Marshall, Clyne, Lovren, New CB, New LB Morgan, Wanyama Jay Rod, Tadic, Ramirez Pelle This XI + the likely hood of having increased squad depth this season. I'd say is strong enough for a similar/slightly improved position.
I think we're more likely to have Forster than Marshall, judging by the values quoted, and I think we'll have a better striker than Pelle.
I have reservations about how well we will gel as a team, but I cant help but look at our opening games and think there's plenty of points to be won. 8th at Christmas, followed by a drop to 12th over the hard run of games and then J Rod to reignite us and to finish a strong 9th.
I think 12th-8th. Can't see us doing any better. Can't imagine us doing any worse. Really want us to sign a cracking CB, LB and Striker. A Pahars type. Miss that little guy.
IF we keep Lovren and Morgan and we have a win or draw against Liverpool, I predict we will be top 6 by Xmas and at the end of the season will have 50-58 points. If these thing don't happen then we will end up in 12th to 17th with a points tally between 38-45. I think it is that finely balanced. Hopefully a good cup run though.
So we are playing the "Hostage to fortune game" already, huh? Ok, I say we will finish 7th. Based upon what? Well, I am working on the principle that your guess is as good as mine, so it follows that mine is the equal of yours. 7th. Not a bad guess, that.