Alan Smith has predicted whether Tottenham Hotspur can get back into the Premier League top six in their first full season under Roberto De Zerbi.
There is a feeling of optimism ahead of the new De Zerbi era at Tottenham, even though the club stayed in the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last campaign.
That is partly down to the significant reinforcements that the club have made to the squad this summer, with reports indicating that three more attacking additions could arrive in the final two weeks of the transfer window.
De Zerbi has expressed his desire to take Tottenham back to the top end of the table, but one former Arsenal man does not expect such a drastic improvement from the Lilywhites.
Alan Smith expects Tottenham to miss out on a top-six finish
Some pundits have suggested that Spurs could get back into the Champions League spot next season after two successive 17th-placed finishes.
However, Alan Smith disagreed, predicting that Tottenham will miss out on a top-six finish in De Zerbi’s first full season in charge.
After predicting that the title is once again between Arsenal and Manchester City, he added (via The Metro): “[Michael] Carrick is getting his feet under the table, so maybe Man United third, Liverpool fourth.
“Chelsea perhaps having a much better season than they did last time under Alonso. They have made some good signings, so I’d see that as the top five. Then that sixth spot I’d say Aston Villa are favourites.”
Spurs and Roberto De Zerbi may enjoy being under the radar
Expectations of Tottenham are understandably low after two successive 17th-place finishes, which means that De Zerbi is under much less pressure than the likes of Michael Carrick and Andoni Iraola.
The one huge advantage Spurs and Chelsea have over the other top teams next season is the lack of European football.
Additionally, with almost half the Premier League having new managers who are trying to find their feet and establish an identity, De Zerbi also has the advantage of already having got his foot in the door last season.
While a top six finish would undoubtedly represent a successful season for Spurs after what transpired over the last two years, reports indicate that the Tottenham boss privately believes the club can challenge for Champions League qualification.