It's a long season...teams like United and Liverpool probably will improve. It's certain that we will have a little slump...most teams do. Be exciting to see how we do.
But what if they don't..? Tbh, I see very little sign that Liverpool are going to be anything other than ordinary this season. They are substantially weaker than last season, their confidence is dropping like a stone, and unless they find someone in January, and he fits in immediately, I don't see them turning it around. ManU, need quality defenders and quickly. January may not come soon enough, but I think they may turn it around. Saints may well indeed have a slump around the December/New Year period. 1] The congestion of games will be tough, and 2] the quality of opposition will be very high. However, if we come through that period fairly well then the pundits will be taking Saints very seriously indeed for top 4 positions. An interesting two or three months coming up where Saints could show their mettle.
Whilst the obvious answer is 7th if we are lucky with injuries we could cause a surprise and finish higher - I do think we are a very strong side
It will be hard to maintain our present form, whereas the usual top clubs have strength in depth, but I think we are better this season. I will be very pleased with 6th.
As long as finish above Tottenham, that's all I ask. Only because I have a bet with a friend at work that we'll finish above them (loser pays for our golf holiday next summer)
I would want to us to be above Manchester United every season!!!! Then we might see more youngsters in South Hampshire donning a Saints shirt rather than that of one of the higher profile teams. In fact the whole of Hampshire should be supporting us, including some Pompey fans who I am sure would love us to turn over the likes of United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool because when they were in our position I was delighted they beat United and Liverpol during their period in the Premiership.
I agree with TSS r.e. Liverpool. They have better strength in depth than us and I dare say they do have some good options in defence however with Rodgers being so stubborn and cowardly at the same time continuing with Gerrard in the deep role and his ineptitude at sorting defences out I think they are in for a very disappointing season. If he surprises everyone and either bites the bullet and sticks Henderson or Allen in and drops Gerrard they might stand a chance but he hasn't got the balls (or maybe the brains) to do it.