New "Big 4"

[the rev leeroy brown]

Not saying that we are definately out of the "Big 4" but IF we do fail to get top 4 finish in the league this year, who do you think will take our place??

As i see it Chelsea are favourites to finish top and Manure ( although looking poor at the back at the moment once they ahve injured players back and buy in January some reinforcements ) will come second. The arse look a good bet for 3rd so 4th place is open to whoever wants it most.

Spurs have started the season well and at White Hart Lane do look a real danger. Villa have proper squad depth and shouldn't fall at the final hurdle as in recent seasons. City will be a more potent outfit under Mancini's guidence and if they spend big again in january they will be the favourites for top 4 in my eyes.

Again, not saying Lfc wont finish top 4 but IF we do fail, who do you think will take our place??

[Bender]

Aston Villa ....at least they have some pedigree and History

[Baracus]

Never really being caught up in this 'big 4' thing. Your either No.1 or nothing [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1ndcFSLVig"]YouTube- Nelly No.1 Music Video[/nomedia]

[magicalbarnes]

Chelsea
Arsenal
Villa
Liverpool

[MrsB]

Chelsea
Villa
Arsenal
Liverpool

[nineteen]

Not saying that we are definately out of the "Big 4" but IF we do fail to get top 4 finish in the league this year, who do you think will take our place??

As i see it Chelsea are favourites to finish top and Manure ( although looking poor at the back at the moment once they ahve injured players back and buy in January some reinforcements ) will come second. The arse look a good bet for 3rd so 4th place is open to whoever wants it most.

Spurs have started the season well and at White Hart Lane do look a real danger. Villa have proper squad depth and shouldn't fall at the final hurdle as in recent seasons. City will be a more potent outfit under Mancini's guidence and if they spend big again in january they will be the favourites for top 4 in my eyes.

Again, not saying Lfc wont finish top 4 but IF we do fail, who do you think will take our place??

I think the days of the "big 4" are numbered. To use a horseracing analogy, it's more likey the "big 2" at the front, with Arsenal a couple of lengths back, followed by Liverpool, Tottenham, Villa, and (eventually) City.

We are not the force we once were, and face some difficult seasons ahead as the other pretenders try to take our place. I don't believe the likes of Villa or Tottenham can mount a sustained challenge, over a number of seasons, for a top 4 spot. However, they will be there or there-abouts every year and will start to have a greater say in the make-up of the elite because of their competitiveness and ability to take points off the other teams at the top.