Premier League 14/15: Team By Team Preview And Predictions

7. Tottenham Hotspur

Last Season: 6th Manager: Mauricio Pochettino Opening Fixture: West Ham (a) Transfer Activity: Tottenham have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far this summer bringing in just three players, and only one of them, Ben Davies (Swansea) is likely to be command a first-team place, although Danny Rose may have something to say about that. The other two players, Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon) and Michel Vorm (Swansea) appear to have been brought in as backup. Expect Spurs' spending to continue this month with Morgan Schneiderlin having been heavily linked with the club, a player who Mauricio Pochettino knows well from his time at Southampton. Notable departures from White Hart Lane include Gylfi Sigurdsson, Heurelho Gomes, Kevin Stewart, Cameron Lancaster, Jake Livermore and Iago Falque. Possible Starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Davies; Paulinho, Dembele; Lennon, Eriksen, Lamela; Adebayor Key Player: Jan Vertonghen Verdict: If Mauricio Pochettino can introduce to Tottenham the same high-pressing style which he implemented at Southampton then there is no reason why they shouldn't challenge for the top four, it's attacking nature would suit the North London club down to the ground. However, the lack of signings this summer will be a huge worry for Spurs fans, a striker, in particular, appears to be paramount if the club are to improve on last season's 6th place finish. That said, if Erik Lamela can rediscover his Roma form which led to him being labelled one of the best players in Serie A, he would feel like a new signing, but whether he will suit Pochettino's high-tempo, hard working style is debatable. As things stand, Spurs seem to be missing that special player who would take them to the next level, but the transfer window is still open for a while yet and if they sign one, they should push for a higher finish than predicted here. Prediction: 7th