Kick off August 16th 2008 Part 4

Sunderland

Roy Keane's side did a fairly good job by surviving the drop last season. Keane managed to sign Malbranque and Tainio from Spurs to beef up the midfield. He also signed Chimbonda from Spurs to give him some options on the wings. The best buy I feel will have to be Diouf from Bolton. Although Diouf is not very popular with the referees, he is one player who could fire in the goals for Sunderland. I think Keane's side will stay in top flight football for another season. Bottom half finish.

Tottenham

Juande Ramos wasted little time improving the squad in the transfer window. Spurs is probably the most active team in the transfer market. In goal, they have signed 2 new keepers, Gomes and Cesar. He made no changes in defence. In midfield, he bought the skillful Giovanni Dos Santos from Barcelona, English right-mid David Bentley from Blackburn and the Croatian midfield playmaker Luka Modric. These signings give the midfield a major boost. If they can keep Berbatov, I'm sure its going to be a big bonus. Together with in-form striker Darren Bent and Russian golden boy Arshavin looking to come over, Spurs looked like a dangerous side this season. However, too many signings mean that the players might take a longer time to gel. Only time will tell but this Spurs do look impressive on paper.

West Ham

Alan Curbishley's  side looked good last season, only to fall on injuries that hit the squad. The long injury list did not help the hammers at all. But, now the most of them are fit again, West Ham looked ready to improve their form. With big man Dean Ashton back in fitness, goals will definitely start to come in. One setback will have to be losing Bellamy during the pre-season. The Hammers will hope to finish in the top half again this season.

Wigan

Steve Bruce's side finished 14th last season and I don't see how the Latics can improve this season. Forward Hesky is not getting younger but his experience infront of goal would be vital for the team. Kirkland's performance in goal is also very important for the side. With no real major signings, I just do not see Wigan finishing anywhere near the top half.

West Brom

The newly promoted side looked good in the championship and FA Cup last season. However, the inability to attract quality players to the club might cost them dearly. Scott Carson's decision to move there have to be regular football. Carson is a good keeper but I do not think he can save this side from relegation this season.

benj