The consensus that the 2010/11 season title race is wide open seems a little optimistic. Either Chelsea or Manchester United will surely win it again, so observers should really say that the battle for third and fourth is more competitive than it has been for over a decade.
Tottenham are one of the clubs that should be involved in this scramble for Champions League places. Spurs successfully bridged the gap between themselves and Liverpool last term and the realistic goal this time around is to lay the demons of 2005/06 to rest and dislodge Arsenal from the long-standing elite.
Manchester City, Everton and, notwithstanding an untimely managerial change, Aston Villa, will have the same aim and decent cases for each can be made. They have all been in the hunt for Champions League football in recent years. Liverpool will inevitably fare better with Roy Hodgson at the helm.
City is particular seem ready for a better assault on the top four, but suspicion remains that they will be a disparate bunch of stars unaccustomed to the rigours of Premier League football. They need time to bed-in, a luxury Roberto Mancini does not have. I wouldn't risk a Premier League betting prediction to tip them to win the title.
Despite this stiff competition, Harry Redknapp has barely added to his squad, acknowledging both the financial situation and the talent he has at his disposal. He knows Spurs have the ability to improve, with consistency the big objective.
Another good cup run is obtainable - a semi final defeat to Portsmouth was an area of particular under-achievement - and the manager is right to aim high. You can bet on Premier League games being a big priority, though. Third place, a cup victory and Champions League group stage qualification might sound optimistic, but the ingredients are there for further improvement.
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