Paul Merson has picked Tottenham as favourites to finish in the top four, with the former Arsenal man suggesting that the Lilywhites could even pull off a few surprises if they can keep their best players fit.
Spurs lost out to Aston Villa last season
Tottenham were pipped to the final Champions League qualification spot by Aston Villa in the latter part of last season, with the Lilywhites having a poor end to the campaign.
On the whole, a fifth-place finish did represent a relatively successful first season in charge for Ange Postecoglou, who took over a side that finished eight and had to cope with the loss of Harry Kane while also facing the challenge of having to completely revamp the team’s style of play.
However, the Australian will be expected to steer the club to a top-four finish this time out as he has had an opportunity to put his own imprint on the Spurs side.
Merson tips Tottenham for top four
Merson believes that Postecoglou will be able to guide the Lilywhites to Champions League qualification, pointing out that Tottenham would have got fourth last term if they had not been decimated by so many injuries.
The former Arsenal man told Sky Sports: “I do [think there will be a surprise]. Tottenham will finish in the top four. Dominic Solanke is a really good buy. They needed an out-and-out striker with pace, and he’s that. He’s a presence up there leading the line and he will suit the way Spurs play under Ange Postecoglou.
“Spurs were unlucky last season. They started brilliantly and then lost to Chelsea. They had two players sent off that day but they lost so many to injury as well that week.
“We just talked about Arsenal winning the league, if you took the key players Spurs lost away from Arsenal, or anybody else bar Man City, it would be a struggle. So, if Spurs can keep their players fit, I think they can spring a surprise or two this season.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Tottenham’s squad has a high ceiling, with the likes of Sarr, Udogie, Van de Ven, Johnson, and other young players capable of evolving into world-class players if they are not already there.
However, it is imperative we start the season well on the back of the poor run towards the end of last campaign. If results are not up to the mark in the early stages, doubts might start creeping into the minds of the players about Postecoglou’s system.