Part two of the series sees the focus move to last season’s third-placed team, Tottenham Hotspur and big spending North West England Club, Manchester City who will be hoping for higher than last season’s fourth place.
Spurs did surprise many with their performances last season but Manchester City flattered to deceive. Can either of the teams remain in the top four at the end of this season?
Tottenham - 2015/16 League position: 3rd
While some would suggest Tottenham's 2015/16 season was successful, many fans would bemoan their final league position behind the Gunners as ultimate failure. For so long in contention for the title, finishing 3rd was of huge frustration to Mauricio Pochettino and he and the club will be determined to better their final league position this coming season.
Can they do it? With only 2 main additions to the squad this season - Striker, Vincent Janssen and defensive midfielder, Victor Wanyama - it means that the England spine of Harry Kane, Deli Alli and Eric Dier will have to be even better than last season to prevent a slide down the league. With their poor showing on the International stage in June, will they be able to bounce back to their club form?
The defensive pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen looked strong throughout 2015/16 and they will need to be at their best again with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris if they are to maintain their status as a top 4 club. Despite England having a torrid time at the Euro's this summer, the Spurs full backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose performed reasonably well and with a good pre-season training, could expect to remain in Pochettino's team for the 2017 campaign.
Also read: Who will make the top four of the Premier League out of the big eight? Part 1
Tottenham's pre-season friendly results have been mixed, with their tour of Australia yielding two losses to Athletico Madrid and Juventus. However their recent match at the Ullevaal Stadium in Norway resulted in a resounding 6-1 victory with Kane scoring twice, Lamella, Alli, new signing Vincent Janssen and 19 year old Shayon Harrison also getting on the scoresheet.
The question marks remain on the squad's strength in depth. Their capitulation at the end of last season is something that the manager will want to put right, but they could be playing even more games this season and against potentially tougher opposition in the Champions League. Is their failure last year, something they have learnt from?
This squad with their ability and youthfulness will be able to push for most of the season, but as with their failed title bid last season will come up short once again. Particularly as the chasing pack includes Man City, Man United and Chelsea, the latter two having larger squads and the advantage of no European Cups to distract them.
Top 4 verdict? - No. They will be ousted. Probably to 5th place.
Manchester City - 2015/16 League position: 4th
With the early announcement during the January transfer window of the departure of Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the 2016 season, Manchester City then slumped to a disappointing 4th position. However, looking forward, the blue half of Manchester will be relishing this season under their new manager Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola has brought success to all clubs he has managed so far and with City's seemingly unrivalled wealth, can attract any player to the Etihad. The current crop of playing staff underachieved last season but with the addition of over £140 million worth of talent, including Germany U21 wide player Leroy Sane and the likes of Moreno, Jesus and Gundogan, they hope to turn their average season around and challenge for major honours in 2017.
Their acquisition of Everton and England's ball playing Centre back, John Stones for £47 million, further demonstrates the former Barcelona manager's determination to build a team to play to his philosophy.
Also read: Transforming Football: Let’s start with the Board
The focus this season for Man City's manager has to be a return to form in the Premier League. However, the demand from the club’s owners will be to compete on all fronts with the Champions League still eluding Sheik Mansour so far. Guardiola has been brought in for just that reason and has obvious pedigree to perform at that level.
Their preseason results haven't gone according to plan, with no wins and just 1 draw against Borussia Dortmund. However, with their squad size, the players signed so far (not including the possible addition of Ter Stegen to challenge Joe Hart for the number one jersey) and that they may have the best coach in World football, it's likely that the sky blues will be challenging for the title come the end of the season.
Top 4 verdict? - Yes. Winners.
