Robbie Savage believes that Tottenham will suffer a considerable dip in the new season and predicted that they will finish sixth in the Premier League.
Spurs have been the most consistent side in the top flight during the past two campaigns and narrowly missed out to title winners Leicester and Chelsea respectively.
Mauricio Pochettino has managed to build a formidable side at the north London club, with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld regarded as some of the best players in the division.
Spurs finished as runners-up last year to London rivals Chelsea and have showed faith in their squad by not making any signings in the summer window.
They are preparing for their season opener away to Newcastle and all of their home games will take place at Wembley Stadium this year, while development takes place on White Hart Lane.
Outspoken pundit Savage has tipped Spurs to finish a lowly sixth despite their recent strong finishes, citing their temporary ground switch as something that could have a negative impact.
“Mauricio Pochettino’s strongest XI is arguably the best team in the Premier League, but their best chance of winning the title may have gone with those near misses in the last two seasons,” Savage wrote in the Mirror.
“Spurs struggled to settle at Wembley in the Champions League, and now they face playing there every week while the new ground is going up at White Hart Lane. It could even cost them a top-four spot.”
Spurs failed to win any of their games at Wembley last season in domestic and European competitions, which has left some fans fearful going into the new season.
They made White Hart Lane a fortress last year and went unbeaten in their Premier League home matches.
OPINION
Savage is predicting Spurs to suffer a drop off and to be overtaken by many of their rivals in the new campaign. Pochettino’s main rivals have all made considerable improvements to their side and will all feel they can win the title. However, Spurs have managed to keep hold of their star players, except Kyle Walker’s departure to Manchester City, and are in as good a position as any to win the title. The same squad have been challenging for the league crown in recent years and have now developed into a strong outfit. The 2017/18 season could finally be their coming of age and Savage’s sixth-placed finish could turn out to be a long way off.