Having predicted the top four finishers for the upcoming English Premier League season in yesterday’s piece, let’s take a look at the teams which will be pressing them for a place in Europe.
Tottenham
The North Londoners find themselves in the same position they were in last season, struggling to keep hold of their key players and fighting off the media about potential sales.
Gareth Bale is key; the Welshman still wearing the white jersey at White Hart Lane will be critical to the Spurs’ Champions League hopes.
But can they turn down a potential offer of a reported 100 million pounds from Real Madrid? Surely Daniel Levy must swallow his pride and think about this offer.
Depth is key to a successful Premier League campaign, which they have witnessed from their bigger rivals. With the sale of Gareth Bale, despite him being their best player, imagine the team they can build with the rumoured sum of money.
Andre Villas-Boas had a solid first season and will be looking to build. With the correct acquisitions Tottenham can surely fight for a top-four finish again this season, with or without Bale.
Prediction: fifth
Player to watch: Paulinho – The man brought in this summer to try and fill the void left by Luka Modric, Paulinho looks the build and the complete player.
Brazilians have never failed to make an impact on a team and if he lives up to his billing, he would play a key role in their fight for a return of those European nights.
Liverpool
Another club doing their best to keep hold of by far their biggest asset, Luis Suarez has been clear with his employers he wants to play Champions League football, something this club cannot offer.
Real Madrid and Arsenal have started circling, but Brendan Rodgers has been firm he will do everything in his power to keep the Uruguayan.
Apart from that, Liverpool have bought well this window, bringing in the likes of Kolo Toure, Luis Albert, Simon Mignolet and Iago Aspas.
The Liverpool manager is continuing to rebuild the once most successful club in England. They are definitely aiming high and have hopes of reaching the top four, definitely moving in the right direction.
However losing Suarez will be a major dent in the club’s push for a top-four spot.
Prediction: sixth
Player to watch: Joe Allen – Steven Gerrard is past his prime – his time is ending. It is now time for the new boys, led by Joe Allen, to fill the void and build the club to the same level it was a decade or two ago.
With a fiery reception behind them at Anfield, this is always possible.
Newcastle United
A disappointing campaign last time round, The Magpies will be looking for a bigger push towards Europe this season.
The Europa League campaign clearly hurt the North-East club, and with nothing but domestic football in 2013/14, Alan Pardew will be looking for a similar campaign to the one they had 24 months ago.
The French revolution for the Toon is continuing, as they are now linked with Loic Remy and Bafétimbi Gomis from Queens Park Rangers and Lyon respectively and, with Papiss Cisse agreeing to wear a ‘Wonga’ shirt and stay at the club, Newcastle United have things moving in the right direction.
Keeping their stars such as Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa will also be key. Expect a solid campaign.
Prediction: seventh
Player to watch: Yohan Cabaye – when he plays well, Newcastle play well.
He was key to their survival last season and he will be imperative again. The Frenchman led the way from start to finish.
Newcastle surely miss him when he’s not around, and if he can remain fit, so will the Magpies.
Sunderland
Just like their neighbours, Sunderland endured a horrible campaign last term, which eventually brought the sacking of manager Martin O’Neill in the month of March.
So in came the controversial figure of Paolo Di Canio. This summer, the Italian has made a massive impact, bringing in an abundance of fresh talent as well dismissing more than half a dozen.
He looks equipped to go and will ensure the Black Cats turn from relegation candidates to European hopefuls. He has already told his team anyone who returned to training heavier would pay a massive fine.
This squad should be a tricky team to beat this season and with Di Canio’s motivation, attitude and sideline antics, there would be no disbelief if the Wearsiders string a few surprises.
Prediction: eighth
Player to watch: Adam Johnson – inconsistency has always been this lad’s concern and his previous move to Man City didn’t help the cause.
This season Johnson can certainly cement himself in the squad and become Sunderland’s go-to man. Look out.
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