Should Sunderland fans be worried by the lack of transfers?

Well, that depends on what you consider a successful transfer window. Look at the previous three transfer windows along with this one and you will notice a pattern emerging.

Steve Bruce signed a new team but was sacked in
November 2011.

With Steve Bruce at the helm prior to the 11/12 season, we signed a whole team and, while some of the players were actually decent or better, it took them a while to gel together. 

The following season we had a different manager in Martin O'Neill, where we signed Carlos Cuellar, Louis Saha, Steven Fletcher, Adam Johnson and Danny Rose. 

Fan favourite Martin O'Neill couldn't build on his early success
at Sunderland and was sacked in March 2013.

The season after that we had the one-time guilty pleasure Paolo Di Canio. But Roberto De Fanti brought in 14 new players including Fabio Borini, Vito Mannone, Emanuele Giaccherini and Ki Sung Yeung. 

And now look at Gus Poyet's first summer transfer window, where we have signed Billy Jones, Jordi Gomez and Costel Pantilimon all on a free as well as former Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt.

You notice the pattern? We either don't make enough signings in the search for quality or we settle for quantity and hope that will be enough.

Paolo Di Canio knee-slid his way to lose manager's job after
five games into the 13/14 season with 14 new players unable
to gel.

Either way, Sunderland have never looked healthy for the start of the new Premier League season. More often than not, we have a poor start and end up playing catch up further on in the season.

That is essential to the 2014/15 season; Sunderland MUST start reasonably well and not have to wait four or five games in for their first win.

West Brom away is realistically the best (and coincidentally first) chance to pick up three points, for a visit from a new-look Manchester United and a trip to newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers are two very tough assignments.

Any of the newly promoted teams are always hard to play against at the start of the season as they always have a point to prove. Sunderland haven't faired well when facing a side with the fresh buzz of sealing promotion early into the Premier League campaign.

But back to transfers, as Chris Young, SAFC writer for the Sunderland Echo, puts it, we must get it right this time.

For me, Sunderland desperately need at least one or two strikers, a left-sided midfielder, a creative midfielder, another centre back and another full-back wouldn't go a miss either.

Players including Santiago Vergini, Samuel Eto'o Jordan Mutch, Jack Rodwell, Danny Welbeck and Fabio Borini have been mentioned in the fold of potential arrivals on Wearside.

Mutch, one of the bright lights in Cardiff's bleak season, looks like he is going to QPR. I am disappointed a little, but we should surely have better ambition than this.

According SkyBet and SkySports, Rodwell is looking increasingly likely to join Sunderland for a fee in the region of £10m.

People straight away will question the price tag but, to be honest, I'd much rather Sunderland show some ambition and pay that fee for him than loan him. We shouldn't be a stepping stone club for loan players to then go and never see us again. We should be aiming to make ourselves better, not make players better for other clubs.

Borini would be another great edition if we sign him and for that I will wait and see what will unfold.

Welbeck would suit Sunderland perfectly. He was on loan with us in 10/11 and he has the pace for the Premier League as well a good work rate.

Eto'o is hit-and-miss for me in terms of likelihood but for free, I would take a striker who, at 32 years-old, proved he could score for Chelsea.

But, back to the original question, should Sunderland fans be worried by the lack of transfers?

To me, the answer is no but others will inevitably have a different opinion. Last season, we got quantity over quality, they took ages to settle in and we paid an early price for it.

This season, if we sign Premier League quality with some experience, then this season can be a good one. Mid-table comfort would be nice for a change, which is where we really should at this moment, not constantly fighting at the bottom.

I'm not desperately worried just yet, but three or four new players by the curtain opener at West Brom would be a big help to Sunderland's start to the season.

Barclays Predictions League 13

So here we are with the end of yet another Barclays Premier League season. As always there is a sad note when it ends but let's hope it ends with a flurry of entertainment come 3:00pm on Sunday.

Cardiff v Chelsea

It may not have been the end of the season that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have wanted but I did say in August I think Cardiff would go down.

Sacking Malky Mackay in December didn't help and Cardiff were doing ok at that point but since then they have been repeatedly flirting with the drop zone.

When you have the second-worst goal difference in the league, only four better off than Fulham, then you probably deserve to get relegated. Fulham's game is much more winnable than Cardiff's, so they could end with the worst Premier League goal difference of 2013-14.

Jose Mourinho's side were in the title race for a long time and they did very well against the top teams, taking six points off Liverpool and Man City and four off Arsenal, Tottenham and Man Utd. It's losing to the likes of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and especially Sunderland that cost them the league.

But, as many pundits have already said, the fact that they have been in the title race without a world-class striker says everything and with one, they should be top two easily next year.

Cardiff will want to put in a performance to give their fans hope of bouncing back to the top flight at the first attempt, but Chelsea I think will edge this one.

Score: 0-1

Fulham v Crystal Palace

Fulham are also down to the Championship after staying in the Premier League for 13 years and, without sounding harsh, they probably deserve it as they have conceded the most goals.

Their squad could probably do with rebuilding as they are an ageing team as well. That squad in the Championship should do pretty well but there is a big summer ahead for Felix Magath.

As Norwich are more or less relegated, barring a mathematical overhaul of goal difference, I think Fulham have got the best chance of coming straight back up as they should do well next year.

I think they will win this game to send their fans off on a high as the work Crystal Palace have put into their own survival campaign could catch up with them.

Tony Pulis is an obvious contender for the manager of the season and it is remarkable what he has done at Selhurst Park. It is just a question of what he will do in the summer to try and replicate the stability he established at Stoke for the next few years.

But I believe they will go in the right direction under him.

Score: 2-1

Hull v Everton

Both of these sides have had very successful campaigns in my opinion, especially the Tigers under the guidance of Steve Bruce.

They were never in any real danger of relegation for me, and they have the prospect  of the Europa League to look forward to next season, which should help them attract players to take them to the next level.

This game won't matter as much to them as they will understandably have one eye on next Saturday's F.A. Cup final with Arsenal, who are guaranteed top four, at Wembley which is why they have had a really good season.

Everton also have Europa League football to look forward to as well and, although they will be disappointed to make the top four and the Champions League, finishing fifth should be seen as very successful.

If they can get any of their loaned players, Gareth Barry, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku, then they should be there again next season. Barry I think they will get permanently if Roberto Martinez wants him but the other two could difficult to bring in.

As for their season finale at the KC Stadium, both teams will celebrate a very good Premier League campaign for 2013-14 and look forward to next year with optimism.

Score: 1-2

Liverpool v Newcastle

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted to have secured Champions League football for next season but at the same time obviously disappointed of not winning the Premier League.

If you remember back in August I said they would finish sixth which would have been an improvement for them but the fact that they are disappointed to not win the league shows how far they have come.

They can still win it, of course, but they would need a massive favour off West Ham in order for that to happen and although it's not impossible, it's 99% unlikely.

All they can do is concentrate on beating Alan Pardew's magpies, who will be glad the season is coming to a close.

I still think he has done more good for the toon than bad but he needs to get permanent players in during the summer, assuming he stays, and Mike Ashley will need to start taking the club seriously.

Newcastle have a big history and their fans should be having football which will make them proud to be wearing black and white at St James' Park again.

Score: 3-0

Man City v West Ham

The real test for Manuel Pellegrini's side was winning at Everton last weekend, where they have had a horrible record and, having coming through that and a home game with Aston Villa, they already have one hand on the Premier League title.

This game on paper should be an easy three points for the home side but Manchester City found out two years ago that you cannot take anything for granted when QPR nearly stopped them winning the title.

City have scored the most goals this season, with Yaya Toure's against Villa on Wednesday night their 100th of the season.

Think back to that late equaliser against Sunderland just over three weeks ago; that could turn out to be a huge point for City and, ironically, they came back from 3-1 down to claim a point at home to the Black Cats when they won the league two years ago. Maybe the writing was on the wall.

In that respect, City probably deserve the title but they will want to finish the job on Sunday and, although Sam Allardyce would probably park the bus there, they should get through this final hurdle.

West Ham, like Hull, were safe for a while so I don't know why so many fans are asking for Allardyce's sacking. Maybe the football isn't as entertaining to watch as they'd like but they did get a third successive victory against rivals Tottenham this season last weekend.

Score: 2-0

Norwich v Arsenal

Barring overturning a massive goal difference, it looks like Neil Adams and the Canaries will be the third team to go down to the Championship.

Sacking Chris Hughton I thought was wrong but the timing of it was even stranger, which already put Adams in an unfairly tough position, with your only really winnable game coming against Fulham and then play Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and now Arsenal in the last four games of the season.

They are players there, such as Snodgrass and Hooper, who are really good players but there is always the chance of them wanting to return to the Premier League, more than likely with other teams.

Strangley enough, after their 0-0 draw at Chelsea last Sunday, I thought that Sunderland could screw up their last two games and Norwich, with that slight hope, would beat Arsene Wenger's Gunners as they have already claimed fourth spot comfortably.

I still think the home side will be hard to beat here, but Arsenal would rather lose this game and beat Hull next weekend in the F.A. Cup final so they may use this game as an experiment for their fringe players.

Score: 2-1

Southampton v Man Utd

Although both of these teams are close in the table, their seasons couldn't be further apart.

Mauricio Pochettino has attracted interest from Tottenham and Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw are linked with moves away from St Mary's; that's how good a season they have had.

They fully deserve to be in the top eight because the style of football they have played has been beautiful to watch.

The difficult task is improving that next year. Another top ten finish would probably be good success for them but keeping their star players would be an even bigger success.

Both Lallana and Shaw have been linked with Saint's opponents: Manchester United.

Their season couldn't have been any worse for their standards. I knew this year would be a transitional year but everyone still expected them to be in the top four.

Even after Moyes' dismissal, the same problems were still there. They beat Norwich, then lose to Sunderland, then beat Hull, all three games at Old Trafford.

If that pattern is anything to follow by, then Ryan Gigg's potentially final game should end in defeat and I wouldn't be surprised if Southampton cap off a wonderful season in style.

Score: 1-1

Sunderland v Swansea

As everyone else will have said by this point, it is a miracle what Gus Poyet has achieved on Wearside, especially with the roller coaster he, and the fans, will have endured.

They were seven points adrift of safety when they lost to Everton at what seemed to be an already-accepting-relegation Stadium of Light. Then came the 13 points out of a possible 15 and suddenly, with a game to spare, they have performed the great escape.

This is quite an achievement and one which should talked about for years. Poyet has done a remarkable job and if Sunderland were to beat Swansea and Man City helped them to finish twelfth, then it would be a perfect end to their most interesting season yet.

Now that survival is finally assured, talks with the out-of-contract players have started so the club can prepare for the summer, pre-season and next season.

Survival was much more straightforward for Swansea, who gave Gary Monk the manager's job on a permanent basis, which I am delighted to see as I feel he deserves it.

Swansea will be back at their best next season without European football I think but they have still had a decent season in the Premier League, where they look comfortably at home.

Score: 1-1

Tottenham v Aston Villa

It's safe to say both of these sides have had disappointing seasons, especially as there was such hope for both of them. How times have changed.

This could be Tim Sherwood's last game as Tottenham manager, which I think is extremely unfair considering the little time he has had.

That's like being fifth or sixth and being told you have half a season to win the title. Hopefully the board will see sense and keep hold of him.

Tottenham just need a point to get Europa League football next season but I think they should get all three with relative ease.

Paul Lambert has got Villa comfortably safe but they should really be in mid-table. The important thing is keep building and progress more next year. But the fans won't appreciate another relegation battle.

Score: 2-0

West Brom v Stoke

West Brom were more or less safe before their midweek defeat by Sunderland but they still should have played with the same level of intensity and desire as their hosts did.

But, in my opinion, their forward power is very lacklustre. Saido Berahino looks decent but the pressure shouldn't be solely on him. Selling Shane Long was stupid for me because he offered some good forward play for the Baggies and getting rid of him, as well as manager Steve Clarke, is very questionable.

I think this game will feel like an end-of-season game for West Brom and in the summer they seriously need a goalscorer.

Pepe Mel's future is also in doubt and I don't think he would have done a better job than Clarke. We will have to wait and see what the summer holds.

Stoke's season has been very good as they have more or less guaranteed a top ten finish and that's thanks to their best ever points tally.

Mark Hughes has done a lot better than I expected but he will be delighted with this year, as will the Potter's fans.

Score: 1-1

Barclays Predictions League 12

Chelsea v Everton (Saturday, 12:45pm)

Chelsea are still well within the title race and are top of the Premier League, albeit by one point. Jose Mourinho will be pleased either way.

They should have enough in them to win this match, especially at Stamford Bridge, but Roberto Martinez's side should give them a tough ride.

Both sides come into this with mixed fortunes in the F.A. Cup, Chelsea losing at Manchester City while Everton overcame Swansea to advance.

Even without Romelu Lukaku, the Toffees are still strong and should easily get a top seven finish at the end of the campaign but, although you can't rule it out, it will be a bonus if they get a result here.

Score: 1-0

Arsenal v Sunderland

This is Arsenal's fourth home game in 10 days after facing Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

On paper, this looks the most straightforward out of the four, but Sunderland should give them a tough ride, especially after getting a good run around on Tuesday night.

They were extremely unlucky and gave Munich a good go even with 10 men but they face a mountain to climb in the second leg of the Champions League last 16, pardon the cliche.

But they are still in the F.A. Cup and I think they could win it. Everton and Manchester City are the toughest opponents on paper.

But I don't want to disrespect Gus Poyet's men, who have been playing better in the last couple of months and deservedly went into the last eight after victory against Southampton.

The defeat to Hull was a set back for them but the worry for the Black Cats is the potential fixture congestion as they have the Capital One Cup final, the F.A. Cup Quarter-Final against either Brighton or Hull and three other league games, Manchester City, West Brom and Liverpool, postponed.

Arsene Wenger has set his team up well at the Emirates and I expect to get through this game, but not comfortably.

Score: 2-0

Cardiff v Hull

After bowing out of the F.A. Cup to holders Wigan last weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can concentrate on keeping his side in England's top division.

It would have been good for confidence to go through to the last eight with a win but then they would add to their fixture list and they need as many fresh players as they can to boost their survival chances.

Steve Bruce complained about the fixture pile-up following his side's 1-1 draw at Brighton on Monday night. Personally I can understand his complaints as he has to play the Seagulls at home two days after this game.

I don't understand the UEFA rules about not having matches clash with European games either. If they desperately couldn't mix them together, then have them play the week after!

But Hull will be fine. They have enough in them to stay up but I actually think Cardiff will take maximum spoils this weekend in South Wales.

Score: 2-1

Man City v Stoke

Like Arsenal, Manuel Pellegrini's team followed an F.A. Cup win with a somewhat undeserved loss at home in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, this time against Barcelona.

The penalty changed the game as Manchester City had looked reasonably comfortable before then but they did give an enormous effort and were caught on the break for the second goal.

I did think the La Liga leaders would win over two legs but it looks unlikely that City will progress to the next round.

Back to Premier League action, and they come up against former manager Mark Hughes, this time with Stoke City.

In the reverse fixture at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke were all over City and should have won the game. Their record at the Etihad, however, doesn't look so good.

I don't see them being in any real danger of relegation but they will do well to stop City's superiority.

Score: 3-0

West Brom v Fulham

Right, West Brom win, next!

Seriously though, sacking Rene Meulensteen and his staff is stupid to me, especially as Fulham had picked up a great point at Old Trafford and only just lost to Champions League chasing Liverpool.

Their defence is so leaky but that isn't Meulensteen's fault. Blame Martin Jol as he didn't invest in any younger players in the previous transfer windows and Felix Magath has a real job on his hands.

West Brom got an excellent point against Chelsea last time around and Pepe Mel will see this game as a perfect way to get his team further away from trouble.

Score: 2-0

West Ham v Southampton

After Southampton lost in their fourth meeting against Sunderland this season last Saturday, I did wonder why on earth Mauricio Pochettino left several first team players out.

Having said that, they should have an F.A. Cup replay after Rickie Lambert missed a sitter in the dying minutes at the Stadium of Light.

They are comfortable in mid-table and a good cup run would have helped their season but if they have a strong finish to the season the Saints fans won't be complaining too much.

West Ham have, yet again, proved my point that everything looks much more rosy after a couple of good results.

Beating Norwich just over a week ago was a massive victory for Sam Allardyce's side and they look much more like staying up than they did a month ago.

Score: 2-2

Crystal Palace v Man Utd (Saturday, 5:30pm)

As a neutral, I am quite looking forward to this game. Tony Pulis has improved the Eagles' home form and this will be a tough test for them.

Manchester United did show determination against Arsenal at the Emirates but they have to aim for at least a top seven finish and restart next season.

Like I said this season was a traditional phase but they can be a great team again with some more quality in their side.

Crystal Palace have a game in hand over their relegation rivals and I actually predict an upset on the cards for this weekend at Selhurst Park.

I think Palace will be organised and well structured and I can see them upsetting the Red Devils on the break.

Score: 2-1

Liverpool v Swansea (Sunday, 1:30pm)

While I still disagree with the sacking of Michael Laudrup, Gary Monk has done well since taking over the reigns in South Wales.

Beating rivals Cardiff and drawing at Stoke is a decent start to life as the boss, for now anyway. Losing at Everton won't be a big deal for them as staying in the Premier League should take priority.

But after a competitive meeting with Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday night, former manager Brendan Rodgers will come out on top in my opinion.

While Liverpool should have had a second penalty, Luis Suarez' reputation got the better of him and they crashed out of the F.A. Cup at the Emirates which means finishing in the top four takes on greater importance.

Score: 2-0

Newcastle v Aston Villa (Sunday, 1:30pm)

Despite scoring no goals and conceding 10 in their last three Premier League games, Newcastle should still have a strong finish this season.

The derby loss at home to Sunderland was unacceptable but Chelsea and Tottenham were always going to be hard matches as both are on good form.

This isn't going to be an easy game but I think, with Loic Remy coming back from suspension, Alan Pardew's Magpies will get a much needed win.

Aston Villa aren't great on the road and they are struggling to score goals this season but Paul Lambert has done a good job this season and the Villains should stay clear of the bottom three this season.

Score: 2-1

Norwich v Tottenham (Sunday, 4:00pm)

Tottenham have improved under Tim Sherwood but Emmanuel Adebayor has been the biggest change, scoring eight league goals in 11 Premier League matches. Well done, Mr Sherwood.

Although they narrowly lost in the Europa League this week, I think Tottenham will bounce back with a win here.

Chris Hughton's side are under pressure and realistically could do with a result from this match.

They haven't got recognised goal scorers but if Gary Hooper is fit then there could be cause for optimism.

Score: 1-2