I believe we have a good chance with the squad we have. We will certainly be up there. However I feel that it will be fourth place. Reasons? Not convinced by our defence. We have a new kid coming through but basically it's the same as last season. Maybe Kompany will recover form but nothing is going to make Clichy or Kolarov better. Also don't think Mangala has it in him to step up. Basically I feel we're going to be just as vulnerable as last season to quick counters. It's probably the high pressing style that leaves them vulnerable.
I'd feel happier if both Nasri and Navas were gone. They are both good players, especially Nasri, but aren't working out. Nasri scores the odd goal but slows moves down too much without being as penetrating as Silva. Teams certainly had our style sussed last season. But maybe Sterling and Hopefully either DB or Pogba can speed things up. Just a little tired of seeing Nasri get the ball, stop, look around, cut inside, look around, sees pen area now full of defenders.
But we have new players coming through and if they emerge as first team stars through game time given then 3rd or 4th wouldn't be the end of the world. Then onward and upward next season with a new manager and reinvigorated team.
But I also think the margins at the top are going to be very tight, so a few point will make the difference between 4th and 2nd.
And on the final plus side. I'm a terrible judge so we're almost guaranteed to win by 15 clear points with Mangala winning Player of The Year.
