adminPaul Scholes is predicting a marked improvement from Tottenham Hotspur this season, as Roberto De Zerbi prepares for his first full campaign in charge of the club.
With just five days until the new Premier League season gets underway, Spurs face a challenging opener away at Brentford. The Lilywhites have undergone a major squad overhaul, with several new faces joining the ranks.
Tottenham made an early splash in the transfer window, securing six Premier League-experienced players to shore up defensive and midfield weaknesses. However, activity at Hotspur Way has since slowed, leaving some supporters concerned.
Although the attack remains unchanged from last term, reports suggest Spurs are actively working on bringing in additional offensive options before the transfer deadline.
Scholes backs Spurs for top-six finish
While De Zerbi is said to believe privately that Tottenham can push for a Champions League berth, Scholes is more cautious. The former Manchester United midfielder expects Spurs to secure a Europa League spot, tipping them for sixth place.
Speaking on the Good, the Bad & the Football YouTube channel, Scholes said: “They look strong. They look too strong. They’ll win it again. I think I’d probably still go City second.
“I think they [Chelsea] could possibly [finish second]. If I were them, I’d have a look at the [Aston] Villa goalkeeper [Emi Martinez]. I know Juventus have just pulled out of the deal for him, but I think he’d be a good signing for Chelsea.
“United third, for me. I still think they’ve got a lot of work to do. I think they need to strengthen. Possibly, they could do better, but I just don’t think the centre-halves are good enough. I don’t know if they’ve got it [the money to spend more].
“Fourth for me, Liverpool. Actually, I’m going to say Chelsea. Liverpool, fifth. Tottenham sixth, yeah.”
Brentford send pre-season warning to Spurs
Tottenham will be eager to start strongly, especially with all six summer signings having had a full pre-season to settle in.
However, Brentford have issued a stark warning ahead of the season opener at the Gtech Community Stadium, thrashing Eintracht Frankfurt 7-0 in a friendly on Sunday.
While pre-season results should be taken with a pinch of salt, De Zerbi will know his side are facing a disciplined and dangerous opponent capable of causing problems if Spurs aren’t at their sharpest.
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