What we can expect from this month's transfer window bonanza...

Yes, the January sales have arrived and we are half-way through. A four-week window in which journalists will cry that Fernando Torres is off to Manchester United because they saw his uncle's cousin's dog outside Old Trafford. It's a fan's dream and a manager's worst nightmare. Unless you are Carlo Ancelotti, in which case your worst nightmare will be the sight of your title chances fluttering out the window when Didier Drogba, Michael Essien (and to a lesser extent) Jon Obi Mikel and Solomon Ka-who trot off to compete in the biannual circus that is the Africa Cup of Nations.

The rest of us will delight at every fabricated, ridiculous story telling us that the next Cristiano Ronaldo is coming to our club.

So, with the league table beautifully poised at this halfway point in the season, at both the top and the bottom, take a look at what I think each Premier League team needs during this transfer window and where I reckon they will end up come the end of the year.

Enjoy...and don't be shy to vent your rage at my predictions below.

Arsenal:
What they need: Who would have thought... Sol Campbell returns to Arsenal. It is one of the the biggest headlines of the window so far, with Arsene Wenger deciding to re-sign a player for the first time during his tenure. The big man will provide plenty of experience to a defence heavily reliant on the ability of William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen to stay fit. Injuries to the talismanic Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner has also left the Gunners with a few shortcomings in the attacking department. While they have encountered few problems against the lesser sides of the division, Chelsea's recent suffocating job on them at the Emirates highlighted that they are need of a goal-getter. West Ham's Carlton Cole is an option, as is Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh, who has been on Arsene Wenger's radar for some time. A central midfielder in the Patrick Vieira mould would turn them into genuine title contenders.
Where they will end up: Given Wenger's track record, and despite his revelations that he will dip into the transfer market, it is unlikely that any big names will be walking through the door, as Andrey Arshavin did this time last year. Not enough for the title, but a runners-up spot ahead of Manchester United is well within their grasp. 2nd.

Aston Villa:
What they need: Not a great deal judging by their performances and league position. Manager Martin O'Neill invested wisely in the summer transfer window, bringing in the experienced Richard Dunne and James Collins to shore up the defence. Midfielder Stewart Downing, having recovered from an injury, is providing excellent service to the front men from the left, while Ashley Young is a handful for any defence on the right. James Milner has arguably discovered his ideal position in the centre of midfield, and Villa fans are not likely to be calling for radical changes this month.
Where they will end up: If Villa could have boasted the team they have now last year, then they almost certainly would have pipped Arsenal to the final Champions League place. But with Manchester City and Tottenham all improving significantly, and Liverpool dropping out of the top three, they will do well to hang on that coveted fourth place. A Europa League place, in my book.

Birmingham City:
What they need: On paper, you'd say Alex McLeish should make full use of owner Carson Yeung's open chequebook, with £50m reportedly on the table for the Scot to spend. But, on the pitch, the Blues have been a picture of consistency, enjoying their finest run of form for over a century, having gone unbeaten for 12 Premier League games. Roger Johnson and Liam Ridgewell have been rock solid at the back, Lee Bowyer has found a new lease of life and record-signing Christian Benitez and Cameron Jerome are dangerous up front. However, a spate of injuries could scupper their hopes of a top ten finish so a few reinforcements in all departments will be on the agenda. The club's magnificent first half has seen them climb to eighth in the table, making them an attractive prospect for potential recruits.
Where they will end up: Stay clear of injuries and add some depth to the squad in the transfer window and Birmingham are a good bet to secure a top ten finish this season. They have a comfortable five-point cushion on ninth place.

Blackburn Rovers:
What they need: Help, judging by their recent form. Blackburn have not tasted victory in the league since the middle of November, while they have shipped nine goals in their previous three games. These two stats suggest they need a couple of players in to stop the flood of goals and a new striker to help bang them in at the other end. Forward Benni McCarthy is understood to be close to a move away from Ewood Park, however, so Sam Allardyce may have his work cut out.
Where they will end up: Although Rovers are sitting in 13th place, they are only three points off the relegation zone. A relegation fight could well ensue, but I think they will survive, although it could go down to the wire.

Bolton Wanderers:
What they need: Goals. The team have scored just 20 in 18 league games and are in need of some firepower to blast them out of the relegation mire. New boss Owen Coyle, having moved across from Burnley, does not have long to assess his squad's strengths and weaknesses before the window shuts. Expect a move for one or two of his former players at Burnley. Winger Chris Eagles and striker Steven Fletcher could be targeted.
Where they will end up: I fear for Bolton. Not necessarily because they have the worst team in the league, they don't. But Coyle will be keen to impose his own style of free-flowing attacking football on a team that has become renowned for their direct, let's-just-whack-it-towards-Kevin-Davies approach under Gary Megson. It will be a tough turnaround, and not one that is liely to occur seamlessly in the midst of a survival scrap.

Burnley:
What they need: The club do not have a booming budget with which to strengthen their squad, but they may look to add one or two loan players to help them along. Arsenal's Jack Wilshere was mentioned under Coyle, but the new manager (expected to be Brian Laws) may look into recruiting someone in his mould. One or two defenders wouldn't hurt, either.
Where they will end up: In the Championship. Formidable at their Turf Moor home but fallible on the road, Burnley are a picture of inconsistency. Coyle was worshipped by both the fans and the players, and his defection to Bolton will leave everyone wondering; where now? It is easier to see their home form sliding than it is seeing their away record improve, so I think they could be in trouble.

Chelsea:
What they need: Two months ago you would have said, nothing. But since their ruthless 3-0 demolition on Arsenal back in November, Chelsea have hit a snag. While the Blues are far from what one would call a crisis, Carlo Ancelotti will be concerned by his side's defensive frailties that have come to light, recently. A defensive axis of Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry is arguably second only to Manchester United's twosome of Vidic and Ferdinand. But something has gone awry. Rather than a new face, a kick up the backside is probably what is more required. A new striker is a must, though, with Didier Drogba missing for the month as he competes for Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, while Nicolas Anelka has been struggling with injury.
Where they will end up: Winners. Chelsea have allowed Manchester United and Arsenal back into the championship race but, while their close rivals have stuttered throughout the season, the Blues appear to have gone through a temporary blip. Expect them to be back to their best when Drogba and Michael Essien return.

Everton:
What they need: Players returning to fitness. The Toffees are crying out for their chief playmaker Mikel Arteta to return to the side, the Spaniard having been missing for the entire season through injury. However, with the likes of James Vaughan and Yakubu coming back into the fold, Everton have started to climb the table. The addition of Landon Donavon already appears to be a shrewd move by David Moyes this month. The exit of Joleon Lescott and injury to Phil Jagielka means they could probably do with another fresh face at the back.
Where they will end up: Currently sitting in 12th, it is clear that Everton are in a false position. Their bad start means they may struggle to launch a bid for a Europa League spot, but expect them to be milling around the top eight come May.

Fulham:
What they need: The only thing Fulham really lack is some strength in depth, as Roy Hodgson has succeeded in turning the team into a solid unit that is capable of playing some impressive attacking football, and no display backs that statement up better than a 3-0 drubbing of Manchester United at Craven Cottage last month.
Where they will end up: Top ten certainties. Not quite strong enough to challenge for a European spot, but with a limited budget and improving sides all around them, the Cottagers would be quite content with a ninth place finish.

Hull City:
What they need: More quality, in all departments. The team have conceded an average of almost two goals a game this season, while the goals are hardly flooding in at the other end, so it is no surprise to see them inside the drop zone. Whether the money is there to strengthen is another question.
Where they will end up: Serious relegation candidates. If there is no investment during January then they are likely to be playing Championship football next year.

Liverpool:
What they need: Where do you start? Rafa Benitez has brought in almost 100 players during his five years in charge at Anfield at a nett cost of £120m and, arguably, only two of his current squad can be considered world class. Fernando Torres, who has proved to be a wonderful purchase and captain Steven Gerrard, who was already there when the Spaniard arrived. There is little in the way of quality anywhere else in the side. Maxi Rodriguez has been brought in already this month, but it is unlikely that much more business will be done. Alberto Aquilani, who cost a mere £20m has also done little justify his hefty price tag.
Where they will end up: With Torres (six weeks), Gerrard (two weeks) and Yossi Benayoun (four weeks) having all been ruled out through injury, it is difficult to see the Reds getting anywhere near their target of fourth place this season.

Manchester City:
What they need: Well, despite the qualities demonstrated by Gareth Barry, Vincent Kompany, Nigel de Jong and Stephen Ireland this season, new manager Roberto Mancini has brought in another midfielder… an ageing Patrick Vieira. It seemed the one position City needed the smallest amount of attention, but time will tell whether it will prove an Italian masterstroke. One area the Italians are famous for is there defensive abilities, and that is a department in need of some reinforcement. Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott, at a combined cost of £40m, have failed to gel together, and Mancini will need to look scour the market for a defensive superstar. God knows, they’ve got the money for it.
Where they will end up: The team have enjoyed an upturn in form under Mancini, and look a good bet for the final Champions League place, although Tottenham and Aston Villa will push them hard.

Manchester United:
What they need: Cristiano Ronaldo. The Old Trafford juggernaut has slowed to a gentle trundle this season. No longer are they blowing teams out of the water. They are struggling to create enough opportunities to win games. Wayne Rooney has come into his own in the absence of Ronaldo, but Dimitar Berbatov, Antonio Valencia & co. have failed to provide the goals and the service up front that the team badly need to keep ambitions for a fourth successive championship title on course.
Where they will end up: If they can get Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic fit until the end of the season, United will be in with a good shout during the title run-in. The one thing on their side is that neither of the other two frontrunners, Chelsea and Arsenal, appear willing to put a formidable run of results together and pull away from the pack, keeping everyone interested and making it one of the most exciting championship races in recent memory.

Portsmouth:
What they need: Divine intervention. A miracle. The club are on the bring of administration, their star players are all likely to leave this month after they were not paid for third month this season, and they are rock-bottom of the table. Unless the owners can pull some money out the hat and pay off their huge debts, then relegation will be the least of their worries.
Where they will end up: In the absence of a miracle, the Championship or, worse, extinct.

Stoke City:
What they need: Not much, by the looks of it. A striker capable of scoring 15 goals a season is something they are clearly missing. But they have a useful defensive record, a fantastic fighting spirit and an able and passionate manager.
Where they will end up: In the safety and security of mid-table. And they will be delighted with such a finish.

Sunderland:
What they need: The Black Cats have an excellent strike force in Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones, but they are becoming too heavily reliant on the former’s goals. Of their 28 league goals, Bent has scored 13. With speculation growing about Jones’s future, a new man to share the goalscoring burden would not go amiss.
Where they will end up: A brilliant start to the season had many people believing Steve Bruce could guide his side towards a Europa League place, but they have fallen away since and may have to settle for a place inside the top ten.

Tottenham Hotspur:
What they need: Very little. Now that they have their talented playmaker in Luka Modric back in action, there is a even balance between midfield meat in Tom Huddlestone and Wilson Palacios, and creativity in Aaron Lennon, Niko Kranjcar and Modric. A solid defence is interrupted only by the permanent injury worry over Ledley King, while they have one of the best strike forces in the land.
Where they will end up: Chief rivals to Manchester City and Aston Villa for the fourth place spot that would earn them Champions League football next season.

West Ham United:
What they need: A buyer. The Hammers are in millions pounds of debt and until they find a willing buyer with the funds to galvanise the club, they will remain one of the favourites to drop out of the Premier League. They must keep hold of their star players – Scott Parker, Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Robert Green – and keep them fit. If they do, they will survive. If not, and they become too dependant on the ability of a clutch of youngsters, then they will struggle.
Where they will end up: Seventeenth, and survival by the skin of their teeth.

Wigan Athletic:
What they need: Defenders, and plenty of them. The Latics have conceded more goals than any other team in the division (44), so it is no surprise to see them hovering on the cusp of the drop zone. An imposing centre-half with a good reading of the game is essential. Arsenal’s wantaway defender Philippe Senderos would be an ideal option.
Where they will end up: Fortunately for Roberto Martinez there are plenty of other sides in the mire this season. And that may well be their only saving grace, that there will be enough teams in worse shape than them to keep their heads above the water.

Wolves:
What they need: Another side in need of help. On paper, Wolves have players that can trouble Premier League defences, like Kevin Doyle and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, but the service to these frontmen has not been the best. As a result, the team are floundering near the foot of the division. One or two creative midfielders could help Mick McCarthy’s side work enough openings to get themselves out of danger.
Where they will end up: It’s touch and go for Wolves, although in the absence of any significant signings, they could well fill one of the three places in the bottom three.