With the Premier League season in the balance for each of the 20 teams involved, January represents an excellent opportunity for sides to supplement their sides, and maybe find that couple of signings that will enable them to meet, or even surpass, their targets. We have seen teams perform exceptionally well under pressure in January, which can have a dramatic effect on the rest of their seasons. For example, remember Papiss Cisse's 13 goals in 14 games for Newcastle following his £9m move from Freiburg in January 2011, pushing Newcastle to the cusp of the Champions League.
Alternatively, January can also be a month to dread for sides, particularly teams towards the bottom end of the table. With Chairmen often finding it difficult to resist offers for their star men, selling an in-form player can equally have consequences - and not good ones.
With this in mind, who is likely to be making their move in this month-long carnage? And who is likely to be hoping that not much goes on?
Arsenal - YES
As attractive as flair players are, you need a bit of grit at the back to be successful. Despite this being shouted almost every week at Arsene Wenger by the pundits on Match of the Day (and in some cases, his own fans!), Arsenal have yet to sign a top quality defender to go alongside the likes of Sanchez, Cazorla, Ramsey etc going forward. Maybe it's because he couldn't find anyone French, but he has to move quickly in this window to ensure that Arsenal do not lose their top 4 status.
Who would be good? Though not a long term signing, Ron Vlaar may well be an option, however I feel that with Borussia Dortmund currently on such a poor run, there has never been a better time to test their resolve with a bid for either Mats Hummels or Neven Subotic.
Aston Villa - NO
With limited funds, this month may well be all about keeping their key players, rather than extending. The likes of Ron Vlaar and Christian Benteke may once again be targets for the larger teams, so Paul Lambert will do well to retain his current squad. The loss of either of these could be the difference between Premier League football next year, and a trip to the Championship.
Burnley - NO
Like Villa, it will be all about keeping hold of their key men - specifically Danny Ings.
Chelsea - MAYBE
Despite their considerable wealth, I am not expecting to see too much out of Chelsea this January. With Jose Mourinho having spent heavily in the summer to build his own team, I honestly can't think of many positions that he needs to replace. From front to back, they are pretty intimidating as a side, so I think it may be a case of some investment in youth players for the title-chasers.
Crystal Palace - MAYBE
With a new manager in the shape of Alan Pardew, the January transfer window could represent a good opportunity to stamp his authority on his new club. A top quality striker or midfielder may be the way forward, so a cheeky bid for either Danny Ings or Charlie Austin may be on the cards.
Everton - NO
Having forked out £28m on Romelu Lukaku in the summer, and with a chairman notoriously shy on splashing the cash, it is unlikely that we are to see any big business from the Toffees. I think reducing the injury list needs to be at the top of their priorities - then we may see them find some form.
Hull - MAYBE
Much like Everton, considerable investment made in the summer means that the Tigers should be expected to be fairly quiet. A couple of loan deals may be on the way (with Hatem Ben Arfa clearly on the way out), but other than strengthening the defence, I'm not sure Hull will be able to do much more in the window.
Leicester - YES
At the King Power, however, we may see some movement. With wealthy backers, Leicester perhaps did not take full advantage of the summer transfer window, with their only significant money signing the £7m buy of Leonardo Ulloa. The team continues to leak goals, so some strengthening in the centre of midfield and defence may well be needed.
And who could they get? From a midfield perspective, Manchester United's Anderson or Werder Bremen's Cedric Makiadi may be reasonable purchases for relatively little outlay, while defensively, Celtic's Virgil van Dijk may also help.
Liverpool - YES
Following a number of less than convincing summer buys, Brendan Rodgers has already made his intentions clear to dip into the transfer market this month - I'm guessing predominantly for a striker. With reports surfacing of links to a huge bid for Karim Benzema or Ilkay Gundogan, I personally think they are too far-fetched. Bids for targets like Wilfried Bony or even Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar may well be more realistic, but it will mean more outlay on an already expensive transfer spend.
Manchester City - YES
With both Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko injured, City's main transfer targets must be strikers this January. Like Liverpool, I see them looking towards the likes of Bony, with certain reports also linking the Blues to Atletico Madrid's Mario Mandzukic. If I had my way, I'd be making a considerable offer for Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus, as he can play either wide or up front. This would allow for potential rotation when City's main strikers become available, and would give Manuel Pellegrini an additional option.
Manchester United - YES
Despite spending over £150m in the summer, United will also be looking towards new faces this month. Defensively, the Red Devils have been a nightmare, and have relied heavily on David de Gea to bail them out in games. However, without the allure of Champions League football, they can kiss goodbye to attracting the likes of Mats Hummels, though Neven Subotic may be a more realistic aim. Alternatively, it may be that Louis van Gaal dips into his Dutch World Cup squad once more to target FC Porto's Bruno Martins Indi.
Newcastle United - NO
In short, keeping Moussa Sissoko may prove Newcastle's largest test in January, but with proven strikers in Papiss Cisse and Ayoze Perez, and a strong continent of youth players, I expect a new manager to be the only real incoming on Tyneside.
QPR - MAYBE
Should Charlie Austin leave, I expect the Hoops to flex their financial muscle again. However, having already agreed the loan signing of Mauro Zarate from West Ham, unless Austin is sold I'm expecting more deals of this kind or little to come from the London club.
Southampton - NO
After such an exceptional start to the season, I don't think they need anyone! Having made a number of top class signings in the summer, I think the time should certainly be spent on gelling their squad and building for the future with their stellar youth set-up.
Stoke - NO
Similar to a number of clubs, a lack of available funds and a reasonable summertime spend means that Mark Hughes is unlikely to strengthen his squad in January. Given his success, it may be keeping hold of Bojan Krkic that is Stoke's best bit of business.
Sunderland - NO
With the Black Cats still in the heart of a relegation battle, I think Gus Poyet will trust in the side he has, particularly after their spirited display away at Manchester City.
Swansea - MAYBE
This all depends on Wilfried Bony's future. The big Ivorian has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Manchester City or Tottenham, and despite being unavailable at the African Cup of Nations, Swansea's transfer budget may depend on any sale.
Tottenham - MAYBE
Other than a striker, Spurs are pretty much sorted. They are currently overly reliant on Harry Kane, and though the youngster has been in exceptional form, he will at some point need a rest. With both Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor both woefully out of form, Wilfried Bony has been tipped for a move to White Hart Lane. Other than that, Spurs are looking fairly strong at the minute, so should the Ivorian move, I sense it being the only purchase.
West Brom - MAYBE
Like Crystal Palace, a new manager may mean a change in squad, however, with a limited budget, I'm not sure Tony Pulis is set to make many changes. A striker would be a good start, as the Baggies have struggled for goals so far this year, but it may be a battle between them and Crystal Palace for Danny Ings.
West Ham - NO
Like Southampton, such has been the excellent start to the season for West Ham, I really don't feel they need to buy anyone. Big Sam made a number of good signings in the summer, and I expect it to be enough to get them through the rest of the year.
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