English Premier League Preview 2011-12: 10 Players with Something To Prove

The 2011-12 English Premier League season is nearly here, and there are massive expectations at nearly every club this year.

The new season begins August 13, and after a summer full of transfers and new managers, there will be a furious fight to secure a top-four place.

Each team has players who have something to prove this season. Whether it's proving they deserve more playing time, or showing they are worthy of the new contract they received, there is pressure everywhere to do well.

Players like Fernando Torres of Chelsea, must prove he is worth the high price owner Roman Abramovich paid for him last season from Liverpool.

Speaking of Liverpool, captain Steven Gerrard must show he can stay healthy for a full season and lead the Reds back into the Champions League.

So which Premier League players have the most to prove this season? Let's find out.

Nicholas Goss is a Bleacher Report featured columnist, follow him on Twitter for sports news and analysis. Follow @NicholasGoss35

Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas

Constant transfer rumors surrounding Cesc Fabregas going to boyhood club Barcelona have angered many Arsenal supporters, and have made many question the captain's loyalty to the Gunners.

Fabregas must prove he can stay healthy for a full season and lead Arsenal to a top-four finish. With the improvements of other top clubs, Arsenal is in danger of finishing out of the top four in 2011-12.

Fabregas needs to come out and say whether or not Arsenal is part of his long-term future or not, so the club can finally move forward either way.

The task for Fabregas this season is to show he can be a leader for his club, and lead them to their first trophy in six years.

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

Wayne Rooney had a fantastic second half to last season, a complete turnaround from the first half—a time when it wasn't even clear if he would be with United in the future.

After leading Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League, Rooney must show he can be a consistent player and not have poor stretches of play throughout the season.

If he can recapture his scoring form from 2009-10, Rooney will take his game to the next level and become one of the world's top five players.

Tottenham, Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale was one of the best Premier League players of last season, but injuries took their toll towards the end of the season.

Bale was instrumental in Tottenham's Champions League successes last season, but was unable to help the Spurs capture a second straight Champions League berth.

Bale must prove he can carry the team to Champions League play again, and prove not selling him this summer was a smart move by manager Harry Redknapp.

Arsenal, Marouane Chamakh

Marouane Chamakh came to Arsenal last season to be a top striker and bring his Champions League successes with him, but he was disappointing to say the least.

Chamakh barely received playing time in big games late in the year, and was unable to find his goal-scoring form.

He must convince Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that he can be an important player for the Gunners or he may be sold in a future transfer window.

With the signing of Gervinho from Lille, Chamakh's days in London may be numbered.

Liverpool, Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll is under enormous pressure this season to stay healthy at Liverpool and help the team return to the top of the Premier League table.

He must also prove he was worth the massive £35 million transfer fee Liverpool paid to Newcastle to acquire him, a fee many believe was well overpriced.

There are big expectations for Liverpool and Carroll this season, and he will be responsible for igniting the Reds offense.

Chelsea, Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres' transfer from Liverpool to Chelsea in January of last season was one of the biggest acquisitions in Premier League history.

Chelsea paid £50 million to get Torres, and he failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge as the Blues failed to win a trophy last season.

Torres scored just one goal in 14 Premier League games last season for Chelsea, after scoring nine in 23 games with Liverpool.

Torres must prove he is still a top-three striker in the world and can lead Chelsea to Premier League and Champions League glory.

Liverpool, Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is the best player in the Premier League when healthy, but unfortunately he has had trouble staying on the pitch for a full season the past few years.

With new owners who have spent big money to improve the squad, Gerrard must prove he can lead the Reds back to the top of the league table, and return them to Champions League play.

Gerrard now has skilled players around him, and must use his experience and talent to put Liverpool back into the top four.

Manchester United, David de Gea

Manchester United found their goalkeeper for the future in Atletico Madrid's David de Gea, but the young keeper has massive shoes to fill.

He has the difficult task of taking over for United legend Edwin van der Sar, who won many trophies with the club in his distinguished career.

De Gea must quickly learn to adapt to the style of play in the Premier League, which is much different from Spain's La Liga.

Like every year, United will be expected to win every competition they compete in, which is pressure in itself.

Arsenal, Samir Nasri

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has a lot to prove this season as he enters the final year of his contract.

The Frenchman has been rumored to be on his way out of The Emirates at times this summer, as Arsenal have yet to extend his contract.

Nasri played well for the Gunners last season, but he needs to be a more consistent player. Taking his game to the next level is his task for this season.

He must also prove he's deserving of the big new contract he wants.

Arsenal, Wojciech Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny is the latest goalie who has fought for the No. 1 keeper job at Arsenal the last few seasons, but the Polish goalkeeper looks like he could be the future.

Szczesny played well last season, and did not disappoint against many of the top clubs.

It's his job to win this season, and if he plays well he will sure up the Arsenal goalkeeping situation, which has crippled the Gunners severely the last couple years.

Szczesny has to prove Arsenal doesn't need to go out and find a goalie in the transfer market.