We should be challenging for the top 4 throughout the season and I don't mean being 7-8 behind and being mathematically possible playing catchup etc etc.

We need to be in the mix and if come May there is 4 better teams then so be it.

A lot depends on the first seven games of which five are away from home and three of those against Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea.

If we could take 16 or even more points from that then I think we'll be well set with a bit of momentum.

I agree about injuries but for once this should be less 9f a problem unless it hits us at fb or cm although I reckon there is a 50/50 chance of someone else (maybe even two) coming in.

My expectations? Attacking attractive football and just having a go. I think they'll be met.

With no European distractions I can see you chaps grabbing 4th this season. Depends on the start you have.

Well it's the real test this season, as mentioned there's no European distraction, and it's his team, and he's had a full pre-season.

I think one of the top 4 places is a real possibility. And by that i mean 4th, I'd be delighted, but also hugely surprised if we got any higher than that.

5th or 6th at the moment, even without european football.

We have made good signings but have failed to address our main weaknesses in defence. We had no problem scoring goals last season, it was stopping them.

We don't really look any better on paper at the back than we did previously, Matip is a like for like replacement- decent player but can already see he has weaknesses and plaing in a new league. We still have the age old problem of left back as well, if we can sign someone for that position i'll be more optimistic of our top 4 chances.

Think we will have another good run in one of the cups though.

Top four will be the set target, without a doubt. I think it's going to be another wide open season though, with so many big changes to so many teams. That could be what gives us a slight edge.

Less games and more time to rest should mean less injuries you would think?

Milner at left back is already an improvement from last season.

Top 1 is the target.

Failing that top 2.

If we can't make top 2 then top 3.

If it turns out that top 3 is beyond us then top 4.

comment by (Kash) I'm the Mané, I'm the Mané - Justice4Gaza (U1108)
posted 40 minutes ago
Less games and more time to rest should mean less injuries you would think?

Milner at left back is already an improvement from last season.
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Moreno will almost definitely start ahead of Milner Kash.

He has to finish top 4 with no europe

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I can see us finishing 7th.

No left back, problem keeper, injury prone forwards.

We have been left behind in the transfer market during the summer.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Quadruple.

We can only do a triple this season

Sarcasm.

comment by Aggers Right Elbow (U3402)
posted 27 minutes ago
I can see us finishing 7th.

No left back, problem keeper, injury prone forwards.

We have been left behind in the transfer market during the summer.
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Yeah cool.

I'm excited by the team offensively, but I still have concerns about our defence. The squads propensity to pick up injuries is also a big concern.

I expect us to miss out on the top 4 this season. I think the exceptionally hard start to the season will go a long way to deciding how we will do overall. If we start well then the top 4 will be on, considering we are out of Europe.

I'm excited by the signing of Mane, and it's great to see a new keeper coming in (but he's unluckily out injured). I'm not sure we brought in enough quality to challenge for the top 4 this season. Utd and City should be strong, Arsenal will be Arsenal which only leaves one spot up for grabs.

I think this season is incredibly hard to read because so much has changed. Utd will be a different animal this year, City may click under Pep or it might take a little while to get used to his way of working, Chelsea and Conte could be a perfect match. The only real consistency is Arsenal!

I'd expect us to finish between 4-6.

Unlike many on this thread, I'm not sure our chances are dependent on the defence - I'm much more interested (/concerned) with the central midfield area. The balance of Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum and maybe Grujic is fascinating. Get the blend right and I think we have a shot at 4th.

I expect 5/6th and a point/few points off top 4. Think it'll be close between the top 7 this season.

We're not going to know anything the first 10 games of the season with the fixtures we've got. Defence is still a concern, particularly LB & GK (with Karius injured).

Top 4??

Not really sure what to expect with the 3 new managers installed at the sharp end.

I'm not going into the season expecting too much though.

Far from being an exciting prospect, after the Leicester anomaly last season, I think we'll see the re-affirmation that the biggest wallet will win out.

And which splurge of excess will secure the title is only interesting up to a point.

I think its 6-8 again to be honest....
all of our rivals look strong ....
And add west ham and the saints to the mix....

i hate saying this...but united have excellent signings...and they may win it outright....

I agree with the comments RE challenging for the top 4 throughout the season, I expect us to drop very few points at home this season and that could mean top 4.