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Having just watched the current Tottenham Hotspurs side in action for their penultimate pre-season game at Leyton Orient, I was notably surprised with an expectant Spurs side that again attempts to claim that elusive fourth spot and lucrative draw of Champions League football. A comfortable 4-2 victory at Brisbane Road showcased the array of attacking talent at Martin Jol's disposal this season but also emphasized those areas which could potentially harness their bid to break into the top four.

Their pre-season held many positives, in particular the goal scoring form of Darren Bent. The new 16.5 million acquisition from Charlton seems to have adapted to life at White Hart Lane greatly and crucially completes a strong four-pronged attack line which is essential for the North London club to be challenging for a top four position.

Much has been written about Arsenal's untenable position, intensified by the sale of their top asset Thierry Henry as Tottenham's route into the elite. But with a returning Robin Van Persie, a fully fit William Gallas to partner Kolo Toure, and a array of prodigious young talent who now have a Premiership seasons experience under their belt, they can not be discounted so easily to give up their position without a fight.

Tottenham are not the only team in the shake-up to break the stranglehold that the current top four clubs have over the remaining clubs. Everton who finished two points behind Tottenham last season may not have spent lavishly over the summer but have a settled squad, who show tremendous fight for each other, and possess enough quality in midfield and upfront to mount a challenge. Portsmouth who were amongst those last season have bought well in midfielder Sully Muntari and strengthened at the back as well as up front with the signings of John Utaka and Dave Nugent. Among the big spenders, West Ham have bought well in Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy, and Bordeaux's Julien Faubert amongst others, and should not be discounted for being among the front-runners. Sam Allardyce at Newcastle has revamped a much-needed Newcastle squad and with a returning Michael Owen and a more shored up defense that they can also be considered as challengers. Aston Villa is a team to look out for this season in the shake up for fourth spot. Martin O Neill is building a team that possesses an impressive spine of young English talent, who will be fearless as they look to be regarded as genuine contenders.

A top four team is built on a solid back line,

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