quality Pride Park was hoping for as Derby County prepare for their return to the Premier League after five seasons. The gritty Andy Todd, from Blackburn, and the former Preston pair Tyrone Mears and Claude Davis, will add steel and suspensions; defender Andy Griffin joins from Portsmouth; Robert Earnshaw will be hoping to prove his quality after struggling in the top flight with West Brom and another Preston old boy, Ben Hinchcliffe, is goalkeeping cover

Player to watch Giles Barnes has his admirers at Upton Park and White Hart Lane, despite committing himself to Pride Park for another season. If the teenager becomes a man, he’ll give them hope of at least one more season with the big boys

In an ideal world Survival. No more, no less

In the real world Rocky, bumpy and full of disappointment. Like Watford last year, who were virtually doomed by Christmas, the Derby squad looks big on commitment and endeavour, but woefully short of quality

Official club website www.dcfc.premiumtv.co.uk

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Stephen Bywater, Ben Hinchliffe, Lewis Price Defenders Mohammed Camara, Claude Davis, Marc Edworthy, Andy Griffin, Richard Jackson, Michael Johnson, Dean Leacock, James McEveley, Tyrone Mears, James Meredith, Darren Moore, Andy Todd Midfielders Giles Barnes, Lee Holmes, David Jones, Robert Malcolm, Matt Oakley, Stephen Pearson, Gary Teale Forwards Robert Earnshaw, Craig Fagan, Steve Howard, Jonathan Macken Players in Robert Earnshaw (Norwich, £3.5m), Claude Davis (Sheffield United, £3m), Tyrone Mears (West Ham, £1m), Andy Griffin (Portsmouth, £500,000), Lewis Price (Ipswich, undisclosed), Andy Todd (Blackburn, undisclosed), Ben Hinchcliffe (Preston, free) Players out Lee Camp (QPR, £300,000), Ryan Smith (Millwall, £150,000), Paul Boertien (Walsall, free), Steve Cann (Rotherham, free), Paul Peschisolido (Luton, free), Morten Bisgaard and Seth Johnson (both released), Lewin Nyatanga (Barnsley, loan)

If they were a pop star they would be... Rihanna All smiles now, but they won’t be around this time next year

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 20th Third in the Championship last time, the signing of Earnshaw, Davis and Mears hardly breeds confidence Title odds 2,500-1

Everton

2006-7 record: League 6th FA Cup 3rd round Carling Cup 4th round

Manager: David Moyes

Chop rating: 1/5 David Moyes last season quietly steered Everton to a Uefa Cup place with his customary single-mindedness and passive-aggressive self-confidence. The really big job has never seemed closer, but neither has Everton’s return to the elite

New faces As ever, Moyes has tinkered gently. Nobody truly knows Phil Jagielka’s best position (he even kept a clean sheet after 30 minutes in goal against Arsenal last season), but he is a midfield or defensive bargain at £4m. Lucas Jutkiewicz is one for the future and the Scrabble board, but if a one-year loan for South African midfielder Steven Pienaar suggests reticence on Everton’s part, a torrid time at Borussia Dortmund last year would probably explain it

Player to watch Andy Johnson may have annoyed opposition fans with his unerring knack of losing his feet in the penalty area, but even when suffering a mid-season goal drought, his game never lost its menace. More of the same and he’ll be a Euro 2008 certainty

In an ideal world They would banish the still-extant demons of their Uefa Cup exit to Dinamo Bucharest two seasons ago, cause the top four to flutter and work would finally begin on the new stadium

In the real world Moyes’s habitual caution means they won’t make many neutral friends, but the fear is that they will not progress and their squad lacks the depth for a fight on four fronts. Even so, they won’t concede many goals

Official club website www.evertonfc.com

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 12 Iain Turner, 24 Tim Howard, 30 John Ruddy Defenders 2 Tony Hibbert, 4 Joseph Yobo, 5 Joleon Lescott, 15 Alan Stubbs, 16 Phil Jagielka, 19 Nuno Valente, 29 Patrick Boyle Midfielders 6 Mikel Arteta, 7 Andy van der Meyde, 17 Tim Cahill, 18 Phil Neville, 20 Steven Pienaar, 21 Leon Osman, 25 Anderson Silva de Franca, 26 Lee Carsley, 31 Bjarni Vidarsson Forwards 8 Andy Johnson, 11 James McFadden, 14 James Vaughan, 27 Lukas Jutkiewicz, 28 Victor Anichebe Players in Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United, £4m), Lukas Jutkiewicz (Swindon, undisclosed), Steven Pienaar (Borussia Dortmund, loan) Players outGary Naysmith (Sheffield United, £1m), Scott Phelan (Bradford City, free), Richard Wright (West Ham, free), Alessandro Pistone (released), Stephen Connor (Partick, loan), James Beattie (Sheff Utd, £4m)

If they were a pop star they would be... Tina Turner Impressive pedigree, but the new century has passed them by

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 7th Few manage on a shoestring better than Moyes, but enforced parsimony must catch up with him sooner or later Title odds 250-1

Fulham

2006-7 record: League 16th FA Cup 5th round Carling Cup 2nd round

Manager: Lawrie Sanchez

Chop rating: 3/5 Lawrie Sanchez’s Wycombe Wanderers years were more consolidatory than spectacular, despite rose-tinted hindsight, but his tenure with Northern Ireland was undeniably magnificent. Now comes the interesting part . . .

New faces Seven big signings should make or break Sanchez’s reputation as a talent-spotter. Aaron Hughes, Chris Baird and Paul Konchesky should shore up a notoriously porous backline, Steven Davis should anchor midfield and Diomansy Kamara and Northern Ireland international striker David Healy should score the goals created by Lee Cook. And then there is Aussie Adrian Leijer, an unknown quantiy from Melbourne Victory

Player to watch Jimmy Bullard’s injury in September at Newcastle finished his season, so he is effectively a new signing. If he recaptures his Wigan Athletic form postrecovery, the effervescent midfield linchpin will be a revelation

In an ideal world Sanchez’s brave new world takes Fulham a step further up the Premier League pecking order, owner Mohamed al-Fayed doesn’t lose patience if the good times don’t roll immediately and, unlike the past two seasons, they win more than one away game in the Premier League

In the real world The new men should (that word again) mean Fulham avoid another season of grim struggle. A cup run would help lift the torpor and they might just rattle a few cages, but Fayed is not renowned for his patience or for getting no tangible return from his outlay

Official club website www.fulhamfc.com

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Ricardo Batista, Antti Niemi, Tony Warner Defenders Chris Baird, Carlos Bocanegra, Philippe Christanval, Aaron Hughes, Zat Knight, Paul Konchesky, Ian Pearce, Liam Rosenior, Moritz Volz, Adrian Leijer Midfielders Jimmy Bullard, Lee Cook, Simon Davies, Steven Davis, Clint Dempsey, Papa Bouba Diop, Simon Elliott, Ahmad Elrich, Alexei Smertin Forwards David Healy, Collins John, Diomansy Kamara, Brian McBride Players in Diomansy Kamara (West Brom, £6m), Steven Davis (Aston Villa, £4m), Paul Konchesky (West Ham, £3.25m), Chris Baird (Southampton, £3.025m), Lee Cook (QPR, £2.5m), David Healy (Leeds, £1.5m), Aaron Hughes (Aston Villa, £1m), Adrian Leijer (Melbourne, undisclosed) Players out Michael Brown (Wigan, undisclosed), Heidar Helguson (Bolton, undisclosed), Matty Collins (Swansea City, free), Mark Crossley (Oldham, free), Claus Jensen, Mark Pembridge and Tomasz Radzinski (all released), Franck Queudrue (Birmingham, £2.5m)

If they were a pop star they would be... Courtney Love Tough times behind them; better times ahead. Perhaps

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 17th Mad to sack Chris Coleman but Sanchez is a master of the long-ball game and should keep them up. Just Title odds 2,500-1

Liverpool

2006-7 record: League 3rd FA Cup 3rd round Carling Cup Quarter-finals Champions League Runners-up

Manager: Rafael Benitez

Chop rating: 2/5 Still a cult figure on Merseyside – even the beard has added a new dimension of Iberian mystery – Rafael Benitez’s achievement in taking Liverpool to near-glory in Athens after a season that began before the Community Shield was immense

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 25 Pepe Reina, 26 Scott Carson, 40 David Martin Defenders 3 Steve Finnan, 4 Sami Hyypia, 5 Daniel Agger, 6 John Arne Riise, 12 Fabio Aurelio, 17 Alvaro Arbeloa, 23 Jamie Carragher, 29 Gabriel Paletta Midfielders 7 Harry Kewell, 8 Steven Gerrard, 11 Yossi Benayoun, 14 Xabi Alonso, 16 Jermaine Pennant, 20 Javier Mascherano, 21 Lucas Leiva, 22 Momo Sissoko Forwards 9 Fernando Torres, 10 Andriy Voronin, 15 Peter Crouch, 18 Dirk Kuyt, 19 Ryan Babel Players in Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid, £26.5m), Ryan Babel (Ajax, £11.5m), Lucas Leiva (Gremio, £6m), Yossi Benayoun (West Ham United, £5m), Sebastian Leto (Lanus, £1.8m), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao, £270,000), Nikolay Mihaylov (Levski Sofia, undisclosed), Andriy Voronin (Bayer Leverkusen, free) Players out Craig Bellamy (West Ham, £7.5m), Djibril Cisse (Marseille, £6m), Florent Sinama Pongolle (R Huelva, £2.7m), Luis Garcia (Atletico Madrid, undisclosed), Jerzy Dudek (Real Madrid, free), Robbie Fowler (Cardiff City, free), Bolo Zenden (Marseille, free), Danny Guthrie (Bolton, loan) New faces Only Yossi Benayoun has played in England, but signings Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres have the making of galacticos, while Andriy Voronin has a shedload of Bundesliga goals to his name. Midfielder Lucas Leiva captains Brazil’s under20s and reserve goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov dates Bulgaria’s Miss Playmate 2006. Two hungry Hungary youths make up the numbers Player to watch Javier Mascherano had an interesting season last year, but his unheralded arrival on Merseyside coincided with Liverpool’s most impressive spell as he anchored midfield with an efficiency unseen since the days of Ronnie Whelan. His foraging is the key to Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard’s glory

In an ideal world Benitez’s track record on major signings improves, the dollars keep flowing, work on the new stadium (This Isn’t Anfield) begins, Arsenal keep floundering and Chelsea and Manchester United have disappointing seasons as Liverpool’s Champions League luck holds

In the real world They won’t win their first Premier League title, but failure to qualify for the Champions League is as unthinkable as Benitez’s dream to win it again. Soon, though, it will be time to stop saying that Liverpool are ‘about’ to come good

Official club website www.liverpoolfc.tv

If they were a pop star they would be... Belinda Carlisle Big in the ’80s, less so now

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 3rd Forget Europe, it’s time Benitez earned his corn at home. After spending a fortune, his job depends on it Title odds 5-1

Man City 2006-7 record League 14th FA Cup Quarter-finals Carling Cup 2nd round

Manager: Sven Göran Eriksson

Chop rating: 2/5 Sven-Göran Eriksson may have been the least eagerly anticipated arrival at City since midfielder Steve Daley back in 1979 (and his acceptance of City’s offer is a sign of how far the Swede’s stock has sunk) but the excellence of his club record is undeniable. Rehabilitation or further ridicule awaits

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 Andreas Isaksson, 19 Kasper Schmeichel, 25 Joe Hart Defenders 2 Micah Richards, 3 Michael Ball, 4 Nedum Onuoha, 17 Jihai Sun, 18 Danny Mills, 22 Richard Dunne, 26 Matthew Mills, Vedran Corluka, Javier Garrido Midfielders 5 Ousmane Dabo, 6 Michael Johnson, 7 Stephen Ireland, 8 Geovanni, 15 Martin Petrov, 21 Dietmar Hamann, 27 Ishmael Miller, 28 Gelson Fernandes, Elano Forwards 9 Emile Mpenza, 10 Rolando Bianchi, 11 Darius Vassell, 14 Paul Dickov, 20 Georgios Samaras, 30 Bernardo Corradi, 36 Daniel Sturridge, Valeri Bojonov Players in Rolando Bianchi (Reggina, £8.8m), Elano (S Donetsk, £8m), Martin Petrov (A Madrid, £4.7m), Javier Garrido (R Sociedad, £1.5m), Vedran Corluka (D Zagreb, undisclosed), Gelson Fernandes (Sion, undis), Geovanni (Cruzeiro, free), Valeri Bojinov (Fiorentina, undis) Players out Joey Barton (Newcastle, £5.8m), Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth, free), Nathan D’Laryea (Rochdale, free), Stephen Jordan (Burnley, free), Nicky Weaver (Charlton, free), Claudio Reyna, Trevor Sinclair, Hatem Trabelsi (all released) New faces Eriksson has certainly worked hard, although Rolando Bianchi looks overpriced at nearly £9m; Brazilian midfielder Geovanni had unpleasant stays at Benfica and Barcelona before skulking back home to Cruzeiro, and Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov struggled last season at Atletico Madrid. Even so, Eriksson’s description of midfielder Gelson Fernandes as ‘the best young player in Switzerland’ rings true. And Eriksson didn’t stop there, rounding off last week by signing Brazil midfielder Elano, Javier Garrido from Real Sociedad, Vedran Corluka from Dinamo Zagreb and Valeri Bojinov from Fiorentina Player to watch Micah Richards is the latest graduate of City’s academy to play for his country and his resistance to overtures from more settled clubs was a fillip to sagging morale. Now, with better players around him, the teenager will continue to develop apace

In an ideal world Their owner won’t be sent to a Thai prison, pulling the financial rug from under City’s feet; Eriksson does not stray (professionally); somebody, somewhere scores some goals and the dead wood continues to be hurled on to the nearest pyre

In the real world City’s financial clout should prevent the ultimate embarrassment, and the disarray of the previous regime gives Eriksson time to build and be judged in 2008-9

Official club website www.mcfc.co.uk

If they were a pop star they would be... Britney Spears All over the place

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 13th From ‘Psycho’ Pearce to Soporific Sven – talk about chalk and cheese! Signings aplenty, but it will all end in tears Title odds 750-1

Man United

2006-7 record: League Champions FA Cup Runners-up Carling Cup 4th round Champions League Semi-finals

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Chop rating 2/5: Few predicted that Sir Alex Ferguson would unseat Jose Mourinho last year, but the result was never really in serious doubt after December. Now, once again, the finest manager of his generation looks to Europe

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 Edwin van der Sar, 29 Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Foster Defenders 2 Gary Neville, 3 Patrice Evra, 4 Gabriel Heinze, 5 Rio Ferdinand, 6 Wes Brown, 15 Nemanja Vidic, 22 John O’Shea, 26 Phil Bardsley, 27 Mikael Silvestre, 28 Gerard Pique Midfielders 7 Cristiano Ronaldo, 11 Ryan Giggs, 13 Ji-Sung Park, 16 Michael Carrick, 17 Nani, 18 Paul Scholes, 24 Darren Fletcher, 33 Chris Eagles, Owen Hargreaves Forwards 9 Louis Saha, 10 Wayne Rooney, 20 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 21 Dong Fangzhuo, Anderson, Carlos Tevez Players in Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich, £17m), Anderson (FC Porto, £8m rising to £20.2m), Nani (Sporting Lisbon, £8m rising to £17.3m), Tomasz Kuszczak (West Brom, undisclosed) Players out Alan Smith (Newcastle, £6m), Kieran Richardson (Sunderland, £5.5m), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal, undisclosed), Carlos Tevez (West Ham, £8m loan) New faces Owen Hargreaves is the Michael Carrick that Ferguson really wanted, but the Carlos Queiroz-led £30m-plus splurge on Brazilian teenage midfielder Anderson and Portuguese winger Nani is certainly a gamble, and the latter may yet turn out to be more Kleberson than Ronaldo. Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak’s loan move from West Brom has been made permanent, and with Carlos Tevez on the way, everything looks rosy Player to watch If Nani is touted as the new Ronaldo, the old one is still only 22 and was arguably the best player in Britain last season. Predictable only in his unpredictability and with a streak of genuine genius, he can help United soar again

In an ideal world Domestically, last season; in Europe, 1998-9. Ferguson’s physical and the Glazers’ financial health hold up and those exciting new signings really are as good as they look

In the real world A disappointing night in Milan, when they went out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage, made for a strangely flat finale to last season, despite the domestic title. This time, bettering Chelsea at home and abroad is everything, but Europe is the priority and they look equipped to win it this time

Official club website www.manutd.com

If they were a pop star they would be... Barbra Streisand Loved and loathed, more than the rest. Not cheap to watch

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 2nd Anderson and Nani will take time to settle, and don’t expect the same again from Ronaldo. They need Tevez Title odds 11-8

Middlesbrough

2006-7 record: League 12th FA Cup Quarter-finals Carling Cup 2nd round

Manager: Gareth Southgate

Chop rating: 4/5 By his own admission, Gareth Southgate’s maiden season was the steepest of learning curves. This time there will be fewer excuses if Middlesbrough struggle and chairman Steve Gibson loses his legendary patience

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Brad Jones, David Knight, Mark Schwarzer Defenders Julio Arca, Matthew Bates, Andrew Davies, Jonathon Grounds, Seb Hines, Robert Huth, Tony McMahon, Emanuel Pogatetz, Chris Riggott, Andrew Taylor, David Wheater, Rhys Williams, Jonathan Woodgate, Luke Young Midfielders George Boateng, Lee Cattermole, Stewart Downing, Jonathon Franks, Herold Goulon, Adam Johnson, Jason Kennedy, Gaizka Mendieta, James Morrison, Graeme Owens, Fabio Rochemback, Joshua Walker Forwards Jeremie Aliadiere, Tom Craddock, Jason Euell, Ben Hutchinson, Dong-gook Lee, Tuncay Sanli, Ayegbeni Yakubu Players in Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, £7m), Luke Young (Charlton, £2.5m), Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal, £2m), Tuncay Sanli (Fenerbahce, free) Players out Mark Viduka (Newcastle, free), Abel Xavier (LA Galaxy, free), Stuart Parnaby (Birmingham, free), Danny Graham (Carlisle, free), Ross Turnbull (Cardiff, loan), Malcolm Christie (released) New faces Attracting people to Middlesbrough is never easy, despite homeboy Jonathan Woodgate’s keenness. Luke Young seems to have baled out to the first Premier League club that needs a left-back; £2m for Jeremie Aliadiere seems like good business, albeit for Arsenal. What striker Tuncay Sanli, who has never played outside his native Turkey but who once scored a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester United, makes of Teesside remains to be seen

Player to watch Woodgate seems settled on Teesside after a torrid few seasons. Certainly he’ll see a lot of the ball this season and if he can stay clear of the injuries which follow him around as doggedly as bad publicity, he’ll be an England mainstay again and his team might have hope of more than salvation

In an ideal world A good start, a good home record to quell the baying but half-empty Riverside and some of the potentially thrilling youngsters – Lee Cattermole, Andrew Davies, Andrew Taylor – turn potential into concrete results

In the real world A tough summer in the transfer market will be followed by a tough season on the pitch. If they suffer too many crucial injuries, the paucity of potential replacements means disaster could loom

Official club website www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk

If they were a pop star they would be... Amy Winehouse They’re looking a bit rough these days

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 16th Southgate still has it all to prove. Viduka was a big loss and Aliadiere is unlikely to compensate Title odds 1,000-1

Newcastle

2006-7 record: League 13th FA Cup 3rd round Carling Cup Quarter-finals Uefa Cup Last 16

Manager: Sam Allardyce

Chop rating: 1/5 Having outgrown Bolton, former Sunderland stopper Sam Allardyce takes on the task of his managerial life. He needs time, but having waited more than half a century for a major trophy, the faithful may be inclined to initial patience. Mike Ashley’s billions and the Gallowgate’s goodwill are a good start and even Albert Luque scored preseason. Rumours Allardyce and the new regime have had a ‘clear the air’ meeting sound ominous Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 Shay Given, 12 Steve Harper, 40 Tim Krul Defenders 2 Stephen Carr, 4 David Rozehnal, 26 Peter Ramage, 27 Steven Taylor, 30 David Edgar, 32 Paul Huntington, 33 Celestine Babayaro, 34 Fraser Forster, Claudio Cacapa, Jose Enrique Midfielders 5 Belozoglu Emre, 7 Joey Barton, 8 Kieron Dyer, 11 Damien Duff, 14 Charles N’Zogbia, 15 Nolberto Solano, 16 James Milner, 20 Geremi, 22 Nicky Butt, 35 Matthew Pattison, 37 James Troisi Forwards 9 Obafemi Martins, 10 Michael Owen, 19 Albert Luque, 23 Shola Ameobi, 36 Mark Viduka, 39 Andrew Carroll, Alan Smith Players in Alan Smith (Manchester United, £6m), Joey Barton (Manchester City, £5.8m), David Rozehnal (Paris Saint-Germain, £2.9m), Geremi (Chelsea, free), Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, freClaudio Cacapa (Lyon, free), Jose Enrique (Villarreal, £4m) Players out Scott Parker (West Ham, £7m), Alan O'Brien (Hibernian, undisclosed), Titus Bramble (Wigan, free), Antoine Sibierski (Wigan, free), Craig Moore, Olivier Bernard and Pavel Srnicek (all released) New faces Even Allardyce and his cheque book have struggled to attract players to the northeast, but if he can enthuse and slim down Mark Viduka and keep Alan Smith on the field, goals will follow; if he can tame Joey Barton, midfield quality will follow, while David Rozehnal could be the giant centre-half Newcastle need. Geremi can play anywhere, and the club have agreed deals with Lyon’s Claudio Cacapa and Villarreal full-back Jose Enrique Player to watch Having spent the summer being shot at in Lagos (although his account has been disputed by the Nigerian police), Tyneside suddenly seems a more attractive option to Obafemi Martins despite Chelsea’s interest. A good job too since his luminous strike play single-handedly kept Glenn Roeder in a job beyond Christmas

In an ideal world An end to the chaos, a proper challenge for a Uefa Cup spot and some silverware (even the Carling Cup would be nice). A massive clear-out

In the real world Tyneside’s tendency to be ludicrously overoptimistic may rear up once more and Allardyce will need all his customary man-management skills and tactical nous to fashion Newcastle into contenders. Peace, quiet and a cup run may have to suffice

Official club website www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk If they were a pop star they would be... Whitney Houston Huge fanbase, but haven’t done anything of note for years

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 6th Enter Big Sam, exit chairman Freddy Shepherd, cue a ‘Where’s the money?’ crisis. But cometh the hour . . . Title odds 100-1

Portsmouth

2006-7 record: League 9th FA Cup 4th round Carling Cup 3rd round

Manager: Harry Redknapp

Chop rating: 3/5 Forgiven for his brief defection to Southampton, Harry Redknapp still wheels and deals, but he has brought top-flight stability to a club desperately short of it since the late 1950s. Whether he has the enthusiasm of his first stint at Fratton Park remains a moot point

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 David James, 21 Jamie Ashdown, 31 Asmir Begovic Defenders 2 Linvoy Primus, 3 Dejan Stefanovic, 4 Lauren, 6 Djimi Traore, 7 Hermann Hreidarsson, 15 Sylvain Distin, 16 Noe Pamarot, 20 Martin Cranie, 23 Sol Campbell, 24 Richard Duffy, 33 Andrew O’Brien Midfielders 11 Sulley Muntari, 14 Matthew Taylor, 18 Arnold Mvuemba, 19 Niko Kranjcar, 22 Richard Hughes, 26 Gary O’Neil, 28 Sean Davis, 30 Pedro Mendes, 34 Franck Songo’o, 35 Marc Wilson Forwards 8 Andy Cole, 10 David Nugent, 17 John Utaka, 25 Benjani Mwaruwari, 32 Lomana LuaLua, Kanu Players in Sulley Muntari (Udinese, £7m), John Utaka (Rennes, £7m), David Nugent (Preston, £6m), Martin Cranie (Southampton, undisclosed), Arnold Mvuemba (Rennes, undisclosed), Sylvain Distin (Manchester City, free), Hermann Hreidarsson (Charlton, free) Players out Andy Griffin (Derby, £500,000), Svetoslav Todorov (Charlton, free) New faces Deep breath. Untested at the highest level, David Nugent is Redknapp’s big gamble, but £7m each for hot-tempered Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari and Nigeria’s far-from-free-scoring striker John Utaka seems excessive. Arnold Mvuemba failed to impress during his loan spell at Fratton Park last season, but Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson are as English as any nonEnglishmen can be and the more bovine element of Pompey’s support will jeer Martin Cranie merely because he had the temerity to play occasionally for Southampton Player to watch Niko Kranjcar. Redknapp still seems unsure about his wily Croat, yet when he appeared – more frequently as substitute than starter – he offered vision and pace that seemed beyond his colleagues. This make-or-break season should make him

In an ideal world Another push for Europe, but this one wouldn’t peter out in the spring. A first major trophy since 1950 wouldn’t go amiss either, as would a dearth of visits from the local constabulary and continued progress on their new docklands stadium

In the real world Redknapp has increased the quantity of his squad. Whether he has increased its quality is debatable and the restlessness of Sol Campbell and Kanu suggests a not wholly stable ship. If Redknapp has indeed lost his enthusiasm, it may sink

Official club website www.pompeyfc.premiumtv.co.uk

If they were a pop star they would be... Kate Nash

They don’t travel to the north very well

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 9th Nobody scored more than 10 league goals last season, hence Nugent. Muntari is a typical Redknapp rabbit from the hat Title odds 500-1

Reading

2006-7 record: League 8th FA Cup 5th round Carling Cup 3rd round

Manager: Steve Coppell

Chop rating: 2/5 Not one to display his joy at Reading’s eighth place last season, Steve Coppell’s traditional caution might serve him well in what promises to be a more difficult season this time out

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 Marcus Hahnemann, 21 Graham Stack, 32 Adam Federici Defenders 2 Graeme Murty, 3 Nicky Shorey, 5 Ibrahima Sonko, 14 John Halls, 16 Ivar Ingimarsson, 18 Sam Sodje, 22 Andre Bikey, 23 Ulises de la Cruz, 27 Aaron Brown, 29 Michael Duberry, 33 Scott Golbourne, 35 Alex Pearce, 47 Peter Mate Midfielders 4 Kalifa Cisse, 6 Brynjar Gunnarsson, 7 Glen Little, 10 Stephen Hunt, 11 John Oster, 15 James Harper, 17 Bobby Convey, 19 Seol Ki-Hyeon, 34 James Henry, Emerse Fae Forwards 8 Leroy Lita, 9 Kevin Doyle, 12 Dave Kitson, 24 Shane Long, 31 Simon Cox Players in Kalifa Cisse (Boavista, £675,000), Emerse Fae (Nantes, £2.5m) Players out Greg Halford (Sunderland, £3m), Jonathan Hayes (Leicester, undisclosed), Steve Sidwell (Chelsea, free), Alan Bennett (Southampton, loan), Curtis Osano (Rushden & Diamonds, loan) Coppell did brilliantly last time, but second-season syndrome is an obvious threat to the league’s lowest payers New faces Kalifa Cisse, a French defensive midfielder who helped Boavista finish 10th out of 16 in Portugal, and Ivory Coast midfielder Emerse Fae, signed from Nantes, have hardly set pulses racing in Berkshire. Not least as they are the sum total of Reading’s expenditure, unless three 16-year-old South Koreans count and, frankly, they don’t. Having lost Greg Halford and Steve Sidwell over the summer, Reading look significantly less competitive than they did this time last year Player to watch Kevin Doyle. Thirteen goals and elevation into the Republic of Ireland team marked an exceptional introduction to the Premier League. If Doyle’s form dips, he might take Reading into the trough with him. If not then they have a fighting chance of staying up

In an ideal world Same as you were. Bobby Convey and Dave Kitson are fully recovered from their injury gluts, while Leroy Lita, Nicky Shorey and Shane Long continue to develop and the doubters are proved wrong yet again

In the real world The unfathomable lack of transfer activity will test Coppell’s abilities and his team’s trademark unity to the test. But if they can avoid injuries, their defence is rugged and keen. Their midfield will sorely lack Sidwell’s craft and they have four strikers each capable of scoring more than 10 league goals a season

Official club website www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk

If they were a pop star they would be... Corinne Bailey Rae Last year was as good as it’s going to get

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 15th Coppell did brilliantly last time, but second-season syndrome is an obvious threat to the league's lowest payers Title odds 500-1

Sunderland

2006-7 record: League Promoted, Championship winners FA Cup 3rd round Carling Cup 1st round

Manager: Roy Keane

Chop rating: 1/5 Although he won’t admit it, Roy Keane probably surprised even himself in guiding Sunderland from the threat of relegation to automatic promotion. Now he has to face Sir Alex Ferguson and the rest. He won’t blink

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Trevor Carson, Marton Fulop, Darren Ward Defenders Russell Anderson, Danny Collins, Clive Clarke, Greg Halford, Peter Hartley, Paul McShane, Nyron Nosworthy, Stanislav Varga Midfielders Billy Dennehy, Carlos Edwards, Dickson Etuhu, Tobias Hysen, Graham Kavanagh, Grant Leadbitter, Liam Miller, Jake Richardson, Kieran Richardson, Arnau Riera, Ross Wallace, Dean Whitehead Forwards Michael Chopra, David Connolly, Stern John, Daryl Murphy, Anthony Stokes, Dwight Yorke Players in Kieran Richardson (Manchester United, £5.5m), Michael Chopra (Cardiff, £5m), Greg Halford (Reading, £3m), Paul McShane (West Brom, £2.5m), Dickson Etuhu (Norwich, £1.5m), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen, £1m) Players out Stephen Elliott (Wolves, undisclosed), Arnau Riera (Falkirk, loan), Stephen Wright (Stoke, loan), Kenny Cunningham and Tommy Miller (both released) New faces Greg Halford unaccountably struggled during his brief stopover at Reading, fellow centre-back Russell Anderson was adored at Aberdeen (and, on leaving, even gave his £90,000 signing-on fee back to the club). Michael Chopra will score goals if the fans forgive him for having played for Newcastle, Kieran Richardson was squeezed out of Old Trafford but should add zest in midfield, and defender Paul McShane impressed Keane at West Brom and as an Old Trafford reserve. Perhaps Keane sees a little of his combative self in Dickson Etuhu, but Norwich City fans were hardly mourning his departure Player to watch Carlos Edwards. Plucked from Luton Town in the last transfer window, he’s the proof that Keane has an eye for a quality hidden gem

In an ideal world The great leap forwards. Bobo Balde, Leighton Baines and Craig Gordon are proved foolish to have spurned Keane’s advances, Europe beckons for the first time since Bob Stokoe’s day and Newcastle are beaten, ideally twice

In the real world Consolidation, consolidation and more consolidation. Tellingly, those who have made the move to Wearside are more firefighters than galacticos and Keane is not a man for wild promises. Still, they can’t do any worse than Sunderland’s previous, record-breaking Premiership sojourn

Official club website www.safc.com

If they were a pop star they would be... Kate Bush Been around forever, but still an unknown quantity

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 18th So far, so good for Keane, but then Mick McCarthy also took them up. Keeping them there is the real test Title odds 500-1

Tottenham

2006-7 record: League 5th FA Cup Quarter-finals Carling Cup Semi-finals Uefa Cup Quarter-finals

Manager: Martin Jol

Chop rating: 3/5 Sometimes Martin Jol seems like one of the greatest managers of our time; sometimes he seems out of his depth, but after much wailing and gnashing of teeth, Spurs still finished fifth last season. He’ll be ultimately defined by his massive close-season investment

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Ben Alnwick, Radek Cerny, Paul Robinson Defenders Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Gareth Bale, Pascal Chimbonda, Michael Dawson, Dorian Dervite, Anthony Gardner, Philip Ifil, Younes Kaboul, Ledley King, Young-Pyo Lee, Ricardo Rocha, Paul Stalteri Midfielders Kevin-Prince Boateng, Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon, Steed Malbranque, Danny Murphy, Jamie O’Hara, Wayne Routledge, Adel Taarabt, Teemu Tainio, Didier Zokora, Hossam Ghaly Forwards Andy Barcham, Lee Barnard, Darren Bent, Dimitar Berbatov, Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane, Ahmed Mido Players in Darren Bent (Charlton, £16.5m), Younes Kaboul (Auxerre, £8m), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Hertha Berlin, £6m), Gareth Bale (Southampton, £5m), Yuri Berchiche (Athletic Bilbao, undisclosed), Danny Rose (Leeds, undisclosed), Adel Taarabt (Lens, undisclosed) Players out Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria, £1.4m), Emil Hallfredsson (Lyn-Oslo, undisclosed), Mark Yeates (Colchester, undisclosed) New faces Gareth Bale, full-back and free kick specialist, already seems a snip at £5m, unlike Darren Bent, for whom £16.5m (ie more than Thierry Henry) is surely a grand Malcolm Allison-esque folly. Younes Kaboul is yet another centre-half, while Adel Taarabt failed to make the first team during a loan spell at White Hart Lane last season. Midfielder Danny Rose and yet another left-back, the Spaniard Yuri Berchiche, are too young to vote and to make the first team Player to watch Dimitar Berbatov. A wonderfully-taken goal in Istanbul against Besiktas marked the moment the Bulgarian became a force to be reckoned with after a shaky start to his career in England. If he maintains his form and strike rate, Premier League defences will quiver

In an ideal world A step forwards would be a mould-breaking stride into the Top Four. The Uefa Cup would revive memories of the glory, glory days, Bent scores for fun and Berbatov stays

In the real world Arsenal’s turmoil might leave a vacancy in the Top Four, Spurs are stronger than last season and they finished strongly. It’s merely a question of whether they can build and not be distracted by all those Uefa Cup games

Official club website www.tottenhamhotspur.com

If they were a pop star they would be... Gwen Stefani They always do quite well, but nobody can explain why

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 5th Having dug deep to back Jol in the transfer market, the board will demand a top-four place Title odds 66-1

West Ham

2006-7 record: League 15th FA Cup 4th round Carling Cup 3rd round Uefa Cup 1st round

Manager: Alan Curbishley

Chop rating: 2/5 For all the praise and glory that went Carlos Tevez’s way (and not forgetting the craven, dilatory nature of the Premiership’s rule-enforcing body), Alan Curbishley was the real mastermind behind West Ham’s survival. A point, presumably, not lost on chairman Eggert Magnusson

Squad analysis Goalkeepers Robert Green, Jimmy Walker, Richard Wright Defenders James Collins, Christian Dailly, Calum Davenport, Anton Ferdinand, Danny Gabbidon, George McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Pantsil, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson Midfielders Luis Boa Morte, Lee Bowyer, Matthew Etherington, Julien Faubert, Freddie Ljungberg, Hayden Mullins, Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Nigel Quashie, Kyel Reid Forwards Dean Ashton, Craig Bellamy, Carlton Cole, Hogan Ephraim, Bobby Zamora Players in Craig Bellamy (Liverpool, £7.5m), Scott Parker (Newcastle, £7m), Julien Faubert (Bordeaux, £6m), Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal, £3m), Richard Wright (Everton, free) Players out Nigel Reo-Coker (Aston Villa, £8.5m), Yossi Benayoun (Liverpool, £5m), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa, £4m), Paul Konchesky (Fulham, £3.25m), Tyrone Mears (Derby, £1m), Roy Carroll (Rangers, free), Shaun Newton (Leicester, free), Teddy Sheringham (Colchester, free), Carlos Tevez (Man Utd, £2m)New faces Julien Faubert is out until after Christmas and Richard Wright is there to keep Robert Green awake, but Scott Parker is an old-style West Ham player who never seemed engaged on Tyneside. Freddie Ljungberg desperately needed a new challenge and Craig Bellamy might have more excess baggage than a plane-load of Saudi princes and has never played for a London club, but he can be magical Player to watch Lucas Neill. He may have had an escape clause in his contract, but nobody could fault his commitment last term and his appointment as captain indicates how deep an impression he has made on Curbishley

In an ideal world In Curbishley’s phrase, ‘a solid season’. The Tevez saga to finish, the unsavoury aspects of survival to be forgiven and forgotten and last season’s miracle to be the beginning, not the end, of something better

In the real world Surprisingly bright. The unsure and uncommitted have been off-loaded. Curbishley has bought astutely and the backs-against-the-wall approach that proved crucial last season will serve them well again. If Dean Ashton and Matthew Upson are truly fit, anything could happen Official club website www.whufc.com

If they were a pop star they would be... Lily Allen Chirpy cockneys with a few tales to tell and a dark underbelly. Popular with the tabloids

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 12th Whether they should be in the Premier League is debatable, but relegation shouldn’t be a threat this time Title odds 500-1

Wigan

2006-7 record: League 17th FA Cup 3rd round Carling Cup 2nd round

Manager: Chris Hutchings

Chop rating: 5/5 In 2000, as Bradford City manager, Chris Hutchings won only one Premier League game. The former secondhand car salesman has been a Wigan Athletic fixture since 2001. Now, all that remains is for him and his team to prove everybody wrong

Squad analysis Goalkeepers 1 Chris Kirkland, 12 Michael Pollitt, 13 Carlo Nash, 30 Russell Saunders Defenders 2 Ryan Taylor, 4 Andreas Granqvist, 5 Fitz Hall, 17 Emmerson Boyce, 18 Paul Scharner, 19 Titus Bramble, 25 Mario Melchiot, 26 Leighton Baines, 29 Lewis Montrose Midfielders 6 Antoine Sibierski, 8 Kevin Kilbane, 10 Jason Koumas, 11 Michael Brown, 14 Denny Landzaat, 16 Antonio Valencia, 21 Tomasz Cywka, 24 Josip Skoko, 27 Tomasz Kupisz, 28 Peter Moore Forwards 7 Henri Camara, 9 Emile Heskey, 15 Julius Aghahowa, 20 Caleb Folan, 22 David Cotterill Players in Jason Koumas (West Brom, £5.3m), Carlo Nash (Preston, £300,000), Michael Brown (Fulham, undisclosed), Andreas Granqvist (Helsingborgs, undis), Titus Bramble (Newcastle, free), Mario Melchiot (Rennes, free), Antoine Sibierski (Newcastle, free), Antonio Valencia (Villarreal, loan) Players out Lee McCulloch (Rangers, £2.25m), Matt Jackson (Watford, free), Arjan de Zeeuw (Coventry, free), Andy Webster (Rangers, loan), Andreas Johansson and David Unsworth (both released), John Filan (retired) New faces Boldness is not Hutchings’s problem. Attracting quality to Wigan is. Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski struggled to settle at Newcastle; new captain Mario Melchiot rarely looked Premier League quality at Birmingham two seasons ago; Swedish centre-half Andreas Granqvist failed to make a league appearance on loan at the JJB last season; and while many clubs looked at Jason Koumas, only Wigan had the courage, or desperation, to take the plunge. Michael Brown comes from Fulham to add midfield options and goalkeeper Carlo Nash from Preston Player to watch If nothing else, the season will be a busy one for goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, assuming he stays fit. The practice should mean we will finally know whether he is of genuine international quality

In an ideal world Survival, ideally not on the last day of the season. A full JJB stadium, other than when Manchester United or Liverpool visit, would be a bonus, but Emile Heskey’s goal tally reaching double figures might be too much to put on the wish list

In the real world Sloppy at the back, inconsistent in midfield and punchless upfront, with the most benign will in the world it’s hard to see Wigan making progress. Nationwide, neutrals will shed a tear Official club website www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk

If they were pop stars they would be... Girls Aloud Destined to go back to where they came from any moment now

Joe Lovejoy’s prediction 19th It took all of Paul Jewell’s Scouse nous to keep them up. Hutchings seems to have signed a job lot of also-rans Title odds 2,500-1