Premier League 2011/12 - Team - By - Team Guide

Arsenal: Ah… Beloved Arsenal. What’s there not to like? Nothing of course, If you’re a Gooner (like me) should be the answer, although the obvious flaws for many still remain. Forgetting the money spinning run – out that was the Emirates Cup, both fans and foes alike saw the obvious mistakes in defense that have cost the Gunners so dear, with new signing Carl Jenkinson’s own goal only fueling the fire started by the signing of a player who had never played outside League 1 level.

It’s certainly not all bad at the Emirates though. Barcelona are the best side in the world by some way so to lose to them in only the second leg (the loss of Robin Van Persie in more than questionable circumstances) of their Champions League tie was no disgrace, while their Carling Cup run showed that they can call on mental resolve, if only they believe in themselves.  It’s that self-belief that needs to be called on at all times this season, and if that should be the case then their prices for all competitions are more than generous.

Strengths: Some of the best talent in the Premier League including Robin Van Persie (18 goals despite being injured for large parts of last season) along with Jack Wilshere and Aaron “Rambo” Ramsey, whatever happens with Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. If they can keep their starlets then there’s no reason why they shouldn’t challenge. Their away day blues are little more than a myth nowadays too – 31 points were gained on their travels last season.

Weaknesses: A lack of courage and mental strength in times of adversity which can bring down the team – After their Carling Cup final loss to Birmingham they won only 2 of the last 11 games – along with defensive weaknesses which are exposed time and time again, especially when they score less than 2 goals. They won 11 league matches by that margin last year but tellingly had 8 score draws and then 6 1 - goal defeats.

Star Player: Robin Van Persie. Anyone who can score 18 goals in the Premier League is valuable, but when injured for 5 months of the year? The longer he stays fit then the better their chances become, some might say.

Key Player: Wojciech Szczęsny. For so many people Arsenal have lacked a “top class goalkeeper” but Szczęsny’s performances kept Arsenal in the race all last year and his confident shot stopping, along with his command of the area was far better then we had seen from the previously under – fire pair of Fabianski and Almunia. 

Aston Villa: The loss of Martin O’Neill proven enough to knock them off their “best of the rest” perch which they had occupied with a relative amount of control for the past rheee campagins. It says a lot about their prowess that they finished ninth despite the long wait for an successor who eventually wasn’t up to it in Gerard Houllier. After their whole recruitment sideshow they finished with a flourish (they came fourth in a table of the last 8 games of the season with 15 points) and although presumably things will get tougher for them this season they’ve had more than enough adversity to think that they can go well this season.

Strengths: If they decide to use them, their wing options can create trouble for any team. Despite the departure of Ashley Young to Manchester United, Barry Bannan, Nathan Delfouneso and Marc Albrighton are all bright young talent of which big things are expected and Darren Bent’s goals will be a big factor in their fortunes this season.

Weaknesses: Their liability to drop points from winning positions is a worry when you see that the Villains dropped an incredible 26 points from winning positions last season. Apart from that, there’s only the slight possibility that McLeish’s bedding in period could take longer than normal given his past, and once he’s in his style will be tricky to impose, along with the losses of Stewart Downing (albeit for a great price) and Ashley Young (who does have replacements who look ready for the job).

Star Player: Marc Albrighton has long impressed many and now looks ready to fill the shoes left vacant by Ashley Young, along with other bright talents. Shay Given too is a tremendous coup.

Key Player: Darren Bent’s goals earned Sunderland and Aston Villa a combined 14 points last season.

Blackburn Rovers: It is the former PM Howard Wilson who said: “He who rejects change is the architect of decay.  The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. “ Tell that to Rovers fans who have saw their club go from stable and secure (albeit “boring” to some) times with Sam Allardayce to the waters of uncertainty and a flat end of season campaign that had them heading for the drop until a 4 game streak with no losses saved them.  Whether they can fare any better this campaign may not be the question with a lack of new arrivals over the summer and some very strong promoted teams, despite the best efforts of the Rovers.

Strengths: A rugged home defence – Blackburn let in just 16 goals at home last season, along with some enviable midfielders which include the likes of Pedersen, Holiett and Emerton, all of whom chip in plenty of goals.

Weaknesses: A chronic lack of goals. Between them, Blackburn’s four strikers netted only 16 goals between them in the League and two of them (Bejnani and Diouf) are not here for the new campaign. Adding that to a tendency to let the game get away from them at half time, and it’s not hard to see why many are uneasy about this year.

Star Player: Ryan Nelsen would get many votes from Rovers fans but it’s hard to get away from Morten Gamst Pedersen, who is the epitome  of the more exciting football that Venky’s want from Steve Kean.

Key Player: Paul Robinson, who would be a realistic England back – up had he not retired from the International game last year.

Bolton Wanderers: Cast your mind back to the first half of last season and Owen Coyle’s appointment had worked miracles. The club had gone from one of the most dour to one of the most attractive in the Premier League and they were also on a roll that would take them to the semi – finals of the FA Cup. But their 5-0 humbling by Stoke is a key feature of what was to happen in the latter stages of the campaign, as they went from European to Relegation candidates (on form) and ended up 14^th. Some will say that it was down to their leaky defence getting exposed one to many times, or the injury of Stuart Holden at Old Trafford. Whichever was true, a fast start is needed with Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea among their first seven opponents.

Strengths: A lot of home wins – 10 last season, including the one that ended Arsenal’s title challenge beyond any doubt – along with more goals than had been seen in a good while at the club (53% of matches gave over 2.5 goals).

Weaknesses: The losses of Daniel Sturridge (see picture), Gary Cahill, and Johan Elmander leave three big holes that are yet to be really filled and this will make enforcing the play that served them so well last season.

Star Player: If he retains all his ability at 34, Kevin Davies is going to be the focal point yet again of all the long balls that Bolton can muster should they feel like it.

Key Player: Jussi Jaskelinen. With Bolton’s attacking powers diminished by three key departures their defensive qualities will be under the spotlight more than ever and their solid Goalkeeper will be put under more pressure than usual, so a good season is a must.

Chelsea: The crossroads have arrived. After a disappointing season for many given the exalted standards which have been set by the back – back – title winners of the Special One, or Ancelotti’s explosive double side, which resulted in no trophies and too many defeats either when the going got tough or at the hands of bigger opponents, namely Manchester United although they only took 9 out of 18 points against the top 4 finishers last term, while Liverpool also did the double over them, the pressure is on for Chelsea.

A new manager in Andre Villas Boas is the man tasked with brining Chelsea silverware once again and while he has little experience for a top flight boss, his style of management led to more than 100 goals last season, along with 4 trophies. 

There’s little to put anyone of Chelsea at all, although the continuing efforts to fit in Fernando Torres are becoming more disconcerting by the game and may prove a serious hindrance early on in the season, especially if the 4-3-3 system is employed with a mind just to supply him.

Strengths: A watertight defence and a Terminator style attitude. Chelsea let in only 33 goals last season despite long periods of poor form which cost them dearly, and they lost only 6 points from winning positions last season.

Weaknesses: Many will cite an ageing squad but Fernando Torres (left) has failed to live up to his price tag and while it’s too soon to wrote him off Chelsea could over extend their efforts to accommodate him they could suffer the same problems as last season.

Star Player: Didier Drogba (above) is heading for that uncertain world of the late 30’s but it doesn’t stop you if you’re good enough and Chelsea may find themselves falling back on him to get through rough patches if they suffer the same poor periods of last season.

Key Player: I’m not a fan of Fernando Torres but a big part of Chelsea’ s season revolves around him.

Everton:Is it harsh to suggest that Everton are the Hearts of the Premier League? Every season some seem to worry about their lack of investment but then all of the good players stay, one comes from out of the woodwork and they do just fine, with the condition that they have to have had a terrible first half of the season.

Last season it took them seven tries to win a Premier League game before then getting going and it’s quite remarkable how notably their form picks up late on in the season. Doubts about a wafer – thin squad remain but if no – one leaves them it’s hard to see why they can’t win plenty of games yet again, Punters looking to follow Everton could be best advised waiting and then backing them for a top half finish midway through the season.

Strengths: Talent, both young and old, with lots of it and the added “joker” of Louis Saha is he can be kept fit, a home record which saw them beat Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool along with a 3-3 draw against Manchester United, and a storming late finish which has seen them take 71 points over the last 2 season from their last 19 games.

Weaknesses: An awful starting tendency, what some would describe as a weak squad and vulnerability to injures, along with a relatively low goal count for a team of their quality.

Star Player: Mikael Arteta would get into nearly all Premier League teams and the fact that he’s recovered from his knee injury means he can now take the lead for the Toffees on the field.

Key Player: Tim Cahill is everywhere and anywhere on the pitch and his goals are crucial. In only 22 starts he made 9 goals and the same is needed again.

Fulham:An eight place finish sounds serene for Fulham but for a long time the draw specialists (16 stalemates last season) they were looking over their shoulders with apprehension after winning only 2 of their opening 18 matches. 

A strong finish, aided by some key players (below) got them into the Europa League through fairly and it’s fair to say that things should be easier this year with Zamora once again fit and Dembele having had the first season of English football under his belt.  As far as their seasonal form goes a fast start could be in the offing with their campaign underway and that might be where the money’s made.

Strengths: Some talented performers, especially Clint Dempsey, Damien Diff, and Moussa Dembelele along with the returning Bobby Zamora, given Fulham more than enough firepower is used properly and a fitness advantage over the likes of Aston Villa Wolves and Newcastle could pay dividends early on.

Weaknesses: An inability to avoid the draw as referred to above, and a lack of strength in depth going past the top players could leave them vulnerable late of things don’t go well.

Star Player: Clint Dempsey scored 12 goals from midfield last season and without him Fulham could have been looking at the other end of the table for more than half the season.

Key Player: Brett Hangerland edges the vote over Danny Murphy given his defensive qualities and reliability (he missed just 16 minutes of the entire campaign).

Liverpool: Last season gave the bigger roller-coaster ride for Liverpool fans since that night in Milan. Roy Hodgson sank like a stone with a squad that while unmotivated, oozed incompetence from every corner and had a mentality lower than a limbo bar. How things can change. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, cometh the savior and Kenny Dalgish’s October appointment has practically transformed the club, along with the purchase of the team by the shrewd, classy and smart John W Henry – A far cry from the Bush& Cheney like “management” style of George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

A flood of new talent includes Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, and Stewart Downing, all of whom are ready to go having had Premiership experience, while the dream pair of Andy Caroll and Luiz Suraez should prove a threat at every ground, especially with the Uruguayan having propelled his team to Copa America glory in brilliant style.

Strengths: Talent, talent, talent and more talent, headed by the front paring of Suarez and Caroll but more than backed up by a powerful midfield – Gerrard or no Gerrard, which must be an immense relief for Scousers everywhere. With Reina in goal the balance seems perfect.

Weaknesses: A poor away record (they were 12th having won just 5 games away in the away table) along with a fair few dilemmas about who to fit into the midfield in different situations.

Star Player: Luis Suarez was sublime in taking Uruguay to the Copa America title last month and has all the traits needed for a big Golden Boot tilt this season.

Key Player: With preference for the latter, Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt are likely to be underrated this season but Kuyt was the top league scorer for the reds last season with 13 goals and just doesn’t give up at all.

Manchester City: The noisy neighbours have just been given a megaphone. A first trophy in 35 years came with the FA Cup last season, made even sweeter with the fact that they knocked out Manchester United at the semi – final stage, but even better that golden prize of Champions League football.

Sergio Ageuro is the only big buy for around £38 million, joined by the rather suspect Arsenal left back Gael Clichy and Montenegrin defender Stefan Sevic, who is assumedly back – up. The aim this year is a genuine title challenge and it would be a brave man who bets against them narrowing the gap to their title rivals. With areas for improvement still there, it will be fascinating to see how Roberto Mancini guides them through the campaign.

Strengths: A settled squad. With only 3 new arrivals (two who will probably not make it into the team on a regular basis) it looks as if Mancini has kept faith with the best XI from last season which means that the already hard to pass City (18 clean sheets last season) will be even tougher to break down.

Weaknesses: City’s record against other big teams probably will improve, but it has to. In games against the top 4 they took only 5 points in total and suffered badly against top half rivals last season. More adventurous play is required though, especially at home.

Star Player: Mario Balotelli (above). This will surprise many but whether you deplore, ignore or like myself, applaud & laugh heartily at the delightful Italian’s exploits, he’s more than worth the money and it would be hoped that he can build on his tally of 6 goals in the league last season.

Key Player: Vincent Kompany is a large part of City’s defensive resolve and he gets the vote over Kolo Toure, who has looked vulnerable at times.

Manchester United: The perception was before last season was that this was one of the poorest sides in United’s recent history, so having seen them win their 19th title by 9 points despite only winning 5 away games, we might as well pack up and go home. That’s a silly suggestion for 5 teams but the fact is that this is still the dominant team in English football and very little seems to be changing.

Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea are three promising young players who should do just fine in the Premiership and they only add to a squad which has all areas covered for whatever situation.

Javier Hernandez can only improve after a an excellent debut season in which he scored 13 goals, while Wayne Rooney is now ready for an injury/distortion free season which he will want to land him the Golden Boot, along with the explosive pace of Nani and Evra on the flanks. The likes of Rafael and Fabio will be able backups for the defence but expect Vidic and Ferdinand to take the reins this season, with the young guns read to step up and fill any gaps left by injuries.

Lessons will have been learned from the “mistakes” of last season and last season’s champions will be the ones to beat again, with everyone chasing them instead of the other way round.

Strengths: Attack? Check. Defence? Check. Resolve and determination, in equal measure? Check. What’s left? Only a home record which read 18 wins from 19 matches last season. All seems peachy with the champions.

Weaknesses: While you can’t ever doubt United seriously and expect to get away with it, their away day blues are something Air Alex will want stopped very soon and a quick start would be nice too.

Star Player: Wayne Rooney is an obvious but justified choice, having scored 14 goals from 24 games in 2011.

Key Player: United would have been a lot poorer had it not been for Edwin van der Sar at more than one time last year and while he is talented, these are big boots for David De Gea to fill and he must do it quickly.

Newcastle United: From the dating website “sheknows.com” (bear with me): We all either know – or have dated – that great guy/girl who just can't (or won't) settle down. He's/She’s charismatic, good looking and has a great sense of humour, so what's the problem? – That’s Newcastle United.

What is the problem? Mike Ashley’s the problem.  Not only did he see fit to sack Chris Hughton but then after what was an excellent campaign considering the loss of their star striker (with no time to find a replacement) in which they finished 12^th Kevin Nolan moved in a bizarre transfer to West Ham United for only £3 million pounds.

This means that the scorers of 27 of last season’s 56 goals have gone or are going so thank god for Demba Ba, who comes in after a solid first season with West Ham which brought 7 goals, and then the interesting addition of Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who is described as a player who possesses "excellent vision, great ball control", and "provides technical quality”.

Strengths: The Toon Army is something to fall back on for Newcastle but their home record isn’t that brilliant and their resilience is more of a plus point. Just ask Arsenal fans.

Weaknesses: Little squad depth past their best players, along with the exit of Joey Barton for a free transfer, leaves them very vulnerable and the sheer insanity of Mike Ashley is always a threat.

Norwich: Few teams show the rapid changes of football better than Norwich. Two years ago Colchester smashed 7 goals past them, but this season they will rub shoulders with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. 

Their successive promotions explain themselves – Attractive football played by a team fit enough to carry it off and do it in some style – But what happens now?

Revered manager Paul Lambert has been active but not in the top flight transfer market, with only Richie De Laet (on loan from Manchester United)  and James Vaughan coming from a top flight club. It says a lot about Lambert’s faith and principle that he’ll stick to the side that won him promotion, although it will really worry some.

Strengths: Attacking football which saw them bomb from midfield and further back and score the most goals in the Championship last season with 83 goals, only drawing a blank on 5 occasions.

Weaknesses: The gamble taken by Lambert that the side which pulled them up will be enough on its own, which is a big one to take, along with the defensive gaps that will be exposed this season.

Star Player: Grant Holt’s form this season could decide whether Norwich stay up. The 23 goal man last season has never been at this high a level and will need to think more than ever to use his pace. If he can then he rates outstanding value for top scorer at the club.

Key Player: Wes Hoolahan’s creation will be important but if James Vaughan can live up to his promise then all the better for the Canaries.

Queen’s Park Rangers: It’s a shame and really quite surprising to see so much negativity around QPR given how they won the Championship last season. A 4 point margin of victory over Norwich despite having scored 71 goals in comparison to their 83 underlines how secure they were, with less than a goal conceded a game. For a Championship team that’s outstanding. Just after the Hoops had confirmed their place back in the Premiership, Neil Warnock was being linked with the exit and punted down to the point that he was odds on to be the next manager to leave their club.

The same sort of rumours also hounded Adel Taarabt, who not only had 19 goals but 16 assists to add to that. Jay Borthroyd is a smart signing, along with Danny Gabbidon from West Ham to take away the pressure from Taarabt, which is essential.

Strength: A remarkably tough defensive line which had the best Championship defensive record in 5 years, and two shrewd signings to help.

Weaknesses: The huge amounts of unrest all summer have taken what should be a great mood and turned it into a pessimistic one, and this from the winners of the Championship.

Star Player: None other than Adel Taarabt, whose  19 goals and 16 assists led QPR to the title last season. He will be tightly marked all season and may well not like it “up I’m’ ” to coin a phrase. 

Key Player: As if how well Jay Bothroyd performed wasn’t already crucial enough, but should QPR’s star man fail then the onus is on him to score goals.

Stoke City: Like it or lump it. It could as well be Stoke City’s motto given their nonchalant approach to life (established and stable at that) in the Premier League, which they consolidated with a 13^th place finish and the FA Cup runners up spot. The beauty of a Tony Pulis side is that it doesn’t need many additions year on year but Johnahtan Woodgate, if brought to and kept at full fitness, is a stead fro Tottenham for three and will be able backup for Robert Huth.

Strengths: A brilliant home record which saw them pick up 34 points at home, and their ability to pick up points from losing positions – They got 11 from such scenarios last year.

Weaknesses: Poor possession. Stoke are the only team to average lower than 40% in the Premiership and also don’t have a great record fighting back from half time deficits.

Star Player: Kenywne Jones was as awkward as ever to play last season and with Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennent supplying him, he can have another prolific season.

Key Player: Robert Huth posted some of his best performances last season, keeping things tight while chipping in with crucial goals at the other end.

Sunderland: Strictly speaking Sunderland disappointed last season based on their excellent start but much of that can be put down to the injury crisis (along with the sale of Darren Bent) which saw them pick up 16 out of a possible 42 points from the latter half of the campaign. Despite that they were still an excellent tenth and some at the club will be thinking of Europe, although Steve Bruce wants another safe season.

Strengths: Some really clever buying. Wes Brown & John O’Shea were maligned at Manchester United but there’s no question thy represent a good deal for Steve Bruce, while it can do him no harm to have the likes of Conor Wickham for the future whatever happens this season.

Weaknesses: No “Plan B” –Whenever long balls were played Gyan found himself in no man’s land against bigger centre backs than him and it’s also possible that Sunderland could suffer from a lack of cohesion, with some hard fixtures upcoming, namely Liverpool on the first day.

Star Player: Asamoah Gyan (above) has everything needed to make it in the Premiership and should build on the 10 goals he scored last season with some support upfront and Bent / Wellbeck at different clubs.

Key Player: John O’Shea’s experience will be priceless to Steve Bruce’s side against the bigger clubs this season, along with that of Wes Brown.

Swansea: Given that most of the teams to come up from the play offs go back down at the first attempt (four of the last 5 have gone down) it’s both surprising and exciting to see the amount of promise behind Swansea, who became the first Welsh team to reach the Modern Premiership.

Indeed, with many unimpressed by the lack of additions to Norwich’s squad & others concerned at the unrest that has blighted QPR’s pre – season a lot of people are tipping them to be the best promoted side and it’s not hard to see why.

Looking at the winners of some of the play –off thoughought the last few years it’s notable that many were miles off the pace at the end of the season, while Swansea were no more than 4 points off promotion and 8 points off the lead. The likes of Scott Sinclair, new club record signing anny Graham, and third choice Porto Goalkeeper Jose Moreira, who saved a Manuel José penalty in an l 2–1 League Cup win for Porto.

Strengths: A vibrant brand of attacking football which saw them take 50 out of 69 home points last season, along with a more solid defence than many would think (only QPR conceded less)

Weaknesses: Possible away day blues given how they lost 11 times on the road last season and the big step up is an obvious question.

Star Player: Scott Sinclar’s 23 goals, which included a hat – trick in the Play – Off final, lifted the Swans to the Premiership this year and while he couldn’t break into Chelsea a couple of season ago, he comes back a more confident player.

Key Player: That said, it will be more difficult for Sinclair to score as many goals here and a lot rests on how good Danny Graham will be in the Premiership. If anywhere near as good as the Championship, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Tottenham: It’s ironic that a problem which so often plagues their bitter rivals is the reason that Tottenham won’t be seeing the sights of Europe in the Champions League this season. Arsenal are usually associated with dropping points against lower ranked sides but Spurs managed to take only 3 from 18 possible points against Blackpool, West Ham and Wigan last season, which is why they are in the Europa League this season.

They’ve got all the talent from last season, albeit with some flaws for some. Roman Pavlyuchenko  score a more than useful 10 goals last season, albeit while spurning a few chances, while Gareth Bale’s seven goals along with the 13 from Rafael Van Der Vaart saw Spurs involved with quite a few thrillers. A lot of people seem to be pencilling Spurs down for sixth but with all of the usual suspects from the last 2 seasons anything’s possible.

Strengths: With speed freaks Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon Spurs have the width to embarrass anyone, as was shown against Inter twice last season. Tottenham will always be scoring plenty with the obvious attacking quality they can boast.

Weaknesses: As previously stated, an inability to take points off lower ranked teams was their main Achilles heel, while wasted chances have cost them dearly.

Star Player: Rafael Van Der Vaart’s 15 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last year made light of his obscenely cheap £8m transfer fee and at least the same can be expected this season, if not better.

Key Player: Luka Modric has been the subject of some rather hyped fawning and worrying this season but not without good reasoning. However it seems like he’ll stay and with him Tottenham can create plenty of chances.

West Brom: This may be the year that West Brom proven that they are good enough to be an established Premier League team and not just perennially too good for the Championship without having the nous to survive.

In one of the tightest lower orders seen for a long time in the Premiership, West Brom were eleventh but were only eight points from the drop zone at the end of the season. Their saviour? The previously much maligned Roy Hodgson who got some well deserved credit after being royally screwed by Liverpool earlier on in the year. A leaky back 4 (especially from set pieces, in which they conceded 30 goals) might be seen as a  cause for concern but it should prove no hindrance and it’s likely the Baggies will stay up with some margin.

Strengths: Roy Hodgson’s solid management style meant that West Brom lost just two of their last 13 games and avoided the drop last summer. He’ll be hoping for the same this season. 

Weaknesses: A remarkable loose defence when it comes to Set Pieces, and all other areas when you come to think of it along with a poor disciplinary record.

Star Man: Peter Odemwingie is West Brom’s flying machine and a total similar to his 13 goals would see the Baggiest stay up with plenty to spare.

Key Man: Ben Foster excelled with Birmingham last season and will be a crucial replacement for Scott Carson. 

Wigan: How they do it I don’t know. Sixteenth for the last two years running, having only been safe for 12 of the 38 weeks and gaining survival thanks to two wins in the last two games (their only successes of that kind last season) is commendable, although it appears to be a lucky escape now.

Of all the teams in the League, the only sides to win fewer games went down (Birmingham and West Ham) and the loss of Charles N’Zogbia is a big blow, although they do have Hugo Rolladega to soften the deficit.

While Roberto Martinez will get the most out of Wigan again and again over the course of the season it might not be enough this season, especially with the promoted sides looking strong and most of the sides in trouble last season having significant room for improvement.

Strengths: Roberto Martinez is a cracking manager and their dedication to half decent football is reassuring and commendable in equal measure, and they can gain points from poor positions; They gained eight pints from losing or drawing positions inn the second half.

Weaknesses: A poor defense and low home support numbers don’t help their cause, along with a chronic lack of consistency as well.

Star Man: Hugo Rolladgea has the weight of Wigan on his shoulders as Charles N’ Zogbia has left for Aston Villa. On the brighter side he’s going to have all the goals to himself, so there’s a nice betting hint.

Key Man: Ali Al Habsi will once again be needed to save Wigan more than once next season and many Latics will be relived to see him back for good.

Wolves: Having brought themselves back up from the Championship Wolves have quite literally done everything to perfection. Having flirted with Relegation for all of last season a last day escape was more thanks to Roman Pavlyuchenko than the likes of Steve Fletcher but there’s no doubting that they deserved to stay up and things may well be easier this time round.

The addition of Rodger Johnson from Birmingham is superb transfer work, but Jamie O’Hara joining the ranks for good is like the icing on the cake. If both keep fit they should do very well to add to some of the really nifty talents Wolves can call on.

Wolves can shake up anyone on their day though. They were the first team to beat Manchester United all last season and can also boast victories over Chelsea and Manchester City at Molineux.

Strengths: Wolves have no fear against big sides, as was shown by some big wins at Moilneux last season. Also, they can call upon Mick McCarthy and if that fails, some quality players.

Weaknesses: Wolves struggled for consistency and had long winless periods last season. While it’s great that they can n take on the big teams – They would do well to take some more points off sides around them, particularly if things get as close for them as last season regarding a relegation fight.

Star Man: Matthew Jarvis is now an England International and well deserved too. His creativity should help Wolves.

Key Man: It’s tempting to say Steven Fletcher but surely Rodger Johnson is the man to pull wolves away from the Relegation zone.