Countdown to EPL: Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs in the battle for Europe

In part III of our ‘Countdown to EPL’ series, we look at the teams who should challenge for fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh spots. In part I, we discussed the newcomers and in part II, we analysed the mid-table teams. Before we tell you about the European hopefuls, here’s a quick note on who can qualify for European competition: The top three teams automatically qualify for the Champions League while the fourth placed team has to go through a qualification round to reach the group stages of the Champions League. The fifth placed team qualifies directly for the Europa League while the winners of the two domestic competitions — the FA Cup and the League Cup - have to get through qualifying rounds to enter the Europea League group stage. If the winner of the FA Cup has already qualified for Champions League football, then the runner-up enters these qualifying rounds. However, if the winners of the cups and the FA Cup runner-up have also qualified for European football, then the sixth and seventh placed teams will have a chance to play in the Europa League. ARSENAL Last year finish: 4th Home ground: The Emirates Stadium Nickname: The Gunners Arsenal will no doubt be embroiled in the battle for fourth — with finishing above fourth not realistic with the current squad they have. A couple of signings may make the difference, but Luis Suarez’ move looks less likely by the day and Arsene Wenger hasn’t made any other move. Arsenal play attractive football and all that, but over the last few seasons they have made a habit of fizzling away in the run-in. The massive 16-point gap between themselves and champions Manchester United says it all — Arsenal aren’t fighting for top honours like they used to. At least not in the league. [caption id=“attachment_1027611” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Santi Cazorla was brilliant for Arsenal last year. Getty Images[/caption] Star players: Santi Cazorla was brilliant for Arsenal last year and Theo Walcott has shown class in pre-season. These two must needs fire if Arsenal are to end their trophy drought. Verdict: It’s a tough one, but Tottenham Hotspur have strengthened this season and will pip them for fourth we think. That means fifth place for Arsenal. LIVERPOOL Last year finish: 7th Home ground: Anfield Nickname: The Reds Just like Man United, Liverpool are dealing with a wantaway striker in Luis Suarez. Whether that means he won’t be as effective as last season is a mystery, but his shoulders are slouching and he’s vocally unhappy. All in all, it looks like their best player won’t be firing on all cylinders this time around. Liverpool have mightily underachieved in the league for quite some time now, and a major improvement is not predicted. Brendan Rodgers will need at least another couple of good seasons to attract the big names to Anfield — and that’s hard when you’re not playing Champions League football. But their fans are famously loyal and will not give up hope. However, realistically, Liverpool are more likely to finish below fourth. Star players: Philippe Coutinho has been a revelation since joining and if he can click again with new striker Iago Aspas and the legendary Steven Gerrard, then Liverpool could do better this time round. We’re not mentioning Suarez here for obvious reasons. Verdict: Move up one place to sixth TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR Last year finish: 5th Home ground: White Hart Lane Nickname: Spurs Daniel Levy is a patient man and will give Andre Villas-Boas time to make his team and build a formidable unit. Spurs already looked good under him last season and have reinforced pretty well in the transfer market — bringing in Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Roberto Soldado. Spurs have plugged the gap in most places but the sale of Gareth Bale could halt their developmental plans. If they’re going to sell, it’s now — so that they have time to move for another quality attacker. This season, you’ll see a more Villas-Boas type team, playing counter-attacking direct football with slight tactical tweaks. AVB however, needs to shore up that defence. One injury, and the team will suffer. Star players: Bale, without a doubt. If he leaves, Soldado is expected to become a fan favourite with some goals. Paulinho is also a brilliant playmaker and Aaron Lennon, most fans will hope, will come good. They also have one of Europe’s finest defenders in Jan Vertonghen. Verdict: Fourth, and in the Champions League next year. EVERTON Last year finish: 6th Home ground: Goodison Park Nickname: The Toffees Everton have a new manager, with David Moyes leaving and Roberto Martinez coming in. Martinez however, is a fantastic manager but he needs to deal with the probabilities of Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines leaving the club. He’s moved quickly in the transfer market though, bringing in Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz and Gerard Deulofeu on loan from Barcelona. On paper, they look stronger than last season but it’ll be harsh to expect too much from Martinez in his first season in-charge at a club that won’t be fighting for survival. They lost just seven times last season, and if they can turn those 15 draws into some wins, may well push for another sixth placed finish. Star players: Deulofeu is a highly rated youngster and Ross Barkley will also get more playing time this season. Fellaini and Leon Osman are the top stars, but we also think Kone will make a big impact. And yes, there’s the brilliant Baines. Verdict: Will lose the Merseyside battle to Liverpool and finish seventh. Follow the writer on Twitter @TheFalseNo9