Players in: Phil Babb (Sporting Lisbon, free); Thomas Myhre (Besiktas, free); Sean Thornton (Tranmere, free).

Players out: None.

Last season: 17th

This season's odds: 750-1

Player to watch: Kevin Phillips

Our verdict - 15th
Escaped relegation on the final day of a stinker of a season. Keeping hold of Kevin Phillips is more important than any of Sunderland's summer signings, but a poor start to this season could spell disaster for the Black Cats - and their manager.