Odd one out

Unfortunately, despite our non-involvement in European competition, I cannot see us involved for the race for the top four, we simply don't have the quality in our squad, with little sign so far of any major investment by our club.

The big issue is how you fit five clubs who will all spend BIG money this window, into four available slots?

Let's look at the contenders;

Chelsea – their policy now is to buy one or two big fee quality additions to their squad, and lend out the other 10 to 12 wannabees to either non-threatening Premier League clubs, or teams in the Championship. I would never bet against Mourhino finishing in the top two.

Manchester City – difficult one this, they certainly under achieved last season, the current Middle Eastern owners will not settle for second best, given the amount of money they have invested in the last five years. With the squad at their disposal, plus major signings still to come, I expect Man City to finish in the top four, just not sure where?

Arsenal – the signing of Petr Cech, will only strengthen Arsenal, and Wenger's past record in qualifying for the Champions League is second to none. Again, with the quality in their squad, I expect them to be safely in the top four come the end of the season.

The last two contenders are a little more difficult.

Manchester United – disappointing last season by their own standards, a real gulf in quality between the Chelsea squad and that of Man Utd.

I'm still not convinced by a centre-back pairing of Smalling and Jones, particularly in the heady atmosphere of the Champions League group stages, should they progress. Unless Van Gaal buys right at the 'top end' of the market, I'm not altogether convinced. They could struggle to make the top four.

And then our near neighbours, Liverpool. Unless Liverpool qualify for the Champions League next season, Brendan will be gone, end of story. The Americans are nobody's fool, despite the local sceptism. They know they can't be left waiting at the station next time around, given the impressive list of global sponsors they have attracted.

I actually quite like the look of the players Liverpool have signed so far: Milner and Ings will only strengthen the team, although I know little of the latest recruit, Firminho, from Brazil. Could they finish top four, probably, just not sure now the influence of Gerrard has gone from the dressing room.

So, there you go, it's all about opinions, I'll sit back and watch the bun fight from afar (sadly).