Second-tier hopefuls chasing first-world rewards

For the past three seasons, the top of the Premier League has been a closed shop. While both Manchester United and Arsenal have recently dropped out of the Champions League places, so far their financial advantages and traditional pulling power for top players have kept their heads above water.

Last time out, Spurs did just enough to finish in the top four, but also had their run to the Champions League final to contend with as Mauricio Pochettino juggled a thin squad and a number of injuries.