Villa are the visitors to Everton tomorrow in the first round of fixtures following the international break, with McLeish's ranks bolstered with the arrival of the experienced duo from Tottenham.

The pair's arrival has compensated for the loss of Jean Makoun and Luke Young in the transfer window, and McLeish said: "They know this league very well. It is not as if we will have to let them have time to adjust. They should be able to hit the ground running when we first call upon them.

"They've looked very good in training. Alan had the game with Scotland last week, Jenas has not played much but he has looked very bright in training. We believe in Jenas we've got a potential cracking player."

Bolton were also busy in the final days of the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Dedryck Boyata, Gael Kakuta and David Ngog, and this week manager Owen Coyle received a further boost with Stuart Holden returning to action after a six-month injury lay-off.

Wanderers tomorrow welcome leaders Manchester United, the opposition when Holden picked up a serious a knee injury in March.

The 26-year-old's road to recovery is almost complete, however, with two appearances for the reserves in the past week, although Coyle is delighted he will soon be able to call on his services.

"It's great to have him back,'' Coyle said. "I think he has probably been getting a little bit frustrated because he thinks he can click his fingers after being out for six months and get back at the level he was at.

"It takes time to build up that fitness and your decision-making in a game, but it was great to see him running about with a Bolton Wanderers shirt on."

Swansea are the visitors to Emirate Stadium with Swans boss Brendan Rodgers expecting his side to feel the full force of a Gunners' backlash following their 8-2 capitulation against Manchester United.

Rodgers, a former Chelsea reserve-team boss, said: "Having worked with big players before, I know when they lose they are determined to come back and win the next game.

"Arsenal are a very dangerous opponent for us because of what happened to them and big players are motivated to get over a defeat like that.

"The task is still very difficult, but we are looking forward to going there."

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez strengthened his squad by bringing in three new players in the final two days of the transfer window and is optimistic the new faces can make an immediate impression with a trip to in-form Manchester City next up.

Scotland forward Shaun Maloney, Spanish winger Albert Crusat and Holland Under-21 defender Patrick van Aanholt could come into contention to make their debuts tomorrow, and Martinez said: "They have come in with a real desire to be here and first and foremost that is something we were looking for.

"I can tell you Albert, Shaun and Patrick bring in something completely different."

Sunderland play host to Chelsea at the Stadium of Light desperate for new signing Nicklas Bendtner to boost their goal-shy ranks, and the Danish frontman has been tipped to make a big impression by Black Cats defender John O'Shea.

"Even before Nicklas came, in the games we played, we had created many chances," said O'Shea.

"Nicklas is a player with a lot of ability. If we can just get him playing week in, week out and get his confidence up, he will be a fantastic asset to Sunderland.''

Wolves have enjoyed a great start to the season, with two wins and a draw from their opening three game, and boss Mick McCarthy hopes that form can continue against a Tottenham team who have begun the season sluggishly amid the distractions of the Luca Modric's failed switch to Chelsea.

"I don't know how it affects players but it affects the club,'' said McCarthy. "Certainly it has to affect you as a manager.

"I've said all along with my players, if someone comes along and says 'gaffer I don't want to play for you any more, someone's bid a zillion pounds for me', it's going to be hard to keep him.

"And if you keep him maybe against his will it upsets the apple cart a bit.''

Elsewhere on Saturday, Stoke play host to Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium, while on Sunday Norwich host West Brom and Blackburn are the visitors to Fulham.

Monday night's game sees QPR welcome Newcastle to Loftus Road.