Who'll have the better season in the Midlands - Aston Villa or West Brom?

Can Joe Cole recapture the promise of his youth?

Neither Aston Villa or West Brom had a good time of it in the 2013/2014 Premier League season. Alex Johnson looks into how they might go this time around...

The West Midlands' Premier League representatives, Aston Villa and West Brom, will hope for better things when the new season starts.

Both sides endured tough campaigns last time around, ultimately occupying two of the three spots directly above the relegation zone when the dust had settled.

Expectations will be high for much better results in the coming months, but what can the Villa Park and Hawthorns natives expect from season 2014/15.

Success comes from the top, so let's begin with a look at the men in charge....

The Managers:

Paul Lambert and Alan Irvine face daunting tasks as they seek to improve sides that limped to 15th and 17th places respectively last season.

Both clubs were forced to consider the consequences, as relegation became a distinct possibility.

For West Brom, uncertainty in the dugout was a significant contributor. Steve Clarke was banished and Spaniard Pepe Mel arrived for what would turn out to be just a four-month reign.

Former Preston and Sheffield and Wednesday boss Irvine takes over the Hawthorns hotseat - the Scot's first Premier League post. With only seven wins from 38 league games last season - joint lowest - Irvine must hit the ground running.

Lambert meanwhile, has watched his managerial career stall since moving to Villa Park from Norwich.

Finishing 15th in both seasons, Lambert has been credited for his work with a youthful squad. The Scot surely will have to make progress soon if he is to continue.

Interestingly, his biggest signing of the summer to date was the recruitment of Roy Keane as his number two.

Verdict:

Experience is on Lambert's side and if the arrival of Keane in his backroom team turns out to be a positive, the Villa Park boss may hold the advantage over his compatriot.

Summer Signings:

The Baggies are blazing a trail with eight new recruits already, compared to five at Villa Park. West Brom appear to have improved their lot significantly more than Villa thus far.

Nigerian international striker Brown Ideye arrived for a club-record fee from Dynamo Kiev.

Proven Premier League performers Joleon Lescott and Craig Gardner bolster the options along with Liverpool youngster Andre Wisdom - signed on a season-long loan.

Irvine was head of youth at Everton prior to taking over at the Hawthorns and has brought in 23-year-old Australian international Jason Davidson and 24-year-old Costa Rican Christian Gamboa to his defensive ranks. Belgian international Sebastien Pocognoli also arrived from Hannover in July.

Lambert has yet to splash the cash, signing five free agents.

Joe Cole, Kieran Richardson and Philippe Senderos will bring much needed experience into his squad, while Tom Leggett and Isaac Nehemie were lured from Southampton's youth academy.

Villa fans will be mightily disappointed should the purse strings fail to loosen before the transfer window closes.

Verdict:

Albion have stolen a march on their Midlands rivals this summer. The Baggies have attracted international quality talent and boss Irvine seems to have spent his cash wisely.

Lambert and Keane will surely respond, or they could be playing second fiddle to their neighbours.

Existing Squads:

On the face of last season's form, both these sides must improve greatly.

Villa finished the campaign with seven defeats in nine games. The perplexing issue for Lambert is that his side recorded wins over Arsenal, Chelsea and champions Man City - and led 2-0 at Anfield in a 2-2 draw.

His squad can turn it on, but all too often they crumble - losing seven league games by three or more goals last season.

The future of Ron Vlaar could be pivotal. Hugely impressive for the Dutch at the World Cup and with just a year remaining on his contract, Villa could have their hand forced if he demands a move.

Christian Benteke suffered from injury and scored only ten league goals last season. Having missed the World Cup, Villa will be desperate to see the form that shot the 23-year-old to prominence in his first season in England.

Gabby Agbonlahor's form dipped without Benteke at his side. With the peak years of his career upon him, Agbonlahor is a player that needs to find consistent performances.

Meanwhile, Irvine inherits a squad with some consistent performers at its core.

Skipper Chris Brunt found willing relief contributing goals from midfield with the arrival of Stephane Sessegnon.

Jonas Olsson and goalkeeper Ben Foster ensure the new manager has a decent base around which to build his backline.

Replacing the work rate of Shane Long up front was a problem Mel failed to solve last season. The Irishman's selfless running and predatory instincts are often underrated and the Baggies suffered following his January transfer to Hull City.

Victor Anichebe may not have sparkled after his move from Everton, but Irvine could have a promising partnership on his hands should he and new arrival Ideye hit it off.

Verdict:

As their finishing positions last time around suggested, there is not much to choose between these Midlands rivals.

Villa's pleasing ability to stun the big sides grabbed the headlines, but it was West Brom's efficiency against the sides around them that maintained their Premier League status.

Season's Prospects:

So, who wins the battle for Midlands supremacy this time around - and more importantly, can either side aim for a top-half finish?

Both managers feature near the top of the betting markets to be first to vacate their positions.

Irvine may lack experience as a manager in his own right, but he seems to be investing his money wisely this summer. Lescott and Gardner are solid options but marquee striker Ideye will hold the key to his manager's success.

At this stage, Lambert should be a concerned manger. The new season is almost upon us and he has yet to invest in his squad.

Given their flirtation with the drop in recent seasons, Villa have all the hallmarks of a big club that could get dragged out the trapdoor if they do not strengthen their hand.

Lambert will know this transfer window is a vital period. Following its conclusion, Villa face Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton in a daunting spell. It looks like it could be another long season ahead for the long-suffering Aston Villa faithful.

They are underdogs to do so, but West Brom may take the spoils in this Midlands rivalry.