01 Aug 2017 11:58:20
If we were to complete the signings of Aurier and Perisic, would the eds / other posters feel we have the squad capable of sustaining a title challenge?
I personally feel that a top 3 finish and a quarter final champions league appearance should be a minimum this year, however I am concerned about how well City have strengthened amidst Tottenham managing to retain (seemingly) their best players. I am also wary of Everton's shrewd transfer window which could potentially take points away from the top 6 teams and wonder if we can be consistent enough to produce a winning run to the top of the league.
What should we realistically expect from this season?
01 Aug 2017 12:14:47
I expect our current squad to be able to challenge in the premier league. I feel the Lukaku signing will be the edge we need to compete for the title.
Adding Aurier and Perisic to that and I'd expect us to win it and do well in the UCL.
We have massively under-achieved in recent years when you take into account the players we have and the money we have invested.
01 Aug 2017 12:11:02
Spurs seed to strengthen, if you stand still you get overtaken and so far they have done nothing. Everton have bought well but I don't see them challenging the top 4. Chelsea fans are panicking about the size of their squad whilst Liverpool's purchases are underwhelming. I get people are worried about City but they were worrried last year and look how that turned out. He's bought well but I am yet to be convinced he understands the league well enough.
So, we need to be challenging domestically, if we add a couple more we have a squad to do that.
{Ed007's Note - You don't see Everton challenging the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal or even a non-improved Spurs for 4th place? As things stand I think Chelsea will struggle in the title race with their small squad and more games to play. I expect Utd and City to fight it out for the title with Chelsea 3rd and Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton all battling it out for 4th. Any of them are capable of claiming it if they can string a good run together at some point over the course of the season.}
01 Aug 2017 12:34:14
Bond, I have a top four of United, City, Chelsea, and Spurs (no idea in what order. I then see Liverpool Arsenal and Everton battling for 5th. What do I know though, my predictions last year were pants.
{Ed007's Note - I'm waiting until nearer the window closing this year before putting my predictions in. I can't believe I predicted the CL final and Utd winning the EL and never put money on it (facepalm)
01 Aug 2017 13:04:42
I sent my entry in too soon, as I thought I'd forget otherwise. Can they be edited before the season starts?
01 Aug 2017 13:20:00
I think until the end of the transfer window it's too early to predict things except that I really do expect City to win the league quite easily. Pep has addressed their short comings at the back and their attack and midfield are excellent. Chelsea will surely buy more players as will Spurs and Liverpool. Both of the latter two teams depend on high intensity games and are short on squad members at the moment. If they do bring in quality players I expect them to mount a serious title challenge. Arsenal and Evertons title challenges will need them to get off to a very quick start otherwise I cannot see them being realistic challengers. As for us I still feel we are lightweight in the full back areas and if anything happened to Pogba who could take his place.
01 Aug 2017 13:25:34
Ajh i think you should refuse brendans request 😂😂😂😂😂 do what maze does and enter 47 times. Once under each user name😂.
01 Aug 2017 14:17:53
Oh dear, Brendan. Did you just get overexcited, mate, and go early? You young people need to learn how to hold it in 😀.
01 Aug 2017 16:59:04
I did, I usually go forever but the excitement just got too much 😂.
01 Aug 2017 16:50:21
Thanks for the insight guys, Weggy I'm inclined to agree with but I remember when I got a bit over excited last summer when Pogba signed. Not a terrible season in comparison to the 3 years before and by all accounts I was happy by the end of it, but there were moments that felt painful ( watching second leg against anderlecht at OT stands out) .
I agree with you Ed that we can't discount Everton's potential impact this year on top 4, particularly if the team can gel quickly. Davy Klassen was a player I would've been happy for us to sign (loved his performances for Ajax last year) .
I also agree about Tottenham standing still, however with players like Erikson, Alli and Kane I think they could get away with it for one more year.
01 Aug 2017 17:21:53
I'm not sure why everyone seems to think man city will run away with the title. Sure they've bought some good players most of which will take time to settle and get used to the league. City though for me are still soft in the midfield yaya isn't the player he used to be and they're also suspect in centre defence and the goalkeeping area. they'll go close but it'll be tighter than many think. I'm also not saying United will win it either though I am hopeful and like what jose is/ has done so far. My top four predictions are United, City, Chelsea and Tottenham in no particular order.
01 Aug 2017 18:27:42
My top four would be
Chelsea
City
Us
Spurs
Arsenal, Everton and Pool to contest the 5th place.
01 Aug 2017 18:30:29
Everton are dark horses for me this year I've had them 4th in my predictions.
01 Aug 2017 18:49:58
Ed mee too i missed the opportunity to bet!
01 Aug 2017 19:40:28
If we can improve our scoring even by 25percent we have a chance of winning the pl. We were hard to beat last year and I think we will be even harder to beat this year.