Paul Scholes expects a significant improvement from Tottenham Hotspur compared to the last two Premier League seasons as Roberto De Zerbi embarks on his first full season in charge.
Spurs kick off their new season in just five days, with a tough trip to Brentford first up for a new-look Lilywhites side, who have made wholesale changes to their squad.
While the North Londoners started the window with a bang, bringing six Premier League-proven players through the door to address their shortcomings at the back and in midfield, things have gone quiet at Hotspur Way since.
Much to the consternation of some Spurs fans, they will start the season with the same forward line they had last campaign, but reports indicate that Tottenham are looking to add multiple reinforcements to their attack before the window slams shut.
Paul Scholes expects Tottenham to finish in the top six
Reports indicate that privately, De Zerbi believes that Spurs can challenge for Champions League qualification in the upcoming season.
While Scholes does not expect Tottenham to return to Europe’s premier competition, he does believe they will clinch a Europa League spot, backing them to finish in sixth place.
The Man United legend said on the Good, the Bad & the Football YouTube Channel: “They look strong. They look too strong. They’ll win it again. I think I’d probably still go City second.
“I think they [Chelsea] could possibly [finish second]. If I were them, I’d have a look at the [Aston] Villa goalkeeper [Emi Martinez]. I know Juventus have just pulled out of the deal for him, but I think he’d be a good signing for Chelsea.
“United third, for me. I still think they’ve got a lot of work to do. I think they need to strengthen. Possibly, they could do better, but I just don’t think the centre-halves are good enough. I don’t know if they’ve got it [the money to spend more]. “Fourth for me, Liverpool. Actually, I’m going to say Chelsea. Liverpool, fifth. Tottenham sixth, yeah.”
Brentford fire major warning to Spurs ahead of the season opener
Tottenham will want to come storming out of the blocks, especially given that all of their six new signings were completed before the start of pre-season and have had time to settle in.
However, Brentford fired a major warning shot to Spurs ahead of the clash at Gtech Community Stadium, with the Bees overcoming Eintracht Frankfurt 7-0 on Sunday.
While one cannot read too much into results in pre-season, De Zerbi will be aware that his side will come up against a very well-drilled team, who have the firepower to hurt the Lilywhites if they are not at their best.