Vincent Tan
The ambitions of Cardiff City's ownership are likely to extend beyond earning Premier League survival.

Last season

Championship: 1st

FA Cup: Third Round

League Cup: First Round

Top scorers: Heirdar Helguson (9)

Summer work

Upon winning promotion to the Premier League last April, owner Vincent Tan pledged to spend £25m on new players. Having rebranded the club the previous summer, Cardiff fans would have been forgiven for living in trepidation amid Tan's ambitious plans but what has followed was anything but a drunken promise. England and former Swansea City loanee defender Steven Caulker is one of five new additions with spending showing no sign of letting up.

Manager - Malkay Mackay

After turning down the advances of Everton, Mackay is around to lead Cardiff into their first season in the top flight for 51 years. After serving an apprenticeship at Watford, Mackay has earned a reputation as one of the most promising young manager's in British football. Calm amid the media glare and a credit to his club whose reputation often precedes itself off the pitch. Has earned the chance to manage Cardiff in the Premier League but the problem might be keeping hold of him.

Key Player - Peter Whittingham

South Wales' finest technician makes a belated return to the Premier League after setting the Championship by storm in previous campaigns. Fulham, Norwich City and West Ham United are among the clubs to have missed out on signing Whittingham and this season their failure will be brought into sharp focus. The ex-Aston Villa man will keep Cardiff ticking over in midfield this term and can guarantee goals from all angles. Such is the 28 year old's cool head, the reliance on him might be overbearing.

Expectations

Substantial investment separates Cardiff from the fellow promoted sides and while Hull City and Crystal Palace will be intent on merely surviving, you fancy the Bluebirds' ambitions to stretch somewhat further. Rather than a tight, yet successful relegation battle, Tan will be looking for a mid-table finish to satisfy his spending power. Despite the five additions, the squad remains low on top flight experience while if new signing Andreas Cornelius doesn't find the net, there are few options elsewhere.

Prediction

An encouraging start might make way for a late season struggle. 17th

Storm