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By Tim Nichols and Mike Breton
Last updated at 7:41 AM on 03rd August 2009
With the countdown for the 2009/2010 season is almost over, Sportsmail gives you a comprehensive run down of how the Premier League clubs are shaping up ahead of the big kick-off in less than a fortnight's time...
ARSENAL
Pre-season so far... Injury to Samir Nasri has slightly overshadowed their preparations but Wenger will be confident of taking good pre-season form into their Champions League qualifier.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Valencia (a)
Good signs: Arsenal's 'young' team are a year more experienced and Tomas Rosicky has finally returned from injury.
Bad signs: Arsenal's squad still lack depth - time will tell if selling Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to City was a mistake by Arsene Wenger.
ASTON VILLA
Pre-season so far… Uninspiring. The £12m signing of Stewart Downing, sidelined until Christmas, isn't one to set the pulses racing.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Oxford United (a) Saturday: Fiorentina (h)
Good signs: Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor have not been lured away from Villa Park. Yet.
Bad signs: Villa's lack of squad depth was exposed in the second half of last season and Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen have yet to be replaced.
Welcome boost: Tomas Rosicky's return after a long-standing injury is good news for Arsenal
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Pre-season so far… Defeats by VfB Stuttgart, FC Augsburg and Al Hilal had Birmingham fans fearing the worst but at least veteran Kevin Phillips inspired their 4-0 win at Cheltenham on Sunday.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Crewe (a)
Good signs: Alex McLeish has brought in experience with the likes of Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer and Joe Hart is goalkeeper of real promise.
Bad signs: Club record signing, £9m Cristian Benitez, has yet to arrive in England.
BLACKBURN
Pre-season so far… One defeat in seven and no major injury concerns suggest Blackburn are in good shape to carry on where they left off last season.
Remaining friendlies: Wednesday: Hibernian (h)
Good signs: Ewood Park, under Sam Allardyce, seems a happier place than it did at this stage last year following the appointment of Paul Ince.
Bad signs: Signings such as Gael Givet, Lars Jacobsen and Steven N'Zonzi hardly get the heart racing when you have sold Roque Santa Cruz.
BOLTON
Pre-season so far… Unbeaten so far against limited opposition but Gary Megson will be pleased with the contributions of his new signings, who appear to have settled in well.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Hibernian (h)
Good signs: The manager has made some astute signings in Zat Knight, Sean Davis, Paul Robinson and Sam Ricketts so they should stay out of trouble.
Bad signs: Megson has yet to win over Reebok regulars and will be under pressure if Bolton start poorly.
BURNLEY
Pre-season so far… Lost 2-1 at home to League One Leeds on Saturday, and the challenge posed by Accrington Stanley and VC Fusion (who are they?) isn't quite the same as that of United and Chelsea.
Remaining friendlies: Thursday: Kilmarnock (a) Saturday: St Johnstone (a)
Good signs: Owen Coyle has a settled squad that will be determined to prove their doubters wrong.
Bad signs: Burnley have failed to bring in the quality required to compete in the Premier League.
CHELSEA
Pre-season so far… Impressive (apart from 2-2 draw with Championship side Reading).
New boss Carlo Ancelotti has continued Guus Hiddink's good work, won hearts and minds in the Chelsea dressing room and overseen four victories on their tour of the US.
Good signs: Retaining captain John Terry was absolutely essential to Chelsea's continued progression.
Bad signs: Chelsea have appeared to be reluctant to splash out this summer on key targets - but is this about to change?
EVERTON
Pre-season so far… Low key, but that's the way they like it at Goodison Park. Should avoid the poor start they suffered last campaign.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Blackpool (a) Friday: Malaga (h)
Good signs: So far managed to hold on to England defender Joleon Lescott and retain the squad who took Everton to the FA Cup final last season.
Bad signs: No big names lured to Goodison Park and with a Europa League campaign ahead, David Moyes' squad looks a little thin.
Captain fantastic: John Terry's commitment to Chelsea will increase their hopes of taking the title from United this season
FULHAM
Pre-season so far… Two wins out of three in Australia before drawing with Bournemouth and Peterborough. Look set to qualify for the Europa League.
Good signs: The inspirational Roy Hodgson is still at the club to continue the excellent job he has done since his appointment 18 months ago.
Bad signs: With just two new additions so far to the squad - Stephen Kelly and Bjorn Helge Riise - Fulham could struggle with the demands of European and domestic football.
HULL
Pre-season so far… The experience of playing in the Asia Trophy should benefit Hull, but few suggestions during pre-season that they can emulate the excellent start they enjoyed last time.
Remaining friendlies: Sunday: Aberdeen (h)
Good signs: There are plenty of teams just as bad as Hull in the league so they may live to fight another day, especially if Michael Turner stays.
Bad signs: Phil Brown has struggled to improve a squad that managed just one win in their last 20 league games.
LIVERPOOL
Pre-season so far… Martin Skrtel's injury, which rules the defender out of the big kick-off, will concern Rafa Benitez but the Liverpool boss must use the funds from the expected sale of Xabi Alonso wisely.
Remaining friendlies: Wednesday: Lyn (a) Saturday: Atletico Madrid (h)
Good signs: After five years of trying, Benitez has finally signed a top-class right back in Glen Johnson.
Bad signs: Alonso's imminent departure could prove fatal to Liverpool's title aspirations.
MANCHESTER CITY
Pre-season so far… If City's performances had been as inspirational as some of their signings, their long-suffering support would be dreaming of league glory. As it is, City have been typically 'City'.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Celtic (h)
Good signs: Mark Hughes has added proven Premier League quality to a squad that look genuine contenders for a top-four finish.
Bad signs: Hughes will be under pressure to produce instant results - but with no John Terry he needs a leader.
Under pressure: City boss Mark Hughes has little time to gel his new signings into top four contenders
MANCHESTER UNITED
Pre-season so far… United have impressed, scoring 16 goals on their Asian tour. The champions look hungry for more.
Remaining friendlies: Wednesday: Valencia (h)
Good signs: The form of Michael Owen is great news for Sir Alex Ferguson and even better for England.
Bad signs: The loss of Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be underestimated. Carlos Tevez's energy will also be missed.
PORTSMOUTH
Pre-season so far… Yet to play anyone of note - and yet to win. High-profile departures and a lack of replacements suggest Portsmouth will struggle.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Rangers (h)
Good signs: After a summer of uncertainty, Portsmouth finally found a new owner and Paul Hart gained a permanent contract.
Bad signs: Pompey's wafer-thin squad have been further depleted by the departures of Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson and Sean Davis.
Bargain buy: Michael Owen's early form for United has been promising following his free arrival from Newcastle
STOKE
Pre-season so far… Three defeats and two draws point to potential 'second season syndrome' at Stoke, but opening-day home fixture against Burnley gives them a chance to start brightly.
Remaining friendlies: Friday: Valladolid (h)
Good signs: Last season's star performers have stayed loyal - James Beattie's goals could be vital.
Bad signs: Stoke's alarming pre-season form will worry manager Tony Pulis - as will the failure to attract big names to the Britannia Stadium.
SUNDERLAND
Pre-season so far… Steve Bruce has made some decent additions to a squad that badly underperformed last season. Will need a few quality signings if Sunderland are going to make the top half of the table.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Peterborough (a)
Good signs: Bruce should ensure an improvement on last season's dismal campaign, while Lorik Cana could be an exciting signing.
Bad signs: Peter Crouch became the latest player to snub the club due to location.
TOTTENHAM
Pre-season so far… With the exception of a disappointing defeat against Celtic at Wembley, Spurs have enjoyed a productive pre-season.
Remaining friendlies: Sunday: Olympiakos (h)
Good signs: For the first time in years, Tottenham appear to have a balanced squad. Harry Redknapp needs one or two additions to improve on last season's eighth-place finish.
Bad signs: Injuries to Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson have left Spurs short at the back.
WEST HAM
Pre-season so far… Preparations were going nicely until Luis Boa Morte suffered a serious injury against Tottenham in Beijing, ruling him out for six months.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Napoli (h)
Good signs: Gianfranco Zola has retained most of the squad that performed so well last season and has had more time to get his ideas across.
Bad signs: West Ham will need more than one loan signing if they're to improve and Zola still wants Italian wonderkid Mario Balotelli.
Capital gains: Both Redknapp and Zola are keen to build upon last season's finish
WIGAN
Pre-season so far… Underwhelming. New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has managed just one win from five pre-season games. New recruits need to find their feet before the big kick-off.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Motherwell (a) Next Monday: FC Utrecht (a)
Good signs: Martinez has brought his own ideas and his own style of play. Fans can expect some exciting football.
Bad signs: Only a matter of time before one of the big boys comes in for influential midfielder Lee Cattermole.
WOLVES
Pre-season so far… Wolves fans will be concerned. Mick McCarthy's men have been beaten by Port Vale, MK Dons and Bristol City - and held by Hereford.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Scunthorpe (a)
Good signs: Wolves should start with a bit of momentum after landing the title last season.
Bad signs: Wolves' £6.5m record signing Kevin Doyle will miss the start of the season through injury and despite £15m on new players, McCarthy still needs to add quality to his squad.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1203883/Countdown-new-season-How-Premier-League-clubs-shaping-2009-2010.html#ixzz0N8gwQs6j
Last updated at 7:41 AM on 03rd August 2009
With the countdown for the 2009/2010 season is almost over, Sportsmail gives you a comprehensive run down of how the Premier League clubs are shaping up ahead of the big kick-off in less than a fortnight's time...
ARSENAL
Pre-season so far... Injury to Samir Nasri has slightly overshadowed their preparations but Wenger will be confident of taking good pre-season form into their Champions League qualifier.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Valencia (a)
Good signs: Arsenal's 'young' team are a year more experienced and Tomas Rosicky has finally returned from injury.
Bad signs: Arsenal's squad still lack depth - time will tell if selling Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to City was a mistake by Arsene Wenger.
ASTON VILLA
Pre-season so far… Uninspiring. The £12m signing of Stewart Downing, sidelined until Christmas, isn't one to set the pulses racing.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Oxford United (a) Saturday: Fiorentina (h)
Good signs: Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor have not been lured away from Villa Park. Yet.
Bad signs: Villa's lack of squad depth was exposed in the second half of last season and Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen have yet to be replaced.
Welcome boost: Tomas Rosicky's return after a long-standing injury is good news for Arsenal BIRMINGHAM CITY
Pre-season so far… Defeats by VfB Stuttgart, FC Augsburg and Al Hilal had Birmingham fans fearing the worst but at least veteran Kevin Phillips inspired their 4-0 win at Cheltenham on Sunday.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Crewe (a)
Good signs: Alex McLeish has brought in experience with the likes of Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer and Joe Hart is goalkeeper of real promise.
Bad signs: Club record signing, £9m Cristian Benitez, has yet to arrive in England.
BLACKBURN
Pre-season so far… One defeat in seven and no major injury concerns suggest Blackburn are in good shape to carry on where they left off last season.
Remaining friendlies: Wednesday: Hibernian (h)
Good signs: Ewood Park, under Sam Allardyce, seems a happier place than it did at this stage last year following the appointment of Paul Ince.
Bad signs: Signings such as Gael Givet, Lars Jacobsen and Steven N'Zonzi hardly get the heart racing when you have sold Roque Santa Cruz.
BOLTON
Pre-season so far… Unbeaten so far against limited opposition but Gary Megson will be pleased with the contributions of his new signings, who appear to have settled in well.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Hibernian (h)
Good signs: The manager has made some astute signings in Zat Knight, Sean Davis, Paul Robinson and Sam Ricketts so they should stay out of trouble.
Bad signs: Megson has yet to win over Reebok regulars and will be under pressure if Bolton start poorly.
BURNLEY
Pre-season so far… Lost 2-1 at home to League One Leeds on Saturday, and the challenge posed by Accrington Stanley and VC Fusion (who are they?) isn't quite the same as that of United and Chelsea.
Remaining friendlies: Thursday: Kilmarnock (a) Saturday: St Johnstone (a)
Good signs: Owen Coyle has a settled squad that will be determined to prove their doubters wrong.
Bad signs: Burnley have failed to bring in the quality required to compete in the Premier League.
CHELSEA
Pre-season so far… Impressive (apart from 2-2 draw with Championship side Reading).
New boss Carlo Ancelotti has continued Guus Hiddink's good work, won hearts and minds in the Chelsea dressing room and overseen four victories on their tour of the US.
Good signs: Retaining captain John Terry was absolutely essential to Chelsea's continued progression.
Bad signs: Chelsea have appeared to be reluctant to splash out this summer on key targets - but is this about to change?
EVERTON
Pre-season so far… Low key, but that's the way they like it at Goodison Park. Should avoid the poor start they suffered last campaign.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Blackpool (a) Friday: Malaga (h)
Good signs: So far managed to hold on to England defender Joleon Lescott and retain the squad who took Everton to the FA Cup final last season.
Bad signs: No big names lured to Goodison Park and with a Europa League campaign ahead, David Moyes' squad looks a little thin.
Captain fantastic: John Terry's commitment to Chelsea will increase their hopes of taking the title from United this seasonFULHAM
Pre-season so far… Two wins out of three in Australia before drawing with Bournemouth and Peterborough. Look set to qualify for the Europa League.
Good signs: The inspirational Roy Hodgson is still at the club to continue the excellent job he has done since his appointment 18 months ago.
Bad signs: With just two new additions so far to the squad - Stephen Kelly and Bjorn Helge Riise - Fulham could struggle with the demands of European and domestic football.
HULL
Pre-season so far… The experience of playing in the Asia Trophy should benefit Hull, but few suggestions during pre-season that they can emulate the excellent start they enjoyed last time.
Remaining friendlies: Sunday: Aberdeen (h)
Good signs: There are plenty of teams just as bad as Hull in the league so they may live to fight another day, especially if Michael Turner stays.
Bad signs: Phil Brown has struggled to improve a squad that managed just one win in their last 20 league games.
LIVERPOOL
Pre-season so far… Martin Skrtel's injury, which rules the defender out of the big kick-off, will concern Rafa Benitez but the Liverpool boss must use the funds from the expected sale of Xabi Alonso wisely.
Remaining friendlies: Wednesday: Lyn (a) Saturday: Atletico Madrid (h)
Good signs: After five years of trying, Benitez has finally signed a top-class right back in Glen Johnson.
Bad signs: Alonso's imminent departure could prove fatal to Liverpool's title aspirations.
MANCHESTER CITY
Pre-season so far… If City's performances had been as inspirational as some of their signings, their long-suffering support would be dreaming of league glory. As it is, City have been typically 'City'.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Celtic (h)
Good signs: Mark Hughes has added proven Premier League quality to a squad that look genuine contenders for a top-four finish.
Bad signs: Hughes will be under pressure to produce instant results - but with no John Terry he needs a leader.
Under pressure: City boss Mark Hughes has little time to gel his new signings into top four contendersMANCHESTER UNITED
Pre-season so far… United have impressed, scoring 16 goals on their Asian tour. The champions look hungry for more.
Remaining friendlies: Wednesday: Valencia (h)
Good signs: The form of Michael Owen is great news for Sir Alex Ferguson and even better for England.
Bad signs: The loss of Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be underestimated. Carlos Tevez's energy will also be missed.
PORTSMOUTH
Pre-season so far… Yet to play anyone of note - and yet to win. High-profile departures and a lack of replacements suggest Portsmouth will struggle.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Rangers (h)
Good signs: After a summer of uncertainty, Portsmouth finally found a new owner and Paul Hart gained a permanent contract.
Bad signs: Pompey's wafer-thin squad have been further depleted by the departures of Peter Crouch, Glen Johnson and Sean Davis.
Bargain buy: Michael Owen's early form for United has been promising following his free arrival from NewcastleSTOKE
Pre-season so far… Three defeats and two draws point to potential 'second season syndrome' at Stoke, but opening-day home fixture against Burnley gives them a chance to start brightly.
Remaining friendlies: Friday: Valladolid (h)
Good signs: Last season's star performers have stayed loyal - James Beattie's goals could be vital.
Bad signs: Stoke's alarming pre-season form will worry manager Tony Pulis - as will the failure to attract big names to the Britannia Stadium.
SUNDERLAND
Pre-season so far… Steve Bruce has made some decent additions to a squad that badly underperformed last season. Will need a few quality signings if Sunderland are going to make the top half of the table.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Peterborough (a)
Good signs: Bruce should ensure an improvement on last season's dismal campaign, while Lorik Cana could be an exciting signing.
Bad signs: Peter Crouch became the latest player to snub the club due to location.
TOTTENHAM
Pre-season so far… With the exception of a disappointing defeat against Celtic at Wembley, Spurs have enjoyed a productive pre-season.
Remaining friendlies: Sunday: Olympiakos (h)
Good signs: For the first time in years, Tottenham appear to have a balanced squad. Harry Redknapp needs one or two additions to improve on last season's eighth-place finish.
Bad signs: Injuries to Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson have left Spurs short at the back.
WEST HAM
Pre-season so far… Preparations were going nicely until Luis Boa Morte suffered a serious injury against Tottenham in Beijing, ruling him out for six months.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Napoli (h)
Good signs: Gianfranco Zola has retained most of the squad that performed so well last season and has had more time to get his ideas across.
Bad signs: West Ham will need more than one loan signing if they're to improve and Zola still wants Italian wonderkid Mario Balotelli.
Capital gains: Both Redknapp and Zola are keen to build upon last season's finish
WIGAN
Pre-season so far… Underwhelming. New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has managed just one win from five pre-season games. New recruits need to find their feet before the big kick-off.
Remaining friendlies: Saturday: Motherwell (a) Next Monday: FC Utrecht (a)
Good signs: Martinez has brought his own ideas and his own style of play. Fans can expect some exciting football.
Bad signs: Only a matter of time before one of the big boys comes in for influential midfielder Lee Cattermole.
WOLVES
Pre-season so far… Wolves fans will be concerned. Mick McCarthy's men have been beaten by Port Vale, MK Dons and Bristol City - and held by Hereford.
Remaining friendlies: Tuesday: Scunthorpe (a)
Good signs: Wolves should start with a bit of momentum after landing the title last season.
Bad signs: Wolves' £6.5m record signing Kevin Doyle will miss the start of the season through injury and despite £15m on new players, McCarthy still needs to add quality to his squad.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1203883/Countdown-new-season-How-Premier-League-clubs-shaping-2009-2010.html#ixzz0N8gwQs6j
Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 
05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015