Spurs to see Gunners fire blanks

Since the 2002-03 Premiership season, only Newcastle and Everton have managed to break into the top four. Otherwise Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have dominated the top four places with the Merseyside club finishing fifth in the years their neighbours and North East rivals ousted them.

It's hardly surprising the bookies are sticking with the top four clubs once again with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United at very short prices to clinch a Champions League spot. Arsenal are also a very short price, although a best offering of 2/5 does suggest a little less confidence from the odds layers.

The North London club should be a little closer to evens after losing their inspirational skipper Thierry Henry to Barcelona. Of course the managerial skills of Arsene Wenger can never be underestimated, and yet another exciting brand of football should be expected at the Emirates. Whether the young crop of players from all over the world can play to a standard good enough to finish fourth though is debatable. Certainly odds of 2/5 are hardly much of an incentive to part with any cash.

The club that could be ready to break into the final four are bitter rivals Tottenham. Recent history suggests Spurs are ready to make the leap from Uefa Cup positions to a Champions League berth. It was only two seasons ago they were one game away from snatching fourth from the North London neighbours, while last year they finished a few points further away yet still clinched fifth.

Of the two London clubs, Spurs appear to be the club that has strengthened this Summer with the additions of Darren Bent and Gareth Bale, while Arsenal are weaker given they have lost one of the best players in the world. Do not be surprised if Spurs are the club to overhaul Arsenal next season. The 10/3 available at Blue Square does look worth a small investment.

A bigger bet should be saved for Spurs to finish above Arsenal. Whilst the probability would be Spurs finishing fourth should they finish ahead of their rivals, it wouldn't be guaranteed given Newcastle, Everton, and Aston Villa will believe they have a shot at top flight European football. Arsenal could even fall apart totally and finish out all the Uefa positions.

It is advisable to grab the 2/1 on Spurs finishing higher than Arsenal now. Any more major signings at White Hart Lane could see those odds tumble.