Players to watch in 2008 by Sentanta Sports

ARSENAL: Eduardo da Silva

Plenty of candidates from Arsene Wenger's batch of talented performers and Alexander Hleb, Nicklas Bendtner and Abou Diaby can all be expected to continue their progress. However, Eduardo looks like a goal machine waiting to fire The Gunners. Now his Premier League duck has been broken, with the brace at Everton, the Croatia hot-shot gives Wenger a great option in attack and could shoot the North Londoners all the way to the title. 

ASTON VILLA: Gabriel Agbonlahor

Gary Cahill is developing nicely and can push for a place if he stays while Ashley Young is repaying his transfer fee from Watford. But England Under-21 starlet Agbonlahor has matured into an outstanding striking prospect and is tipped to earn full international honours under Fabio Capello in 2008. Adding a dangerous edge to his blistering pace, he has notched some impressive headers recently and has the perfect man to learn under in Martin O'Neill, who should continue to bring out the best in the blossoming Brummie.

BIRMINGHAM: Daniel De Ridder

The former Ajax and Celta Vigo ace has only started six league games for Blues and has understandably taken time to settle in his new environment. Nevertheless, Alex McLeish may have a gem on his hands if the Dutchman finds his feet. At 23, he has never really had a consistent first team run in his fledgling career (he was usually a sub at Ajax) and he could reward some confidence in his talents.

BLACKBURN: David Bentley

We like the look of Chris Samba and Keith Treacy is one to look out for but Bentley looks primed for a huge 2008 when he is likely to become a regular part of Fabio Capello's England plans. With David Beckham set to fade from the international picture after getting his 100th cap, the former Arsenal wide man can realistically attempt to step into the great man's shoes. A silken first touch, dangerous set-piece delivery and now a real eye for long-range goals mark the Rover out as a class act. He will also benefit from the controversial decision to rest last summer and not take part in the Under-21 European Championship finals. 

BOLTON: Danny Guthrie

Okay, so he might only be on loan from Liverpool but the energetic midfielder is probably going to be pursued by Gary Megson to sign on a permanent basis. We feel he will add to his solitary goal, which came in the Carling Cup, and learn his trade in the middle of the park at the highest level. Breaking through at Anfield may be beyond him but it is fair to suggest the 20-year-old will enjoy a long career at Premier League level.

CHELSEA: Scott Sinclair

John Obi Mikel is maturing all the time but Sinclair could enjoy a wonderful 2008 if he can steer clear of injury. The speedy forward showed his worth at the start of the year during a loan stint at Plymouth, bagging a dream goal in the FA Cup. Another loan spell at Queens Park Rangers helped further his education and he has returned to Stamford Bridge to compete for a first-team spot, replacing Michael Ballack in the recent win over Newcastle. It will be tough to pin down a place under Avram Grant but the ex-Bristol Rovers youngster has immeasurable potential.

DERBY: Giles Barnes

He may be an obvious choice but it is impossible to look beyond the Rams youngster. Derby face a difficult decision over whether to cash in on the West Ham target or keep him for what looks increasingly like an unwinnable battle against relegation. The quicksilver forward has tricks to go with his obvious pace and is bound to be all the better now he is 100 percent fit again. The question is how long will he stay at Pride Park?

EVERTON: Victor Anichebe

A powerhouse at the age of 19, the Nigerian attacker has the tools to terrorise even the best of defences. Still raw and rough around the edges, he is being carefully nurtured by David Moyes along with fellow striking prospect James Vaughan. It is certain he will add to his four goals this term and flourish when introduced as an impact substitute, not only domestically but also in Europe. Expect big things out of Anichebe, who could yet still be lured out of Nigeria's clutches after pulling out of a recent international through injury.

FULHAM: Elliot Omozusi

Clint Dempsey has done well this term but Omozusi is our choice because he is on a steeper climb in terms of status. The Hackney-born defender has only just turned 19 and a spell in a struggling side can make or break untried youngsters. The signs are that Omozusi will swim rather than sink and it will be interesting to see if new boss Roy Hodgson keeps faith with him in the back four.

LIVERPOOL: Ryan Babel

Although taking time to settle at Anfield, the Dutchman has displayed enough panache and ability to indicate he will prove to be an astute signing by Rafa Benitez. Sometimes he resembles John Barnes storming down the wing, other times you see glimpses of Thierry Henry. If he proves half as good as those two greats then Babel will be a Kop favourite. Jack Hobbs has potential in defence while Lucas and Sebastian Leto are interesting prospects but Babel gets the nod.

MAN CITY: Kelvin Etuhu

We were spoilt for choice at Eastlands with Michael Johnson, Stephen Ireland and Daniel Sturridge all improving and Micah Richards developing into a top defender. Yet Etuhu, whose brother Dickson plays for Sunderland, has managed something that is becoming increasingly difficult - a quick impact in The Premier League. His goal against Bolton was one to always recall fondly for the Nigerian, who scored two goals in three starts during a loan spell at Rochdale. Also look out for Ishmael Miller, who has been going down a storm at West Brom during his temporary stint at The Hawthorns. 

MAN UNITED: Anderson

Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson have potential but the Brazilian midfielder could turn out to be world class. The impressive manner in which the 19-year-old has already adapted his game to suit The Premier League illustrates his intelligence and versatility. Originally viewed as a skilful deep-lying forward, he is becoming an all-round midfielder who fought tenaciously in the big games at Arsenal and Liverpool. He has already done enough to make United fans forget about the signing of his compatriot Kleberson but the sky is the limit for this talented teenager.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Adam Johnson

A close call here as good things are being said about David Wheater, but he already appears to have established himself in the side at centre half and should comfortably maintain steady progress. Johnson sparkled during a loan spell at Watford, they seem to have fallen apart after he returned to The Riverside, and if a place can be found for him in the same side as Stewart Downing, there is every reason for Boro fans to be excited about their team's wing-play. If Downing moves on, Johnson is a ready-made replacement who some observers feel can be even better than the England international.

NEWCASTLE: James Milner

Popular with the St James' Park faithful, which cannot be said of his manager or a number of his team-mates, and an effervescent winger who usually provides a spark of flair on Tyneside. The Yorkshireman works hard for the cause and seems willing to put in the hours to develop his game. Although he almost joined Aston Villa permanently, he is one of few players to return from a loan spell at another Premier League club and force his way into his parent side. For that alone, he deserves credit but more is demanded of him in 2008.

PORTSMOUTH: Sulley Muntari

Harry Redknapp's squad is predominantly an experienced one and Muntari will be heading off for African Cup of Nations duty with Ghana soon. Nonetheless, the African midfielder looks the part at Fratton Park and his two-goal display at Villa Park was simply sensational. Flirtatious comments regarding alleged interest from Liverpool will cause concern on the South Coast but we predict he is capable of becoming one of the top midfielders in the country come this time next year.

READING: Nicky Shorey

It could well be argued that Shorey is very established now having broken into the England team. Yet there is still room for more improvement for the classy full back who is rightly being courted by other clubs in the division. The former Leyton Orient man is mastering his role with experience and is regularly his team's stand-out performer. Shane Long has potential in attack but Shorey can set his sights on taking Ashley Cole's England place under Fabio Capello.

SUNDERLAND: Kenwyne Jones

Martyn Waghorn made a creditable debut against Manchester United, Michael Kay has made the first-team squad and we have heard some good things about other Academy youngsters in the Under-18s. Jones, though, has the power and potential to become a regular Premier League goalscorer. He overcame a sticky patch with a fine display against Bolton and, when on song, is virtually unplayable. Surely Roy Keane's best signing so far, it does not take a genius to work out he could emerge as a top centre forward at the highest level - Sunderland's very own Didier Drogba.

TOTTENHAM: Adel Taarabt

This 18-year-old has magic in his boots and never fails to impress when thrown on as a substitute. Still deemed a little raw for regular Premier League action, Juande Ramos used him a couple of times over Christmas and more appearances are a given in 2008. Snared from Lens, he makes things happen and should prove an exciting addition to Spurs' goal-laden attacking options. A mention for Gareth Bale too as he looked a quality performer at Premier League injury before injury curtailed his impressive progress.

WEST HAM: Robert Green

There is every chance Green could become England's regular number one keeper as the path opens up for him. A penalty expert and reliable shot-stopper, he is gaining in confidence all the time and seems very much at home at Upton Park after arriving from Norwich. Mark Noble is still on an upward curve but Green is likely to hold World Cup aspirations in the future.

WIGAN: Ryan Taylor

Injuries threatened to ruin his career but the brave full back has battled his way back and Steve Bruce is now reaping the benefits. After cutting his teeth with Tranmere, the Scouser has had to be patient for his chance to shine at Premier League level. A tremendous set-piece taker, one hopes he can have a clear run of regular football to score goals like the free kick he despatched past Shay Given recently. A fully fit Ryan Taylor will prove to be a valuable asset to Wigan