The squad has always lost players they did not want to lose ever since promotion to the Premier League starting with Nathan Ellington back in 2005 but it has not been the case this time around (so far).
This will give Wigan fans optimism for the new season as Bruce has brought in hopefully some good players to add competition to the squad.
Pre Season has gone well for the club and new signings Olivier Kapo, Daniel De Ridder, Amr Zaki and Lee Cattermole seem to have all settled in well.
All Wigan fans will be hoping that Zaki will be the goal scorer that the club has been looking for and that he links up well with Emile Heskey once he finds his feet in the division.
With new faces there has also been departures with Julius Aghahowa, Josip Skoko, Andy Webster, Salomon Olembe, David Cotterill and Andreas Granqvist all being let go by the club.
This however is a step forward for the club as now the competition for places is at its most competitive ever with the summer recruits on board.
The expectations are high for the new campaign but a tough start with West Ham away will prove a stern test for Latics.
West Ham have not really brought in many players so far this summer with Valon Behrami and Jan Lastuvka the only notable recruits.
The Hammers did struggle with injuries last season which did have an effect on results but after the season of fighting relegation in 2006/2007 they managed to gain a steady top ten finish last season, well away from the relegation battle.
Dean Ashton is back after injury and has his name being linked with a call up to the England squad.
Kieron Dyer is also back in contention after an injury last season so he will be like a new signing as well.
Expectations are high at Upton Park and the pressure is on Alan Curbishley to get West Ham into the UEFA Cup this time around.
Key Players for West Ham
Robert Green. The former England goalkeeper is one of the most consistent in the Premier League and will want to force his way back into the England set up. A solid and reliable goalkeeper.
Anton Ferdinand. Linked with possible moves to Tottenham and Aston Villa have so far failed to materialise and another season looks likely for Anton who will be wanting to do the same as brother Rio and become another England international to come through the ranks at Upton Park. A very good defender who has a bright future in the game.
Mark Noble. The youngster proved last season that he has got the potential to become a future England star and will be wanting to impress in the England U21s when he gets his chance. Mark will be wanting to better his achievements of 3 league goals last season. A real threat from midfield.
Dean Ashton. A top quality striker who has an eye for goal and is a centre forward who is not afraid to put himself about. Has been linked with a possible move to Tottenham if Dimitar Berbatov joins Manchester United but will be in the squad for Saturdays game. Good in the air and a natural finisher, Dean Ashton will be a handful for the Wigan defence.
Prediction
The Latics have spent well over the summer and with Steve Bruce having his first Pre Season as manager a good start is possible.
2-1 Wigan.
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