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.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool

Last year was largely a season of transition for Liverpool. With the introduction of Brendan Rodgers at the start of the year, the season had few objectives other than a solid first season. This was achieved and, although Liverpool did not qualify for European football, a solid 7th place will provide a strong platform going into this season.

Off the back of the extremely successful January signing of Philipe Coutinho, Rodgers has again delved successfully into the depths of the transfer market, signing two attacking Spaniards, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas. He also signed Kolo Toure, a player with a wealth of experience, on a free transfer and perhaps most impressively, Simon Mignolet, one of the League's best up-and-coming goalkeepers. The one bizarre transfer was the loan signing of loyal Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina to Napoli. With the signing of Mignolet it is understandable but it still seems an odd choice to alienate one of the more loyal Liverpool players.

After a largely successful pre-season, Rodgers will be looking to press on and target a spot in Europe next season. It will be tough but I think Liverpool will certainly be much closer to a European spot than they have been the last few seasons. The rest of Liverpool's summer will obviously revolve around the Luis Suarez transfer saga but I think Liverpool will improve regardless of whether he stays or goes, as they have enough quality in the squad.

Key Man: Steven Gerrard - The Liverpool veteran, despite being past his peak, is still pivotal to the Liverpool set-up. His leadership and influence as a Captain cannot be understated and he still has a wicked right foot. Moving into his sixteenth year at Liverpool he will be looking to win a trophy this season, after not winning one (League Cup in 2012 aside) for seven years.

One to Watch: Philippe Coutinho - The young playmaker was exceptional when bought by Rodgers in January and, at only 21, the Brazilian can only get better. He is a traditional Brazilian, with exceptional technique as well as supreme vision and an eye for goal. He has continued his form into pre-season and will certainly be one of the players of the season if he can keep it up.

Best Summer Signing: Iago Aspas - Although Mignolet is a fantastic signing it is the intriguing signing of Aspas that caught my attention. After scoring four goals in pre-season and with wantaway striker Luis Suarez half way out of the door at Liverpool, could the Spaniard be the man to replace him?

Last Season: 7th

Pre-Season Prediction: 6th - Liverpool to triumph over Everton but narrowly lose out to Tottenham and Arsenal.