Sunderland have got a very ambitious management and the Black Cats are building a team capable of achieving a top table finish. Ambitious manager Steve Bruce took over the reigns and the first signs show he is on the right track. The club are expected to sign few more players and odds are Bruce will create a very good team.

Former Marseille captain Lorik Cana, Paraguayan defender Paulo da Silva and enthusiastic striker Frazier Campbell have already joined Sunderland, while few others should soon follow. Darren Bent is expected to arrive from Tottenham any time now, but it seems the club will not be signing either Chamakh or Cattermole.

The boss has two great goalies at his disposal in Gordon and Fulop and there is absolutely no need for new signings there. The captain of Paraguay national team, Paulo da Silva will add a lot of experience to the back line, while Bardsley, McCartney and Ferdinand should also be in the starting line-up.

Loric Cana will be a great addition to midfield as the team lacked a central midfielder, and he will form an excellent partnership with Kieran Richardson, who is in the form of his life. Steed Malbranque and Carlos Edwards should occupy the wings, although Bruce will need to sign at least one or two midfielders in order to boost competition for places. Bruce has been trying to bring Lee Cattermole, the player he coached at Wigan, but Latics are reluctant to sell.

Even though Chamakh has ruled out a move to Sunderland, Bruce will have great options up front with Kenwyne Jones, Campbell, Bent, Healy and Murphy vying for starting places.

As it now seems, the team will be much stronger than last season and I expect them to fare much better. Top table finish looks like a realistic possibility and maybe with a couple of more signings, the Black Cats can make a push for European places. Therefore, backing Sunderland to achieve a top 10 finish can prove to be good betting strategy.