Chelsea:
Business: Morata is a high quality replacement for Costa, whether he can replace the big game mentality that Costa brought remains to be seen but he will get goals for sure. Missed out on plenty, but Bakayoko and Drinkwater add depth to the midfield and Conte will know what Zappacosta brings. Rudiger looks a decent replacement for Zouma.
Drinkwater actually an underrated signing IMO. Peak age, tackles for fun and his forward passing is perfect for Chelsea's counter attacking style. Don't think Burnley will happen regularly.
Weaknesses: Depth not huge for all fronts, but quality and experience through the side and don't usually get injuries. Maybe a question make over leadership post Costa/Terry.
Likely finish: 1st, 2nd, 3rd because Conte knows what he's doing, I don't buy the crisis narrative personally.
Spurs:
Business: Good end to the window for Spurs who looked in trouble early August. Aurier has bags of quality for half the cost of Walker, even if he is a loon. Llorente is a good signing and gives more depth to the attack. Sanchez looked a good talent last year and Foyth adds defensive depth.
Weaknesses: Reliant on Rose wide left really and a lack of pace in forward areas is a concern. Wembley.
Likely finish: 3rd, 4th, 5th Don't think they can win the title from Wembley but certainly good enough to be well in the top 4 mix.
Man City:
Business: Silva was a bargain early in the window, probably would have cost twice as much by the end of it. Walker and Mendy give them pace galore in the wide areas. Not seen enough of the keeper. Surprised they haven't strengthened central midfield or defence.
Weaknesses: Reliant on Kompany staying fit IMO, and maybe Fernandinho too in midfield. Defence still looks vulnerable and question marks over the keeper against the high ball. Also not a clinical side and don't have depth in goal scorers. Ridiculous attacking midfield options though!
Likely finish: 1st, 2nd, 3rd - If lucky with injuries they could win the title but gut tells me they will probably miss out while playing some sparkling football along the way.
Liverpool:
Business: Salah looks a good deal and Ox adds unexpected depth and versatility. Not got the centre half that was needed and with Keita not coming to next year the centre midfield lacks a genuine star. Young players have stepped up though early season which adds depth.
Weaknesses: Centre defence could obviously be stronger, and question marks over left back and keepers. Attack is ridiculous though and will
score tons.
Likely finish: 3rd, 4th, 5th Not likely to have enough to win the league but well in the top 4 race.
Arsenal:
Business: Lacazette and Kolasinac was a good start but then it all went a bit pair shaped for the Gunners. Conceded the most last season of the top 6 but haven't really addressed the issue and central midfield looks a problem. Left with a squad that's not as big as previous seasons, but did keep a world class player in Sanchez.
Weaknesses: Wenger.
Likely finish: 6th or worse. Seem to be in a downward spiral and I just can't see them being top 4 contenders with so many question marks over the squad and team spirit as well as Thursday night football to factor in. Europa glory might be their best bet as they are a good cup team and they have enough to do well in it.
Man Utd:
Business: Got it done early and without much fuss which usually helps. Spine looks strong with Matic and Lukaku. Jury out on Lindelof. Missed out on Perisic.
Weaknesses: Wide areas don't look stacked with quality or depth, missing a natural wide player really. I think teams will look to block the centre against them as the season goes on.
Likely finish: 3rd, 4th, 5th I don't see them winning the title personally for the reasons mentioned. They will lose the #stillsixth tag though and Lukaku will probably be top scorer in the league.
Assessing the Top 6
posted on 1/9/17
comment by Spurtle2 (U1608)
posted 6 minutes ago
Refreshing to have a Liverpool fan that is a little more grounded, that doesn't think a title challenge is a sure thing after so early on.
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Only GB says we will win the title. In the last 4 years I have not seen any other poster on the Liverpool board say we will win the league at the start of the season.
On the predictions articles most people say 4/5th each season. This season more are saying top 4 and that is not that mental really considering our squad is better than last season and the players know how Klopp want to play.
posted on 1/9/17
I'm going for 3rd and getting out of our champions league group this season.
Would love a cup though.
posted on 1/9/17
And GB is a Arsenal fan so he doesn't count.
posted on 1/9/17
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 1/9/17
I think people are taking the Chelsea's mess the last few days of the window for granted.
Morata is a great player and I think he'll bring more out in Hazard too. Drinkwater isn't a bad player and the first eleven is still strong.
posted on 1/9/17
They've better squads than this and still seemed to self-destruct.
I'm not saying it is a forgone conclusion but there is a trend that seems to happen with them.
posted on 1/9/17
comment by Spurtle2 (U1608)
posted 24 minutes ago
Refreshing to have a Liverpool fan that is a little more grounded, that doesn't think a title challenge is a sure thing after so early on.
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Not really.
I haven't seen any Liverpool fans who are really expecting us to win the title.
Don't let that get in the way of your ignorance though.
posted on 1/9/17
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 29 minutes ago
comment by selbstgerechtein (U7048)
posted 31 minutes ago
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 4 minutes ago
Good article.
Think United will be top 3 and can challenge for title.
Good transfer window like City. Chelsea's squad is too thin, if we'd strengthened correctly and not sold all our squad players we would be favourites. We aren't now.
City Chelsea United then a bit of a gap then Spurs then bigger gap Arsenal Liverpool.
Liverpool have bought no players of note. Arsenal have bought Lacazette and crucially kept Sanchez, who is more important to them, than Couts is to Pool.
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Did you miss last weekends games?
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One game means eff all. Don't get carried away.
Sky hype for tellyclappers
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I think we have scored 14 goals in 4 games against Arsenal since Klopp took over.
It's not a one off.
We finished above them last season and will do so again.
posted on 1/9/17
comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 1 minute ago
I think people are taking the Chelsea's mess the last few days of the window for granted.
Morata is a great player and I think he'll bring more out in Hazard too. Drinkwater isn't a bad player and the first eleven is still strong.
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This is true, CFC are fine. Morata is still finding his feet Baka is coming off an injury and we have knocked off Spurs and Everton already.
Also Eden's back!
Really good article OP
posted on 1/9/17
comment by selbstgerechtein (U7048)
posted 4 hours, 1 minute ago
comment by CFC: FFP Champions (U20729)
posted 4 minutes ago
Good article.
Think United will be top 3 and can challenge for title.
Good transfer window like City. Chelsea's squad is too thin, if we'd strengthened correctly and not sold all our squad players we would be favourites. We aren't now.
City Chelsea United then a bit of a gap then Spurs then bigger gap Arsenal Liverpool.
Liverpool have bought no players of note. Arsenal have bought Lacazette and crucially kept Sanchez, who is more important to them, than Couts is to Pool.
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Did you miss last weekends games?
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They may have kept Sanchez...(somehow)...but he doesn't want to be there...he might put a bit of effort in pre christmas, but he'll be gone in January