Looks like its down to last years top 4 and Chelsea.
Any of these teams could go on a sustained winning run.
Ourselves and arsenal look weaker than last year, liverpool much the same but villa and especially Chelsea look much better than last season.
Squad size and player availability may be the deciding factor.
Unless we can get a fully functioning KDB back and a positive contribution from Echeverri and Bobb after Xmas, we may fall short.
Pep has to take a chance on fringe players like McAtee and Nunes at every available opportunity. Southampton yesterday was an ideal opportunity to start McAtee. If you can't get a decent run out against the bottom team, what chance is there against better opposition.
I know the chelsea squad size was a bit of a laugh but this may be a deciding factor. Several players , including the likes of Palmer, are not involved in the European matches and there has to be some advantage in that.