For a few years now it's been the so-called big four and it is getting increasingly difficult for anyone to break into it and stay there, especially as these 4 clubs are getting richer and richer due to champions league football and snapping up any decent players from the rest of the premiership.

But who is best placed out of the rest of the teams to break the cycle, not just this season but regulary if they can keep hold of their players.

imo there are 3 candidates

1) aston villa: we have a great manager, really young squad and an american investor who seems to spend his cash wisely and is willing to invest in the right areas

2) tottenham: very good manager, another great squad (possibly the best in the premiership) and good backers who will spend money

3) Man city: dont rate city too much but they have kamikaze investors who seem as though their gonna throw the kitchen sink at the team... money doesn't always buy success but there seems no limit to their money....

imo there are 3 candidates

1) aston villa: we have a great manager, really young squad and an american investor who seems to spend his cash wisely and is willing to invest in the right areas

2) tottenham: very good manager, another great squad (possibly the best in the premiership) and good backers who will spend money

3) Man city: dont rate city too much but they have kamikaze investors who seem as though their gonna throw the kitchen sink at the team... money doesn't always buy success but there seems no limit to their money....

I'd go along with that DIG, and maybe put Everton in the mix as well although I could only see them breaking in every now and then. Unless they were bought out and money was thrown at the club then they would have a great chance as well.

Spurs are in the best position to do it next year, as long as they can hang onto Berbatov and keep Woody and King fit. I refuse to believe that Everton will break it this year, for a team containing Yakubu, Piennar, Fernandes, and Arteta they don't half play some hoofball.

Then Man City in 2nd IMO, Sven and Ramos are a league above any other non-top 4 manager. They are top class.

i just dont see a top manager with sven, no matter how hard i look... he always seems gormless

i just dont see a top manager with sven, no matter how hard i look... he always seems gormless

Look at the guys record though. His teams are always organized, including England who he didn't do as badly with as alot of people make out.


* IFK Göteborg
o Svenska Cupen Winners 1979, 1982
o Allsvenskan Champions 1981, 1982
o UEFA Cup Winners 198

* S.L. Benfica
o Portuguese Liga Champions 1983, 1984, 1991
o Cup of Portugal Winners 1983
o SuperCup Cândido de Oliveira Champions 1989
o European Cup Runners Up 1990
o UEFA Cup Runners Up 1983

* A.S. Roma
o Coppa Italia Winners 1986

* U.C. Sampdoria
o Coppa Italia Winners 1994

* S.S. Lazio
o Coppa Italia Winners 1998, 2000
o Italian Super Cup Winners 1998
o UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Winners 1999
o UEFA Super Cup Winners 1999
o Serie A Champions 2000

At this moment in time, it's Everton. They have the experience of breaking the top 4 and can do it again.

Next season I think Spurs may have a shot, if they get some good buys they could be a force.

At this moment in time, it's Everton. They have the experience of breaking the top 4 and can do it again.

Next season I think Spurs may have a shot, if they get some good buys they could be a force.
JOLLYROGER: when you break down his achievements he's done pretty well in fairness, although his achievements for gothenberg and benfica should be taken into context as they were the main/only decent sides going in their divisions. Its more his personality and face i cant stand lol. I just wouldn't want him managing my team

nobody is giving villa much love so far..... We have a better chance then everton next year i think... we will invest in some quality players i hope

Can't really say until next season, but this season it's obviously Everton because they already have done. I don't see Villa doing as well as they have done, they have a young squad which plays with attacking pace. Any team with a good defence and attackers will murder them (manchester united).

I see can Newcastle, Tottenham and Everton or Portsmouth breaking the top 4.

Can't really say until next season, but this season it's obviously Everton because they already have done. I don't see Villa doing as well as they have done, they have a young squad which plays with attacking pace. Any team with a good defence and attackers will murder them (manchester united).

I see can Newcastle, Tottenham and Everton or Portsmouth breaking the top 4.
lmao lets get real.... if newcastle break the top half it'll be an achievement. Portsmouth? how can anyone justify portsmouth to have a better chance of breaking the top 4 than villa...???? if we add to our squad then we'll be pretty dam good. This season we have got results against arsenal, liverpool (away) and chelsea (away)

JOLLYROGER: when you break down his achievements he's done pretty well in fairness, although his achievements for gothenberg and benfica should be taken into context as they were the main/only decent sides going in their divisions. Its more his personality and face i cant stand lol. I just wouldn't want him managing my team

nobody is giving villa much love so far..... We have a better chance then everton next year i think... we will invest in some quality players i hope

Ah yes, I forgot about Aston Villa. O'Niell is going a fantastic job and has got fantastic players. It all depends who O'Niell brings in, but I feel Aston Villa don't have the pedigree at the moment to challenge the "Top4"

Looking at the squads so far this is how I rank each team:
Spurs
Everton
Man City
Porstmouth
Aston Villa

Consistency is obviously one important factor but in order to breaking into the Top 4, you have beat the Top 4, and that is something only a few can do. Personally I think Spurs are the best equipped to do it next season as they have the financial backing of the board, i'm not sure I can say the same for the likes of Everton, Man City, Porstmouth and Villa.

If we keep Berbatov, get a creative midfielder and decent left winger I think we have a chance. Also if Woodgate and King remain fit.

Villa need to bolster their midfield, I'm unsure how O'Neill would fare with a £50m war chest. Reo Coker ain't gonna get the job done I'm afraid. Young and Agbonlahor are ace. So I think much depends on how they buy over the summer.

Villa have been drawing or losing with the top 4, and then losing to teams like Fulham and I'm talking about next season anyway. I just don't see Villa playing at the same pace if they get a bad run, Petrov has already said he can't keep up with the pace that they play, so you can expect him to leave in the summer. You will be losing Scott Carson at the end of the season and will Agbonlahor be able to resist a move to a big club? I don't think he will, you will probably get a deal with Liverpool to keep Carson if they can have Agbonlahor.

Spurs: Top 4!!!! the squad they have plus a few additions in the summer i can see them pushing for the title next year, mark my words, everything's in place for em now.

Villa: Top manager who turns shit to gold, a yank with money and like Spurs, they have a good young squad which should see them pushing for the top 4 year in and year out from now on, as long as the money doesn't run out.

Everton: Shit hot at the minute but if you take Cahill and Arteta out of that team you ain't left with much IMO, not enough depth in their squad unlike Spurs and Villa.

Man City: Jury's still out am afraid, some good players but some pretty shit ones aswell, Sven hasn't built a balanced squad yet, everything runs through Petrov and when you take him out of the game, Man City aren't that dangerous IMO.

Tottenham, Everton and Man City but I voted for Tottenham as I feel they have the best squad and manager of the teams mentioned.

Spurs: Top 4!!!! the squad they have plus a few additions in the summer i can see them pushing for the title next year, mark my words, everything's in place for em now.

Villa: Top manager who turns shit to gold, a yank with money and like Spurs, they have a good young squad which should see them pushing for the top 4 year in and year out from now on, as long as the money doesn't run out.

Everton: Shit hot at the minute but if you take Cahill and Arteta out of that team you ain't left with much IMO, not enough depth in their squad unlike Spurs and Villa.

Man City: Jury's still out am afraid, some good players but some pretty shit ones aswell, Sven hasn't built a balanced squad yet, everything runs through Petrov and when you take him out of the game, Man City aren't that dangerous IMO.
No Sunderland? :D

I refuse to believe that Everton will break it this year, for a team containing Yakubu, Piennar, Fernandes, and Arteta they don't half play some hoofball.


You obviously didn't watch Everton yesterday then.

Results speak for themselves son, they're obviously doing something right.

The contenders for me are (In order):

This Season:
Villa - my beloved football manager team. Decent manager, some good young players that will only get better and good financial support. Need to replace their centre back? And improve squad depth though - really the smallest squad? :-S

Everton - AInt got much to say about them really apart from they have some good players such as Neville, Yakubu, Arteta, Fernandes? Cahill, and a reliable keeper. Moyes is a good manager, and the team have done fantastically well to match their Rival's efforts considering how much money they've spent (wasted.) They played some quality football last night against Man city both goals were top draw and crucially different.


Outsiders:

Pompey

Blackburn

Next Season:

Tottenham - Should be battling for 4/5th spot this season. Will bounce back next season and who knows maybe even higher. The final proved they have a successful manager and lots of potential.

You obviously didn't watch Everton yesterday then.

Results speak for themselves son, they're obviously doing something right.

Yes actually, i saw Man City dominate possesion and press the game. Everton played the long ball and relied heavily on the strength and pace of Yakubu. Yes they're doing something right, but even if they did break the top4, i just can't see them maintaining the spot. I think they would drop straight back out again like last time, and like last time they would get nowhere in the CL.

Btw you described Neville as a good player, was that a mistake?! :ugh:

Spurs are in the best position to do it next year, as long as they can hang onto Berbatov and keep Woody and King fit. I refuse to believe that Everton will break it this year, for a team containing Yakubu, Piennar, Fernandes, and Arteta they don't half play some hoofball.


WTF is that meant to mean? Pienaar and Arteta are fabulous footballers.

WTF is that meant to mean? Pienaar and Arteta are fabulous footballers.

What on on earth... ? I'm saying for a team with good technical players they don't play great football.

What on on earth... ? I'm saying for a team with good technical players they don't play great football.

I misread your post. Sorry.

Everton, Pompy and Spurs can achieve it at Liverpools expense, still think they are a long way behind the top 3. Villa are not far behind

Been an Evertonian I have gotta say that we have the best chance imo. We are 3 players away from having a really good squad and hopefully we can tie up the deals of Fernandes(not been that good, but seems injured and lack of confidence. awesome last time we hd him on loan)Pienaar(awesome) and maybe Gardner as cover. We need a young defensive midfielder to come in for next season. 3 or 4 more players in the summer and we will have a very good squad. We lack the finances of the other teams mentioned but Moyes as done a great job over past 6 years slowly building up a great team. If we had the money to spend like teams around us we would break into the top 4 or round abouts every season.

Spurs, they have a good manager, and their squad is full of potential....

With Woodgate and Ledley King remaining injury free, there defence is solid, Midfield is quite good and upfront have really good strikers....

I dont think any team can break into the top 4; with l'pool, man u, arsenal or chelsea there, but spurs should push hard for that fifth place...

Spurs, they have a good manager, and their squad is full of potential....

With Woodgate and Ledley King remaining injury free, there defence is solid, Midfield is quite good and upfront have really good strikers....

I dont think any team can break into the top 4; with l'pool, man u, arsenal or chelsea there, but spurs should push hard for that fifth place...

That like saying "with Kieron Dyer finishing one match with out getting injured." Woodgate and King are frequently injured and Dimitar Berbatov will be sold in the summer (hopefully to Newcastle) so there goes Spurs best striker. Spurs will most likely buy the Brazilian Fred from Lyon, but I doubt he will be as good as Berbatov.

That like saying "with Kieron Dyer finishing one match with out getting injured." Woodgate and King are frequently injured and Dimitar Berbatov will be sold in the summer (hopefully to Newcastle) so there goes Spurs best striker. Spurs will most likely buy the Brazilian Fred from Lyon, but I doubt he will be as good as Berbatov.


Seen, That's one thing the spurs have to worry about and that is Berbatov going, he'll probably go to Man U or some big champions league team.....

But without King and Woodgate, the heart of Spurs defence is just shit, that Dawson dude makes too many mistakes....

That like saying "with Kieron Dyer finishing one match with out getting injured." Woodgate and King are frequently injured and Dimitar Berbatov will be sold in the summer (hopefully to Newcastle) so there goes Spurs best striker. Spurs will most likely buy the Brazilian Fred from Lyon, but I doubt he will be as good as Berbatov.

King and Woody will not stay injury free of that I'm certain, but if Ramos can get Dawson who has talent and Kaboul to move up another notch then defensively we should be fine as we have Hutton and Chimbonda on the right and Bale when fit and Gilberto who weve not yet seen on the left.

We have a very creative midfielder in Huddlestone who can only get better and is already one of the best passers in the premiership. Jenas,Lennon,Malbranque and Zokora is not a bad midfield. Tainio is a versatile player but IMO his best and true position is as a defensive midfielder sitting right in front of the back four. He has shone whenever he has played there.

If we can keep Berbatov which is quite likely, even more so after the cup win and maybe uefa cup success then we'll be alright. If Berbatov goes anywhere I can guarantee it's not Newcastle, as he wants to win trophies.

Next season we should be aiming for at least 5th or 6th along with Aston Villa who I believe will spend pretty big in the summer and like us have a good young squad and good manager.

If we don't lose anyone of importance and play like we did against Chelsea for most of next season, and that's a very big if, then we should pip Liverpool for 4th place if they don't start improving.

That like saying "with Kieron Dyer finishing one match with out getting injured." Woodgate and King are frequently injured and Dimitar Berbatov will be sold in the summer (hopefully to Newcastle) so there goes Spurs best striker. Spurs will most likely buy the Brazilian Fred from Lyon, but I doubt he will be as good as Berbatov.

He'd get plenty of goals with the other new arrivals, Messi, Kaka, Fabregas etc. :ugh:

He'd get plenty of goals with the other new arrivals, Messi, Kaka, Fabregas etc. :ugh:

Of course. :D

Berbatov grew up idolising Alan Shearer and is a life long toon fan. His mother said this; "He told me it was his dream to play for Newcastle one day and wear the same shirt as Alan Shearer, who is my son's hero." Keegan will sign him for £30 million in the summer, mark my words.

Of course. :D

Berbatov grew up idolising Alan Shearer and is a life long toon fan. His mother said this; "He told me it was his dream to play for Newcastle one day and wear the same shirt as Alan Shearer, who is my son's hero." Keegan will sign him for £30 million in the summer, mark my words.

points bet????

I'd go with Spurs at the moment, after winning the Carling Cup they have the momentum now, and broke the monopoly of the big four winning all the domestic trophies that we've seen for the last few years now.

They came close only 2 seasons ago at getting 4th spot, when it went down the last game of the season, with a pretty similar squad to what they have now.

After that I'd say Everton who are proving at the moment they're the 4th best team in the Premiership, they've just been consistent all season, but they always struggle against Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Villa have the potential but they still have a few cobwebs to shake off first, they've got the financial backing and some really decent young players, but just to need a few extra heads into the mix.

points bet????

Deal, the amount will depend on if I win my bet with skills.

Deal, the amount will depend on if I win my bet with skills.


You're an idiot!

You're an idiot!

You wont be so big headed when it happens! To make it clear all Newcastle have to do is sign him right? doesn't matter about for how much? I'll stick 5k on it in the summer transfer window. :kiss:

Deal, the amount will depend on if I win my bet with skills.


If you win your bet with skills, I'll have that bet as well if you're up for it Riz.

Why the **** would Berbatov take a backwards step to no mark Newcastle?

Why the **** would Berbatov take a backwards step to no mark Newcastle?


:haha: :haha: :haha::owned:

If you win your bet with skills, I'll have that bet as well if you're up for it Riz.

Ok, I don't see why it's so hard believe? Keegan will convince him that Newcastle are going places, he is already a fan, Keegan will promise him the #9 shirt (which is loves) he will come to the Toon for sure. :cool2:

Maybe you should get strapped up with Gazza in his padded cell u dipshit if u believe that, toon army more like ****in loon army.

Maybe you should get strapped up with Gazza in his padded cell u dipshit if u believe that, toon army more like ****in loon army.

Newcastle have millions to spend, I believe we are the 13th richest club in the world. Keegan can convince him that Newcastle are going places next season and the money won't be an issue.

And while Keegan was talking all that bollocks, Fergie could personally take a shit on Dimitar's doorstep, and post some anthrax through his letter box, with a message on the envelope "With Love, From Manchester United." He'd be at Old Trafford quicker than flys on shit.

Newcastle to get Berbatov! dont make me laugh. Id bet all my points on that!!

Anway, i think spurs have the best chance to break in the top four, and are most likley to replace liverpool!.

Newcastle to get Berbatov! dont make me laugh. Id bet all my points on that!!

Anway, i think spurs have the best chance to break in the top four, and are most likley to replace liverpool!.

I'll keep that in mind.

Berbatov would be an Idiot if he left Spurs to join those delauded geordie twats.

I don't think Berba would be cut out for the Championship. . . . .

I don't think Berba would be cut out for the Championship. . . . .

That is not funny.... :thumbsdow

ha ha, sorry mate couldn't resist.