I know this is a very open topic but I want to talk about two teams in the top 6 in particular Spurs and Liverpool. When I look at these two teams although different styles they seems similiar too me, both great going forward and can beat anyone at home on their day but both find away games against the lower teams difficult.
They also both have great goalkeepers but slightly shaky defence Tottenhams being good when King is in the side but I don't see BAE as much of a defender or Walker and they have never seemed to get a regular centre back pairing with either Gallas, Kaboul or Dawson partnering King. I see the defence similiar too Liverpools with Agger injury prone but great once playing but never seems to have a definate partner with Carragher, Skrtel and Coates going for that other spot, then wide defensive players acting more like wingers in Enrique and especially Johnson.
Now looking at these teams as I've said before they can beat anyone at home, they both can score lots of goals but can seem shaky at the back. Now I personally think that both Liverpool and Spurs will get top 4 if they can start comfortably besting the lower teams away from home because with Chelsea on a drop and Arsenal being Arsenal really there is real competition for those final 2 spots in the top four between the 4 clubs but I think Spurs and Liverpool have what it takes to edge it.
So judging by the season so far being a third through already where can both Tottenham and Liverpool fans see your teams finishing and who will be where in regards to top 4? I think the top 4 will be Man City Man United Spurs and Liverpool.
Top 4?
posted on 23/11/11
Considering Arsenal, Chelsea and probably yourselves will probably strengthen a bit in january, you really couldn't predict. If you were talking about currently then it'd be
City
Spurs
United
Arsenal
Things change quickly though
posted on 23/11/11
OP isn't really saying anything that doesn't apply to other contenders. Anyone can beat anyone on their day and lose to small teams. At the moment, I'd say Spurs look very likely to finish top 4 but I don't see Liverpool finishing top 4.
And BAE is a very good defender, contrary to your submission.
posted on 23/11/11
No I think the January transfer window will be quite quiet regarding the teams you've said bar maybe Arsenal getting in a defender. Also im not saying BAE is bad at defending just he's not in the same category as Baines, Clichy, Evra and Cole.
posted on 23/11/11
Not sure I follow.
LFCs form away has been excellent (12 pts), and Spurs have gained 13 out of 18 points on the road.
At Home Spurs have been very strong for several seasons and while LFC usually are they have dropped 8 points already, from some pretty average teams.
Spurs defence does always have the tendancy to let a goal in, but to pick out BAE as a weakness is wrong. He performs at a consistantly high level with the very occasional 'Luiz' type performance.
Personally i think Arsenal have a bit more quality than Liverpool and Spurs are probably 1 season ahead of LFC in terms of squad development and should (in theory) out perform LFC. Early days though and no doubt all concerned will strengthen in January
posted on 23/11/11
Also a lot will depend on which of the teams perform in the big games when it comes to crunch time around February. I.e United may have won majority of their big games so far, but losing those same games in march has more significance than winning them in October. Still a long way to go, but looking forward to seeing what unfolds
posted on 23/11/11
Okay let me rephrase how I meant it too come out I am not in any way singling out BAE I just don't think he's the greatest defender, but he isn't bad.
posted on 23/11/11
First off, Liverpools shaky defence....we have joint best in the league; and all these at some point have been injured this season:
Agger
Carra
Johnson
Kelly
So your arguement doesnt hold up. Secondly, we have one of the best centre mid players in Europe to come back in and we have no europe AND the more games we play the better we are becoming; see Adam and Lucas for evidence.
From what i have seen so far, top four is most likely:
City
Utd
Liverpool
Spurs
Chelsea's team, more than that CFC spine:
Cech, Terry, Lamps, Drogba were the bedrock of maureens team, now they are too slow and too old; still good players, but they are costing games. (did you see cech tonight...again!!)
Arsenal are a RVP injury away from drawing games they are currently winning and they have a lot of difficult away games to play.
We shall see, but Liverpool have less distractions a quality squad and we are STILL to see Gerrard and the best of Carroll.
posted on 23/11/11
City apart, the top 7 teams are pretty well matched, utd are simply not as good as the press like to believe, that's my honest opinion based on the squads performances so far, and the potential for each to improve over the next 26 league games!