by Matthew Wilkins

Created on: May 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

To suggest that any team could bridge the gap between the 'big four' and 'the rest' is ludicrous. Since the turn of the century, football has developed and advanced on many levels. We have witnessed new stadiums, unique players like never before and games to dampen any fan's appetite. In reality, it is none of these things that prevent other teams from competing on the same level as Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. It is frustrating to admit that football has become a business, rather than a sport and, like all businesses, those with a more lucrative bank balance are more likely to succeed. Despite the shear dominance from the 'elite four', there are a few teams who could potentially challenge for the title of Premier League Champions.

This leads onto my first suggestion; Tottenham Hotspur. With supposedly some of the wealthiest supporters, it is without doubt that Tottenham have the funds required to subsidise a large and quality ridden squad. With players such as Dimitar Berbatov, Aaron Lennon and Ledley King in the starting eleven, plus the likes of Robbie Keane, Paul Robinson and Jermain Jenas sat on the bench, Tottenham have the depth and ability in their squad to push for that prestigious fourth place. Since the days of Jurgen Klinsmann, however, Spurs have failed to threaten any kind of championship challenge. With the appointment of a UEFA Cup winning manager, Juande Ramos, Tottenham can surely only improve. The 2007/2008 season proved a turning point for Spurs, as they beat Chelsea to the prize of League Cup Champions. This achievement will indeed provide the confidence for Tottenham to continue with their long term objective of firstly maintaining a top ten finish, before fulfilling their potential of challenging the feared 'fantastic four'.

Second on the list are Everton. Despite narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, the Merseyside Blues have altered their playing style, which when added to the confidence enforced on the team by passionate Scottish manager David Moyes, has lead to Everton easing the gap between the top four and the rest of the league. Despite losing boy wonder Wayne Rooney and then fans favourite Thomas Gravesen, who subsequently later returned on loan from Celtic, Everton have consistently performed over the past three seasons, resulting in the blues being labeled as one the biggest over achievers of the 21st Century. If anybody is to threaten the top four, it is likely to be Everton. After solidifying

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