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Blackburn

Rovers, like so many clubs in the middling area of the league, will find it hard to break into the upper echelons. Nevertheless, it is clear that manager Sam Allardyce is trying to build something, much like he did with Bolton.

Blackburn will remain difficult to beat but need to improve on the away form, particularly in the goalscoring department which is presumably why Allardyce moved for the loan signing of Mame Diouf from Manchester United. Much will be expected of him to provide the goals to propel Rovers up the league.

Prediction: 10th

Blackpool

Even with a decent sized squad you would imagine that Blackpool would struggle, particularly as they finished more than 30 points behind Championship winners Newcastle en route to promotion, but Pool cannot boast more than 16 professional players at the time of writing.

Undoubtedly manager Ian Holloway will provide plenty of colour to the Premier League with his unique style of management.

However, that style is likely to be witnessed for just the one season as they will struggle against the big boys.

Prediction: 20th

Bolton

Since taking over, Owen Coyle has slowly improved Wanderers, both in terms of style of play and results, and I expect that steady improvement to continue this season.

The free transfer signing of Martin Petrov from Manchester City could turn to be the transfer of the summer (he's already scored in pre-season), though the loss of Jack Wilshire after returning to Arsenal from his loan spell will come as a blow.

Nevertheless, attaining Niko Klasnic on a permanent deal from French club Nantes can only aid Coyle as he attempts to lift Bolton into the top half of the table.

Prediction: 11th