Last Season 2nd, Division One
In: Brooker (Brighton), Coyne (Grimsby), Curtis (Blackburn), Ferdinand (West Ham), Gillespie (Blackburn), Hignett (Blackburn), Howey (Man City), Nalis (Chievo), Priet (Lyon), Scimeca (Nottingham Forest), Thatcher (Tottenham)
Out: Eadie (Released), Flowers (Released), Oakes (Released), McSweeney (Released), Price (Darlington), Powell (Bolton), Reeves (Northampton), Royce (Charlton), Stevenson (Swindon), Summerbee (Released)
Leicester came out of administration smelling of roses - to the anger of many - and stormed to promotion alongside Portsmouth. But Micky Adams has realised that it was largely the same side which failed so miserably in the top flight in 2001/2002 - and has rung the changes. The talent he has got in for the money is admireable, but sadly only Scimeca, Thatcher and Gillespie seem useful for the coming season in The Premiership. A troubled season may ensue, but if there is a manger to keep them up, it could be Micky Adams. However, if they start to sink, it's feasable he may jump ship...
Key Player: Ian Walker (GK) will have a busy season and needs to replicate the form which bought him to the international stage if the Foxes are to survive....
Liverpool
Last Season: 5th
In: Finnan (Fulham), Kewell (Leeds), Le Tallac (La Havre), Medjani (St Etienne), Sinama-Pongolle (La Havre)
Out: Arphexad (Released), Berger (Portsmouth), Diomede (Ajeccio), Heggem (Released), Nicholas (Released)
Liverpool scorched to the top of the table early on last time out but their tactics were soon sussed and the winter form was so go grim that in the end Liverpool didn't even make the Champions' League. Still undoubtedly one of the strongest squads in the league, Finnan and Kewell will give the Merseysiders more width and options, whilst Chris Kirkland's return from injury is a massive bonus for a side which does concede goals - though not for want of decent personnel at the back.
Key Player: Harry Kewell (M) If the Australian can't add width to this Liverpool side, then Liverpool may as well fold tomorrow.
Manchester City
Last Season: 9th
In: Bosvelt (Feyenoord), Seaman (Arsenal), Siberski (Lens), Sinclair (Man City), Tarnat (Bayern Munich)
Out: Bernarbia (Released), Howey (Leicester), Goater (Reading), Haaland (Released), Jensen (Bayern Munich), Loran (Tranmere), Murphy (Swansea), Paisley (Released), Schmeichel (Released), Whitley (Sunderland)
Man City fans have the brand new City of Manchester stadium to look forward too - which will take their mind off the unfortunate death of loan star Marc Vivien Foe. A lot of Man City's success will depends on how well they settle into the imposing ground. Man City have quite a front line, but the defense is a major worry. David Seaman and Michael Tarnat won't solve those problems. Many tip Man City for a European challenge, but if the front line doesn't connect, Manchester City could well find themselves in Division One!
Key Player: Robbie Fowler (F) has to rediscover his scoring boots if Man City are going to come anywhere near their potential.
Manchester United
Last Season: 1st
In: Bellion (Sunderland), Djemba -Djemba (Nantes), Howard (NY/NJ Metrostars), Kleberson (Atletico Paranaense), Ronaldo (Sporting)
Out: Beckham (Real Madrid), Blanc (Released), Cogger (Released), Davis (Deceased), Mooniaruk (Released), May (Burnley), Rankin (Released), Roche (Burnley), Veron (Chelsea), Webber (Released)
In case you weren't aware, David Beckham went to Real Madrid this summer. In any case, Man Utd have bought well to strengthen their side this summer, mostly going for youth in a side which is slowly aging. The lack of striker options is the sides only real weakness, and Ferguson has been frustrated in attempts to shore up an injury prone backline.
Key Player: Eric Djemba-Djemba (M) It's a hard thing to ask of a player to come in and replace God himself, David Beckham, but that's exactly what the young Cameroonian must do.
Middlesbrough
Last Season: 11th
In: Dorvia (Celta Vigo), Nash (Man City), Riggott (Derby), Wright (Aston Villa)
Out: Boksic (Released), Bernhardt (Released), Crossley (Fulham), Gavin (Bradford City), Vidmar (Cardiff), Wilkshire (Bristol City), Whelan (Millwall)
Well, how bad was Boro's away form last season? A shame, because Boro's defense and midfield look good - a lack of goals away from the Riverside put the skids on Boro's challenge last term. But you can roll the dice on Juniniho's return from injury changing everything.
Key Player: Massimo Maccarone (F) how a promising start but faded badly. Is still young and if he lives up to expectations this year, Boro will be quite a force.
In the final installment - Newcastle-Wolves. And yes, there is a certain team called Portsmouth among them!