Thommo: Ron must win back fans

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• Jeff Stelling's picks
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• Alan McInally's picks
• Charlie Nicholas's picks
• Matt Le Tissier's picks
• Chris Kamara's picks
• Tony Cottee's picks
• 2008-09 preview

It's a dangerous game, making pre-season predictions. But with just days to go before the big kick-off in the Premier League, the Soccer Saturday gang have gallantly agreed to put their necks - and their credibility - on the line.

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson thinks ahead to May 2009 ...

Champions

Manchester United. I think they've got the best all-round squad, especially if the signing of Berbatov goes ahead. He plays in a very similar way to Eric Cantona, although he doesn't have Cantona's drive and determination, and it would be interesting to see how the manager and the players accepted the tantrums and the sulkiness. But I think they've got the players to go the 38 games, plus the European and domestic cup matches.

Champions League spots

I've already said it on Sky Sports News but I do think this could be the year that someone breaks that top four. I've been very impressed with Spurs and I know that pre-season doesn't mean everything but Ramos' side has really started to take shape. He probably would have liked to have kept Robbie Keane but Darren Bent looks sharp. He seems to have shaken off what was possibly a bit of a star struck feeling, and with the speculation surrounding Berbatov, has started to enjoy taking on more responsibility. They've got a good balance and a good system with Modric, who's a fine player and Dos Santos on the left. I think Ramos has actually prepared for Berbatov's departure - we've seen him change tactics in pre-season and play 4-5-1, and it's looked very fluent. I think Arsenal's injuries and departures could mean they're the ones to fall out of the top four. I see Liverpool finishing in second and pushing Man United very close; Keane's come in and I think they'll have a stronger mentality. Width could be a problem if Pennant goes - I think he will - but I reckon Benitez might look to play a narrow three up front in Kuyt, Keane and Torres. I still think Gareth Barry will end up at Anfield, which would add a nice bit of 'Britishness' back to the squad - when the going gets tough the homegrown players seem to roll their sleeves up a bit more than some of the foreigners! Chelsea will be third for me; they're still a very good team, leaving Spurs to snatch fourth. But I think there will be much more of a fight at the top, which should make for a great season.

Fit for fifth

David Moyes has done a fantastic job but he's not been backed as yet and so I can't see Everton putting up a sustained challenge to the top four or five teams. Villa might stake a claim, Manchester City, Newcastle and West Ham have all spent but I don't see any of them having a say in the matter. So as I suggested earlier, I think Arsenal may have to settle for fifth. They have a young squad and they've been hampered by injuries to important players for the last couple of years. Van Persie has never played consistently since he's been at Arsenal and if they're going to make a title charge, they have to have him playing on a regular basis - the same goes for Thomas Rosicky. But there have been some destabilising undercurrents, too - the Adebayor saga and questions of was he being paid enough and do Arsenal pay enough, plus Cesc Fabregas saying that if they don't win anything this season, he might be looking to move on to somewhere like Real Madrid or Barcelona. Those sorts of things don't help the harmony in a club.

Surprise package

I'm tipping Aston Villa. Again, Martin O'Neill likes his 'Britishness', he likes his big man up front so he needs to keep John Carew fit. They have pace in Ashley Young, who had a really good season last time, and Agbonlahor, plus I think they have made a great signing in Carlos Cuellar from Rangers.

Going down

I think there'll be a lot down there but it will be between five: the three who have come up - Hull, Stoke and West Brom - plus Fulham, who I think will have another difficult season, and if I had to plump for another struggler, I'd go with Bolton.

Golden boot

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal haul last season was astonishing but can he reproduce last year's sort of form? Of course he'll be out after his operation but I still suspect he'll be the man to beat. This season will be difficult for him though - with regards to the Real Madrid saga, I just don't understand the boy. Ok, he was exceptional last time but I think he has a lot to thank Manchester United and the fans for, especially after the Rooney incident at the World Cup. I think the fans feel let down that he strung out making an announcement about his future all summer. There has been a lot of lost loyalty and Sir Alex and the players have to use their charm to say, 'We're welcoming him back', and hope his form makes the fans love him again. If Arsenal play with confidence then Adebayor will be up there again, as will Torres.

Best buy

He's cost big money but I think Robbie Keane could be a catalyst for Liverpool. He'll be enthusiastic and committed to the team, not just when it's going well but when things are going wrong, too. I think he'll have a massive say in how Liverpool do this season and if they manage to win the title or go very close, I can't see how there could be a better signing. He's clever, he'll deliver that cute ball and he'll allow Steven Gerrard to slot back into midfield.

Barking buy

I've been at bit surprised at the lack of transfer activity at Everton. I know they keep talking about Joao Moutinho but that doesn't seem to be happening. I don't know enough to comment on their finances but I certainly think Moyes and the Everton fans deserve to be backed with money for new players.

Soccer Saturday summer slacker

I'm definitely worried about losing the contest for 'Best Tan' to Charlie Nicholas. I had a great glow but sadly I've been back for a couple of weeks. Then again, I think Charlie gets a bit of help from the sunbed!