Shock Prediction: Chelsea to Secure Top Four Spot Over Liverpool with the Arrival of Moises Caicedo, Claims Paul Merson+

Chelsea's remarkable improvement from last season is evident, setting them up for a top-four finish instead of Liverpool. The signing of Moises Caicedo, which appears imminent, further underscores their ambition.

Sunday's match highlighted the fact that both clubs recognize the value of having Caicedo in their squad. This explains the hefty price tag of £115m associated with him. While personally, I may not consider him worth such a substantial investment, Chelsea supporters are likely unconcerned about the price they pay.

Liverpool's vulnerability was evident as they lacked a player capable of regaining possession. Conor Gallagher effectively disrupted Chelsea's play after a sluggish beginning, but Liverpool was devoid of such contribution.

Had Liverpool faced one of the top-tier teams such as Arsenal or Manchester City on Sunday, they would have faced significant trouble, potentially conceding four or five goals. They were frequently exposed but escaped without repercussions.

Arsenal was once known as the most skilled team in possession, but struggled when without the ball. Liverpool must avoid falling into that same predicament. It is essential to regain possession. This is why they are interested in acquiring Caicedo. The intention is not to buy him at such a high price solely for his midfield goal-scoring abilities, similar to Frank Lampard's.

Liverpool's performance when in possession of the ball is impressive, but they have shown vulnerability when lacking control. They will likely be competing for the fourth or fifth spot.

Positive signs for Poch

Finding their ideal lineup posed a major challenge for Mauricio Pochettino, similar to the predicament faced by every Chelsea manager in the previous season. The uncertainty of who would step onto the field for a match was ever-present.

Prior to the Liverpool game, a draw was considered acceptable, but the disappointment arose when they failed to secure a victory. Last season, Chelsea would have unquestionably lost that game.

They displayed an increased pace in ball movement compared to the previous season, pushing it forward relentlessly. The decision to position Enzo Fernandez further ahead on the field greatly benefited him. He is an exceptional player, truly exceptional. Ensuring his involvement in the game is essential, it's that straightforward.

Nicholas Jackson's ability to score goals will be advantageous, particularly since he won't be facing Virgil van Dijk on a weekly basis. His speed as a center-back was evident when he effortlessly sped past Ibrahima Konate, ball in tow.

Considering Chelsea's impressive performance last season, they have several positive aspects to build upon. I anticipate their upcoming match against West Ham to result in a non-loss, followed by a victory against Luton. This would mark a promising beginning for them.

Spurs fans will enjoy Ange-ball

Running Before Sprinting

Spurs fans will enjoy Ange-ball

They must acquire the necessary skills of running before embarking on the sprint once more. In the past, they were maintaining a rapid pace, but unforeseen circumstances caused a setback. If they manage to secure a position among the top four, it would be a remarkable achievement.

A friend of mine, a devoted Tottenham fan who attends their games religiously, recently messaged me suggesting that the team would actually perform better without Harry Kane. Although he acknowledges the idea may sound absurd, he firmly believes in it. In response, I disagreed, stating that without Kane, Tottenham wouldn't even secure a place in the top half of the table.

Personally, I have a positive outlook on Ange Postecoglou and I genuinely hope he succeeds. I expect Tottenham to emulate Liverpool this season: captivating to watch, with a high-scoring offense, but also susceptible to conceding many goals.

However, I believe the Tottenham fans will find satisfaction in this outcome. They have endured extreme boredom in recent years, making them appreciate any positive result. The supporters would gladly accept 2-2 draws at Brentford, thrilling end-to-end matches, and victories of 3-2 or losses of 4-3. It is my wish that they grant the manager an opportunity - I truly hope they do. Even though they currently have approximately £80 million at their disposal, it is important to note their past experiences with a similar budget.

Can Arsenal handle the expectation?

What will be their acquisition? I trust they refrain from purchasing six or seven players from Primark. They should rather venture into high-end stores and procure some top-notch merchandise. Prioritizing quality is paramount, even if it means sacrificing quantity.

Arsenal is under pressure as all eyes are on them. Their unexpected top-four finish last season surprised everyone, and they were unfortunate to not win the league. On Saturday, they took a 2-0 lead against Nottingham Forest, and the expectation was for them to build on it. However, Arsenal adopted a defensive approach and became nervous. Forest managed to score, and it made you think they could equalize for a 2-2 scoreline. Johnson's missed opportunity should have given Forest the lead.

That's simply the pressure they face now, compared to last season when they had no expectations and would have won by a large margin. This outcome is positive for Arsenal, but it highlights the challenges they currently encounter.

One significant aspect is that Eddie Nketiah consistently delivers for Arsenal, earning the trust of the manager. However, I doubt he has the ability to lead Arsenal to the title. He is the type of player you bring in for a few matches and then rotate out again.

The squad appears somewhat depleted already due to Jurrien Timber's injury, and Gabriel being on the bench does not improve the situation. I found it confusing that Thomas Partey was playing at right-back instead of Takehiro Tomiyasu. At times, the manager seems to make things more complicated, trying to emulate Pep Guardiola.

I expect Arsenal to challenge Man City for the league but if they don't perform they won't even be in the top four. That's how hard this league is. There are no gimmies.

Newcastle must finish in top four

I didn't expect Newcastle to suffer a defeat against Aston Villa, let alone witness their remarkable 5-1 victory.

The impressive debut goal from Sandro Tonali and the successful recruitment of Harvey Barnes demonstrate their astute decision-making. Their style of play exudes energy and a relentless tempo, leaving opposing teams struggling to keep up until the very end.

If they fail to secure a top-four finish, it would be considered an underachievement as they must continue to progress. The challenge ahead is immense, given the exceptional standards of this league.

However, it is crucial not to drop out of the Champions League positions. They must consistently qualify and attract higher caliber players. With time, they can potentially have a significant presence with six or seven such players on their roster.