Manager Roberto Di Matteo (Italy) Last season Promoted in 2nd Di Matteo's debut season as a Premier League manager looks like being a tough one. The former Chelsea midfielder does not have the resources to splash out on players and it will be a battle to prevent an instant return to the Championship. Albion will spring a few surprises at home. Their away form will be key to survival. Key man Chris Brunt - Midfielder with a fierce left foot has a knack for long-range goals. Key transfers Pablo (Centre-half, 28, Atletico Madrid, free), Gabriel Tamas (Centre-half, 26, Auxerre, £800,000), Stephen Reid (Midfielder, 29, Blackburn, free) Nicky Shorey (Left-back, 29, Aston Villa, undisclosed) Out: Robert Koren (Midfielder, 29, released). If they were a movie ... Snatch - They should be the most parochial production around, yet somehow have an exotic leading man in charge. He is sometimes difficult to understand, too. Prediction 19th
Manager Avram Grant (Israel) Last season 17th After the relegation battle of last season, new owners, new players and a new manager should bring fresh impetus to Upton Park. Grant worked wonders as Portsmouth flirted with extinction last season and if the Israeli can recreate that camaraderie in east London then the Hammers, with some astute summer purchases, should spend more time looking up the table. Key man Scott Parker - Emerged from a torrid season with his head held high. Key transfers In: Frederic Piquionne (Striker, 31, Lyon, undisclosed), Pablo Barrera (Right-wing, 23, Pumas, £4m (Dh23.4m), Thomas Hitzlsperger (Midfielder, 28, Lazio, free), Tal Ben Haim (Centre-half, 28, Portsmouth, Loan). If they were a movie ... Shaun of the Dead - London down and outs who are fiercely protective of their own patch, and they somehow manage to be funny and a bit scary at the same time. Prediction 12th
Manager Roberto Martinez (Spain) Last season 16th One of the Premier League's youngest managers, Martinez's South American flavoured side are an enigma - the Jekyll and Hyde of the top flight. Capable of claiming wins against top clubs - they beat Arsenal and Chelsea last season - Wigan also earned the dubious honour of becoming the first Premier League team to concede eight goals twice in a season in Martinez's maiden season in charge. Another yo-yo campaign awaits. Key man Hugo Rodallega - Colombian striker seems destined for a bigger club. Key transfers In: Mauro Boselli (Striker, 25, Estudientes, £6.5m), Antolin Alcaraz (Centre-half, 27, Club Brugge, free) Out: Titus Bramble (Centre-half, 28, Sunderland, £1m). If they were a movie ... Goal III: Living the Dream - Still around despite humble beginnings and an unlikely storyline. However, time in the spotlight must be running out now. Prediction 16th
Manager Mick McCarthy (Ireland) Last season 15th The lowest scorers last season with a paltry 32 goals, McCarthy's dogged side survived the drop on the back of strong end-of-season form. Only Portsmouth (18), recorded fewer points than Wolves (21) at home and McCarthy's men need to address their Molineux shortcomings to have any chance of staving off relegation. Much of the summer transfer budget has been spent on winger Stephen Hunt and forward Steven Fletcher. Key man Jody Craddock - Veteran centre-back held defence together last season. Key transfers In: Stephen Hunt (Left midfield, 28, Hull, £5.5m), Jelle van Damme (Defender, 26, Anderlecht, £2.5m), Steven Fletcher (Forward, 23, Burnley, £6.5m). If they were a movie ... Moulin Rouge - The 1950s vintage was worth celebrating, but, despite qualified success, recent attempts at recapturing the glory days have been wide of the mark. Prediction 18th
* The National
