D-Day Dawns

So. 

Transfer Deadline Day is finally upon us and all eyes attempting to avoid Jim White will be on the Emirates as Arsenal are expected to launch themselves two-footed into the market melee at this late, late stage, with bids for Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil and Angel di Maria among a range of purchases apparently in the pipeline now that Tottenham have finally allowed the world record sale of Gareth Bale to go through. Their great rivals can now smugly sit back and watch the scrap from a safe distance, having conducted their business in good time, bringing in no fewer than seven relatively high-profile signings.

Although most attention will be paid to the giants of North London for a second day running, it may well be worth looking south of the river, too, as Palace boss Ian Holloway kicks his recruitment process into overdrive while, in the west, QPR gaffer 'Arry "not a f***ing wheeler dealer" Redknapp reportedly puts his trusted feelers out for Spurs pair Emmanuel Adebayor and Benoit Assou-Ekotto in pending loan deals.

And never rule out movement from Chelsea, either. Stamford Bridge has often proved the epicentre of activity in final, frantic hours such as these and, especially as Jose Mourinho claimed that Wayne Rooney was the club's only target, before bringing in Willian, Samuel Eto'o and Christian Atsu last week, you draw a line under their spending at your peril, while there may also be headline-grabbing departures if rumours surrounding Juan Mata and Fernando Torres ring true.

Fulham have endured a fairly ignominious start to the season and sit one place above the drop zone and, with new ownership at the Cottage, perhaps manager Martin Jol will see fit to dust off the little black Bundesliga book from his time at Hamburger SV and dip back into the market one last time. 

Meanwhile, West Ham suffered a shock home defeat to Stoke City on Saturday and Sam Allardyce - the man that brought you Jay Jay Okocha - may also feel required to add greater competition for places in his squad on the back of their lacklustre display.

As for Watford, Gianfranco Zola seems to have fully augmented his roster following an earlier array of talent-drafting from fellow Pozzo-run clubs, Udinese Calcio and Granada CF and have begun the campaign well as a result. Championship rivals Charlton Athletic and Millwall, however, ought to feel compelled to make further acquisitions as both teams are struggling with the demands of one of the most unforgiving divisions in world football, standing as they are in 17th and 23rd spot respectively.

In League One, Leyton Orient still lead the way with maximum points and so Russell Slade, who is overseeing the club's best ever start, will surely see further additions to the playing staff as more of a potential disruption than an opportunity for reinforcement (although he is rumoured to be "still looking"), while Uwe Rosle's Brentford will also feel extremely content with their first offerings this term, as they sit 4th and remain unbeaten.

League Two sides AFC Wimbledon and Dagenham & Redbridge should both still be able to rely on the delayed closing of the loan window, despite facing uncertain times amid up-and-down openings to 2013-14. 

The Dons have shown signs of leaving their inconsistency behind and are now in 5th place, having already attracted a team of new faces during this window, including nine on permanent deals. Whereas, the Daggers are in somewhat dire straits in the wake of a summer that has seen just five free transfers maintain their position a mere whisker above the mire, in 19th, and may not be able to lure more newcomers to Victoria Road before the 23:00 deadline tonight.

It promises to be a busy day all over town so hold onto your hats.