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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Guest
Who could Liverpool sign for 40 million that would give them Suarez' goals. Sure Tottenham and Liverpool should get good value if Bale and Suarez leave but if they find players that replace their output it would be shear luck not by design, players that are assured of playing close to this level are likely to be at CL clubs and won't go to Liverpool or Tottenham e.g Van Persie, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Falcao or Cavani.
Doug Graves
Guest
I'd say O'Shea's comments could be applied to most EPL managers, they just don't have the money nor the players and Di Canio is one of them. Requirements and discipline only get you so far rossco, just look at David Moyes tenure at Everton. If Di Canio can get Sunderland to 13-15th position they should be happy with that.
Robbie
Roar Pro
Sunderland 8th? Dear lord... On another note, I always feel sorry for Di Canio's suits and his wife as he seems to destroy them with grass stains every match. His wife must do a lot of washing.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Has anyone bought as excellently as Tottenham have this off season? Paulinho, Soldado, Chadil and now Capoue from Ligue 1. Their North London neighbours could learn a thing or two from them. If they do get 90-odd million for Bale then they will easily secure the signatures of a couple more top notch players. Of course their absence from the UCL will make it tough to capture the very best. But any player signing for the Spurs should feel good about their chances of playing UCL football next season. As an United fan, Liverpool's pain is usually my gain. But a strong Liverpool means an even stronger EPL. To have 6 or 7 teams genuinely vying for a spot in the UCL would make for compelling view come May. Just like Tottenham if they were to sell Suarez for 40-odd million they should be able to sign a good player in his space. Of course no one will match Bale or Suarez but it will partially plug that hole. I would put Everton in that top 7. If they lose Fellaini AND Baines then I will have concerns. Martinez is a very capable manager so no fears there. I would love to see them causing havoc to those top 6 teams throughout the season. I wouldn't completely right off Swansea for the top 8 finish either. They've held onto Laudrup and Michu. Juggling Europa and EPL won't be easy but I think they'll do just fine.
Wolf
Guest
Re Suarez, perhaps Liverpool would be playing Champions League if he didn't get himself suspended so often. As a Reds fan, I feel that if the petulant little sooky-la-la doesn't want to play for us, there are plenty of others that do. I hope he goes to Real Madrid and doesn't get a game.
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
I'm expecting great things from Sunderland, but then I support them so I expect great things from them at the start of EVERY season, and am usually left disappointed. However, after assessing Di Canio's impact at the tail end of last season (the Villa result notwithstanding), the performances in pre-season (beating Tottenham and only losing to Man City thanks to a freakishly good goal), seeing the players that have been brought it (and those that have been released), and knowing what Di Canio expects from his players, I don't see 8th as being too optimistic. Sure, Di Canio is not a known entity at this level, but if he does deliver I can see us competing for a Europa League spot; however, if the gamble fails I can also see PDC getting himself a rebellious squad unwilling to respond to his instructions. Time will tell. One factor that hasn't been mentioned in the preview of Newcastle is the appointment of Joe Kinnear. If Pardew is left to his own devices then I'm sure the club will do well. If there's interference from above then I reckon Pardew will walk, and I can't see the players performing for the less cerebral Jokin' 'Ere.
rossco
Guest
You don't seem to know of the comments by John O'Shea who said that Di Canio's requirements and discipline were similar to Sir Alex at Man U. If so, I reckon Sunderland would not look out of place in 8th and Di Canio will be the reason.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Love Yohan Cabaye too. I think he is still under rated in Europe and will end up in a top team if Newcastle stagnates. Remy has now signed but Gomis shouldn't follow especially now that Lisnadro has left Lyon. IMO Newcatle could be the bolter this season; really think they could do well if they click and are spared by injuries especially in defence where they are a bit light.
Sawyer
Roar Rookie
First off, agree in the main with Tottenham/Liverpool. Though personally with the way things stand now I'd fancy Tottenham to pip Arsenal. Newcastle had a shocking season last year. Fair enough they had to contend with the Europa League and a number of key injuries but I'll be very surprised if they get anywhere near the same form they showed season before last. As for Sunderland.. Well I have no idea how you've justified there eighth place. Di Canio (as much as I love him) really is an unknown quantity at this level and that temperament of his could be brilliant or awful for the club. They've brought in some decent recruits but I think it's extremely unfair on the likes of Swansea, Southampton and Norwich who all finished higher than Sunderland last year and who, in my opinion, have all brought in more quality. And then there's Everton. People seem to be writing them off after Moyes' departure, discounting the fact that they still have roughly the same squad that took them to 6th place last year. Perhaps they won't fly as high, but I can't see them dropping out of the top 10 unless there are huge changes in the team in the next month.
Doug Graves
Guest
Hahaha! Sunderland in 8th? Oh wait you're serious, let me laugh harder! Bwahahahaha! The black cats should be happy to finish higher than last seasons 17th place. Di Canio will discover that treating human beings like cattle doesn't work so expect fireworks at Sunderland before the season is over as players rebel against his lunacy.