English Premier League: It's Going To Be A Big Year For...

With little else to do this summer, I have found my thoughts turning to the forthcoming Premier League season.

I am far from certain as to how this season will eventually unfold, but I do know that the 2008-2009 season will be particularly important for a few prominent figures within the Premier League.

Roy Keane

First up is the Sunderland manager Roy Keane. It has been three years now since Keane spectacularly walked out of Old Trafford (or was he politely asked to leave?). Since then he has had a fairly low-key spell playing in Glasgow for Celtic and is approaching two years in charge at the Stadium of Light.

He did brilliantly in his first season, achieving promotion. He followed that up with survival last season in the top-flight. However, it seems to me that this is a big year for the Irishman, as chairman Niall Quinn will look for an improved return upon his multi-million pound investment in the club.

When Keane's record in the transfer market is properly scrutinised, it does not appear too favourable. He has spent incredible amounts of money on fairly average players (Kieran Richardson and Michael Chopra?).

However, the acquisitions of Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio, and Pascal Chimbonda from Spurs, as well as those of Craig Gordon and Kenwyne Jones last season show that there is enough class in the squad to improve upon last season's 15th place finish.

Wayne Rooney

Four years, two Premier League wins, and a Champions League winners medal have passed since Manchester United made Wayne Rooney the world's most expensive teenager.

Yet somehow there is a lingering feeling that despite his impressive trophy haul Rooney has not quite hit consistently enough the heights that were expected of him.

With yet another interrupted preseason it may be a while before we see the best of Rooney in the coming season. It is, without doubt, a big year for Rooney, who was in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez for much of last year.

He was often sacrificed and asked to play out wide for the good of the team last season. Sir Alex Ferguson has realised this and has hinted that Rooney will be restored more often than not to his preferred position just behind a front man.

It remains to be seen whether Rooney can produce consistently and fulfill his undoubted prodigious talent in 2008-2009.

Robin van Persie

While blessed with incredible technical ability and a great football brain, the Dutchman is also burdened with great expectations from Arsenal fans.

Niggling injuries have meant that he hasn't quite taken over the mantle from Dennis Bergkamp. However, if he stays fit and can link up well with Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal should have one of the most feared strike partnerships in Europe.

This coming season will also be important for fellow Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who should enjoy increased playing time next year. Walcott has made no secret of his frustration at spending so much time on the bench, but with the sale of Alex Hleb he should have the platform to display his considerable talent.

Rafael Benitez

The Spaniard has had four years in charge of Liverpool now and despite two Champions League final appearances, including one win and an FA Cup in 2006, he has continued to disappoint in his quest to regain the league title.

Benitez has splashed copious amounts of cash and a title challenge is the least that is expected next season. Robbie Keane has been added to the squad for a considerable amount of money and Gareth Barry should sign before the first game of the season.

It is easy to presume that with more millions spent Rafael Benitez has a huge year ahead of him. His job may well be threatened if an improved Premier League performance is not in the cards.

John Terry

After his penalty faux pas in Moscow, this coming season presents the perfect opportunity for Terry to prove his and Chelsea's doubters wrong.

With his new manager can Terry bounce back and lead his team to glory? What is for sure is that they are easily the best equipped team to prevent Manchester United from securing three league titles on the trot.

It would be hugely characteristic of John Terry if he were to put his own personal failures behind him and win some silverware for the Stamford Bridge club.

David Bentley

After forcing his way out of Ewood Park, Bentley must continue his improvement from the last two seasons. Spurs have spent around £15 million on the England international.

Bentley will have the chance to play European football for the first time in the UEFA Cup next season under new manager Juande Ramos. This should help him adapt to his role in the England set up, where he will hope to cement the right wing slot, denying David Beckham in the process.

Only time will tell how it works out in North London for the talented midfielder.

What I have presented here is far from an exhaustive list so feel free to add your own thoughts and opinions!