Premier League Preview: Sunderland

Sunderland are no doubt in for an eventful season with the charismatic Paolo Di Canio in charge but I don't think that makes them safe. Under Di Canio their form was largely hit and miss last year so it will be interesting to see if he has stabilised the squad over the summer.

Somehow, with ten new signings and eleven players leaving I doubt Sunderland will have a whole lot of stability for the opening of the season. A lot of relatively unknown players have been signed but there are also a number of strong signings, in particular Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini are strong signings. However, Simon Mignolet will be a huge loss to the side and they will most likely concede more goals this year.

I think Sunderland will start slowly due to the massive squad overhall this summer. However, with Di Canio at the helm expect some big giant killing results. You can be guaranteed that Sunderland will be all over the newspapers with all of his antics but it will be results on the pitch which are important. I think Sunderland will just about survive but it'll be by a pretty fine line.

Key Man: Stephane Sessegnon - Sessegnon was slightly off-par last season but is still instrumental in the Sunderland line-up. His quick feet and trickery make him a nightmare for defences, especially playing just behind the striker. He is a handy playmaker to have, especially with Steven Fletcher as a front man and, should he hit some form, will be a great player in the team.

One to Watch: Jozy Altidore - Signed from AZ and 4th highest goalscorer in the Eredivisie last year. He had a disappointing loan spell at Hill a few years ago but since then has upped his game, scoring regularly for AZ. With Altidore back in England after a good few years abroad, can he raise his game and make an impact in the Premier League.

Best Summer Signing: Emanuele Giaccherini - What a coup this is for Sunderland. Signed from Juventus and with fifteen Italy caps his career highlight was probably scoring an international goal against Brazil in this years Confederations Cup. A tricky playmaker, who can play on the wing or behind the striker, Giaccherini will be a handful for defenders.

Last Season: 17th

Pre-Season Prediction: 16th - The unpredictability of Di Canio means anything could happen this year.