But for £60m surely you want more than good. Ok it’s 1st game but I don’t see a spark or a difference maker. He looks a decent competent player but they’ve probably paid £30m too much for him. I can’t see him setting the PL alight.
Race for the Top 4 - 2018/19
- Thread starter am_yisrael_chai
- Start date
But for £60m surely you want more than good. Ok it’s 1st game but I don’t see a spark or a difference maker. He looks a decent competent player but they’ve probably paid £30m too much for him. I can’t see him setting the PL alight.
hellava_tough
Well-Known Member
- Apr 21, 2005
- 9,429
- 12,383
I doubt it'll impact on us this year, but it will (or may) in years to come.
Because of our weakened financial position, relative to our competitors, the main way in which we remain competitive is to be astute in the transfer market.
For example, the signing of Sanchez last season was spot on; spend a fair bit on a very young player, with bags of potential and give him a couple of seasons to bed in, before selling Verts or Toby for maximum profit just before they're 'over the hill'. And then reinvest that money in the next up and coming star.
That's why I wanted the likes of Pulisic, even for £70m or £80m; if we have to sell Dele in a couple of seasons, we've got a ready-made replacement.
Anyway, I guess this is for transfer threads, but in terms of top 4, like I've said, I think we'll be okay this season.
shelfboy68
Well-Known Member
- Jun 14, 2008
- 14,566
- 19,651
I agree with everything you have said except top four I think we drop out of it this time really can't see us making it but will hold my hands up if wrong of course but that is how I feel.
LeParisien
Wrong about everything
- Mar 5, 2018
- 3,212
- 8,170
It’s not an impossibility that we finish 6th. Everyone should acknowledge that.
However to say you EXPECT to finish 6th is a completely different proposition. We have no problems of bedding in a new manager or players and so should benefit from that until Christmas. Given how this squad - improved this year because young and settled - has performed in recent years, we shouldn EXPECT top 4.
However to say you EXPECT to finish 6th is a completely different proposition. We have no problems of bedding in a new manager or players and so should benefit from that until Christmas. Given how this squad - improved this year because young and settled - has performed in recent years, we shouldn EXPECT top 4.
hellava_tough
Well-Known Member
- Apr 21, 2005
- 9,429
- 12,383
Fair enough
FWIW I think Chelsea and Arsenal are the two teams that will finish out side of the top 4
Chelsea because of their striker situation (and possibly the new manager bedding-in)
Arsenal, because I think they're just a bit 'meh'. They remind me a bit of us a few seasons back, especially with the 'tier 3' signings they've made. Added to this, they've got a new manager and one with no PL experience
Finally, as a 'wild-card' so to speak, Man Utd could potentially have a melt-down and we'll have to keep an eye on the Mourinho situation there
At the end of the day, our first XI is still better than most so I see us in the top 4 again at the end of the season
Reece
Shutterbug
- May 27, 2005
- 2,860
- 1,779
I think he’ll have a decent effect on the blend of their midfield, a bit like Fernandinho at City, and that will allow Pogba to do more up the field.
Whether that’s enough for them to then win the league is another question... 60m seems to be the going rate for what you need these days. When people are spending that on goalkeepers...
aliyid
Well-Known Member
- Dec 28, 2004
- 7,008
- 20,146
Things I expect from the season
1 - City
2 - Spurs
3 - Liverpool
4 - Utd
5 - Chelsea
6 - Arsenal
- City - cruise to the title, they look so dangerous overflowing with attacking options that I can see other teams resting players against them like teams used to do against Barca
- Utd to bore the world yet still win their fair share also expect them to draw more games this year
- Liverpool will still struggle to break down solid defensive teams but do well against teams who come out and attack them. Klopp to get distracted by media circus & pep
- Arsenal to be more dangerous this year and close the gap with top 4 (they’ll still finish 6th but be closer)
- Chelsea to just be very meh, they’ll win a fair amount but can see Hazard kicking up a fuss and the whole team looking more like a bunch of mercenaries than a team. Also think they’ll start well but fade badly after Christmas as Sarri gets used to the intensity of the premiership.
- Us - think we’ll be solid if not spectacular, we’ll miss the spark that Sonny provides in Aug / start of Sept but will give a chance for Moura or Lamella to step up. We have a very solid team that is stronger than the sum of our parts and fully expect us to finish 2nd or 3rd
1 - City
2 - Spurs
3 - Liverpool
4 - Utd
5 - Chelsea
6 - Arsenal
shelfboy68
Well-Known Member
- Jun 14, 2008
- 14,566
- 19,651
I think your right about Chelsea they are in transition and Utd whilst they have a better squad than us have moaning minny and so that could go horribly wrong and probably will.Fair enough
FWIW I think Chelsea and Arsenal are the two teams that will finish out side of the top 4
Chelsea because of their striker situation (and possibly the new manager bedding-in)
Arsenal, because I think they're just a bit 'meh'. They remind me a bit of us a few seasons back, especially with the 'tier 3' signings they've made. Added to this, they've got a new manager and one with no PL experience
Finally, as a 'wild-card' so to speak, Man Utd could potentially have a melt-down and we'll have to keep an eye on the Mourinho situation there
At the end of the day, our first XI is still better than most so I see us in the top 4 again at the end of the season
As for arsenal aubameyang will be better this year and in turn I feel they will be stronger, as for our starting 11 yes it's good when fit but as i told a mate of mine yesterday when he said ours was the best I said pep would argue against that
dontcallme
SC Supporter
- Mar 18, 2005
- 34,320
- 83,586
Any chance of adding a poll with where people think we will finish?
I think we will get 3rd or 4th.
dontcallme
SC Supporter
- Mar 18, 2005
- 34,320
- 83,586
City - might not have it quite as easy but still expect them to win it.
Man Utd - not convinced they are having the level of problems people hope. Will be a very functional team.
Liverpool- they have bought well the last few seasons. The reputation of the players bought is good. The big question is if Klopp can bring them together quickly. Could be great or add real disharmony.
Chelsea - have a fantastic midfield but I think there are problems running throughout the whole club. They might have a good one off season but I think they’ll get 5th.
Arsenal- on paper have a great attacking lineup. I just don’t see them doing anything but 6th.
Spurs - a real test. We have a very together group and a young squad. Is it a case of improving over time or is not buying a big error? I expect good consistency from us and a 3rd or 4th place finish.
Don’t see anyone else breaking top six.
Man Utd - not convinced they are having the level of problems people hope. Will be a very functional team.
Liverpool- they have bought well the last few seasons. The reputation of the players bought is good. The big question is if Klopp can bring them together quickly. Could be great or add real disharmony.
Chelsea - have a fantastic midfield but I think there are problems running throughout the whole club. They might have a good one off season but I think they’ll get 5th.
Arsenal- on paper have a great attacking lineup. I just don’t see them doing anything but 6th.
Spurs - a real test. We have a very together group and a young squad. Is it a case of improving over time or is not buying a big error? I expect good consistency from us and a 3rd or 4th place finish.
Don’t see anyone else breaking top six.
Honestly think Arsenal are gonna be a disaster class. Their squad looks the poorest I’ve ever seen it. They’ve lost so many reliable squad members since January. Ok some were retiring or injured but it’s still quality that’s gone out the squad. Also think they are very unbalanced and Emery will be trying to shoehorn players in. Lacazette/ Aubameyang are both poacher strikers one will be pushed out wide. Ozil/mkhi are both luxury lazy players. And the centre of that defence could be a car crash. They massively need to hope some of their kids step up if not honestly can see them coming 7/8 th.
muppetman
Well-Known Member
- Jul 29, 2011
- 9,030
- 25,221
This thread is why the Premier League is the most exciting (not talking about quality) in the world. Spurs could realistically finish anywhere between first and last (assuming the doom mongers are right and we sell half the squad before the window closes in Europe and Poch decides to go to ManU when Jose explodes).
I think we will struggle for top 4 - it's doable but by no means easy. I expect City and Liverpool to be first and second and then it's us, Arsenal, ManU, Chelsea fighting for the other two CL spots - there is also the slim chance of an outsider gatecrashing - Wolves or Everton maybe?
A realistic ambition is top 4 and a cup, which is what I'm hoping for this season - more would be great. Looking forward to getting into my seat (well, standing by it) in the new South stand this season - lots to enjoy and be optimistic about. COYS!
I think we will struggle for top 4 - it's doable but by no means easy. I expect City and Liverpool to be first and second and then it's us, Arsenal, ManU, Chelsea fighting for the other two CL spots - there is also the slim chance of an outsider gatecrashing - Wolves or Everton maybe?
A realistic ambition is top 4 and a cup, which is what I'm hoping for this season - more would be great. Looking forward to getting into my seat (well, standing by it) in the new South stand this season - lots to enjoy and be optimistic about. COYS!
Lighty64
I believe
- Aug 24, 2010
- 10,400
- 12,476
well if there is one bonus at least you kind of put a more realistic title this season (something that should only be changed earliest end of February)
Lighty64
I believe
- Aug 24, 2010
- 10,400
- 12,476
how do you work out Arse have strengthened? what player have they signed that's an upgrade on what they had? please remember that not everyone settles in the prem straight away.
Chelsea have a new manager that's never won diddly squat a bit like Poch, is in a new league, and have lost 1 of their best players. 1 that on a good day will always guarantee points.
also everyone looking at the negs mention 1 injury away from disaster, does that mean the other 5 are immune from injuries?
another year of experience, which to be totally honest even with the names mentioned the only 1 that improved us was a CM.
guiltyparty
Well-Known Member
- Sep 21, 2005
- 9,023
- 13,524
Obviously got an agenda but I thought sensible comments from Klopp:
“Tottenham were a fantastic team and they also finished ahead of us. They didn’t bring in anybody but they are still a fantastic team who will develop. I said a few years ago about the Dortmund team of 2011 or 2012 that if somebody said to me then: ‘You can keep that team together for the next four years or you can get this and that player but you have to sell him and him …’ I would have said: ‘No, I’ll keep that team together.’ If it’s good, it’s good. Tottenham are not weaker than last year, they are just more experienced.”
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/10/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-rocky-balboa-not-ivan-drago
“Tottenham were a fantastic team and they also finished ahead of us. They didn’t bring in anybody but they are still a fantastic team who will develop. I said a few years ago about the Dortmund team of 2011 or 2012 that if somebody said to me then: ‘You can keep that team together for the next four years or you can get this and that player but you have to sell him and him …’ I would have said: ‘No, I’ll keep that team together.’ If it’s good, it’s good. Tottenham are not weaker than last year, they are just more experienced.”
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/10/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-rocky-balboa-not-ivan-drago
SEANSPURS1975
Well-Known Member
- Sep 21, 2005
- 1,929
- 4,787
If we can keep our best players fit and reintegrate Alderweireld back into the side I think we can finish in the top 3.
Right here right now, after that abysmal transfer window and some of our players hardly having any pre-season, I’d snap your hands off for 4th place.
I know we’ve been punching above our weight, but getting back into that top four again this season is absolutely crucial and I think we can do it...COYS
Right here right now, after that abysmal transfer window and some of our players hardly having any pre-season, I’d snap your hands off for 4th place.
I know we’ve been punching above our weight, but getting back into that top four again this season is absolutely crucial and I think we can do it...COYS
Last edited:
shelfboy68
Well-Known Member
- Jun 14, 2008
- 14,566
- 19,651
So at last we know how you sold it to poch Mr chairman
am_yisrael_chai
Well-Known Member
- Feb 18, 2006
- 6,409
- 10,931
- Thread starter
- #118
Sure, what format do you suggest, 1-6 as individual choices with less than 6 as a choice or 1st then top3, top 4, top 6, outside top 6 ?
homer hotspur
Well-Known Member
- Dec 7, 2014
- 2,902
- 4,681
As usual, it is our lack of quality back up that is the potential and likely problem. Already looking like Eriksen and Kane will be given little chance to rest or rotate, they are, once again, our only reliable source of creativity and goals. That isn't good enough for a top 4 team, 2 years running. Already, we are looking at our central midfield options and people are talking about' Josh' as some kind of saviour rather than a player who has never shown anything for us and did not impress at Villa. As for Winks, he needs to be properly fit before he can be really considered and there are worrying signs about that along with Wanyama and Lamela.
Really, it is our past mistakes that are costing us now - Aurier, N'Koudou, LLorente, Sissoko, Janssen not really up to the standard but we have found ourselves stuck with them now and having to make the best of it.
We might get away with it - top 4 - if Arsenal, Chelsea( and possibly 1 or 2 others) don't improve but I think it will be touch and go and key injuries will kill us.
Really, it is our past mistakes that are costing us now - Aurier, N'Koudou, LLorente, Sissoko, Janssen not really up to the standard but we have found ourselves stuck with them now and having to make the best of it.
We might get away with it - top 4 - if Arsenal, Chelsea( and possibly 1 or 2 others) don't improve but I think it will be touch and go and key injuries will kill us.
Last edited:
dontcallme
SC Supporter
- Mar 18, 2005
- 34,320
- 83,586
Yeah , I would say 1-6 and then outside top six. Give the poll an end date within the next 10 days and make people’s votes visible so we people can’t amend later.
