Season Preview: Part Two

The preview continues with those who finished 5th to 10th position last year. The group includes the Champions of Europe hoping to crack the big three this time around.

LIVERPOOL

Last Season: 5th (League), European Cup Winners, League Cup Runners-Up

In: Bolo Zenden, Peter Crouch, Jose Reina, Mark Gonzalez, Antonio Barragan, Mohamed Sissoko.

Out: Chris Kirkland (loan), Bruno Cheyrou (loan), Vladimir Smicer, Igor Biscan, Mauricio Pellegrino, Jon Otsemobor, Richie Partridge, El Hadji Diouf.

This year? After the glory of Istanbul, there is one trophy on the minds of Liverpool players above all others, the Premiership. The reds want to make an impact in the league this year. However they have a long way to go to catch Chelsea. The gap was 38 points last year. It may be too much to close in one go but expect Rafa Benitez and his team to be a lot closer. Some good signings may have made all the difference. (Prediction - Champions League possibly snatching 3rd)

BOLTON

Last Season: 6th

In: El Hadji Diouf, Jared Barghetti.

This year? A great season last year but there is only one new face at the Reebok if you consider that El Hadji Diouf spent last year on loan at the Reebok. Without more pre-season shopping they may struggle to keep up with those in the top six. (Prediction - Top Half may miss out on Europe)

MIDDLESBOROUGH

Last Season: 7th, Last 16 UEFA Cup.

In: Yakubu, Emanuele Boragetz.

Out: Bolo Zenden

This year? Need to score goals has meant the club bringing in another striker. Still quite an ageing squad but it could young players like Stuart Downing who could make the bigger impact. (Prediction - 9th)


MANCHESTER CITY

Last Season: 8th

In: Darius Vassell, Andy Cole

Out: Shaun Wright-Phillips

This year? After being so close to Europe last year, City losing Shaun Wright-Phillips may define their season. Leading writer Martin Samuel says that selling clubs go down and I agree with him but not relegation threatened. (Prediction - Bottom Half)

TOTTENHAM

Last Season: 9th

In: Edgar Davids

This year? The signing of Edgar Davids could prove to be instrumental in bringing success to White Hart Lane. His experience combined with plenty of promising youth could result in their best finish since the Premiership started. (Prediction - 5th)

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Last Season: 10th

In: Mickael Forsell, Jermaine Pennant

This Year? May struggle to improve on their position last year but signing Forsell and Pennant could boost their goal scoring abilities. (Prediction - Maybe one place better at best)