Ray Parlour has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal will secure a top-four finish next season, but he thinks Chelsea will ‘struggle’ and miss out on Champions League football, as he told talkSPORT.
The Highbury hero added that, unless Chelsea make significant signings, he can see Arsenal and Tottenham pipping them to those remaining top-four places.
Chelsea secured third spot in a pretty comfortable fashion last time out, but this summer, whilst north London spends away, they have lost key players, whilst not many seem to be coming through their doors.
Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly are two top, top purchases, but the feeling is that more is needed for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Either way, with the new Premier League season around the corner, Parlour shared who he thinks will finish in the top four next season.
“I would go Manchester City to win it,” said Parlour. “Then Liverpool, definitely. I think Arsenal have to aim for third. That’s going to be their aim.
“If they can keep everyone fit, one more player coming in, then they have a decent squad, so I am going to go third for Arsenal and then Spurs will be good (for fourth).
“But I think Chelsea are going to struggle this season. Unless they make some signings, they might make a couple before the window closes and then you might change your mind. However, Spurs have to win a trophy.”
THE RACE FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL
For Chelsea, it might be a case of who is behind them, rather than looking ahead to Manchester City and Liverpool, who will be expected to finish in the top two.
There is plenty of time for those at Stamford Bridge to turn things around this window, with Tuchel expressing his annoyance after his side were beaten 4-0 at the hands of Arsenal in pre-season.
Heading into the final few weeks of the season, it was Spurs and Arsenal fighting for those Champions League spots, with Antonio Conte pushing his team over the finishing line.
But, ahead of the new campaign, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a few more teams are involved when it comes to the crunch part of the season.
Tottenham and Arsenal have made their intentions clear by the players they have brought in, now it’s just a case of doing the business out on pitch.
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