Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

11. Sunderland

Last Season: 14th Manager: Gus Poyet Opening Fixture: West Brom (a) Transfer Activity: To say that Sunderland have trimmed their squad this summer is an understatement with first team players including Phil Bardsley, Carlos Cuellar, John Egan, Jordan Pickford, Andrea Dossena, Craig Gardner, Billy Knott, Louis Laing, Oscar Ustari, David Vaughan, Kieran Westwood, Ignacio Scocco all having left the club. Perhaps most significant though is the loss of Jack Colback to bitter rivals Newcastle on a free transfer. Colback is a very underrated player, as is one of Sunderland's summer signings Billy Jones (West Brom) who's attacking threat from full-back matches his defensive strength. The Black Cats have also brought in Jordi Gomez (Wigan) and Costel Pantilimon (Man City) on free transfers, whilst paying fees for Patrick Van Aanholt (Chelsea) and Jack Rodwell (Man City), who will be looking to get his career back on track and replicate the form which won him so many plaudits at Everton. Santiago Vergini (Estudiantes) will also return to the club on loan after impressing Gus Poyet last season. Possible Starting XI: Mannone; Jones, Brown, O'Shea, Van Aanholt; Cattermole, Rodwell, Larsson; Johnson, Giaccherini; Wickham Key Player: Adam Johnson Verdict: There is no doubt that Sunderland are a much improved side under Gus Poyet, who worked wonders to steer them clear of relegation last season after a poor start under Paolo Di Canio. Given a full season in charge of the North East side this time around, Black Cats supporters should see further improvement and will be hoping that they remain comfortably clear of a relegation battle. With Emanuele Giaccherini having experienced one season in the Premier League now and the addition of Jordi Gomez, Sunderland should see a lot more creativity in their side this campaign. In Adam Johnson too, they have a player who, when at his best, will cause problems for any side in the league. Connor Wickham hit form at the end of last season and if he can continue that and fulfil his undoubted potential, Sunderland should do well. Prediction: 11th