I'd disagree but it isn't even so much about finishing position, it's about playing on a bigger stage, for a much bigger club. Getting the chance to play in the CL perhaps for 3 or 4 seasons not, as it might turn out, just 6 games. 60,000 people each week.

You look back on you're resume and you had the chance to go to one of the top clubs in Europe and didn't, I don't think anyone wouldn't have regrets.

If AW leaves at the end of this season, there is a good chance a new manager wouldnt want Vardy, rather a short lived "bigger stage" then

Theres a programme on Sky Sports, not sure what its called, PL Legends or similar and I saw the Alan Shearer one the other day and it was a bit awkward watching him trying to justify not going to Manchester United when he signed for Newcastle. I have no doubt he loved playing for his hometown club, but when he looks in his trophy cabinet? You are a long time retired!

If you sign for Madrid and there's a zika virus outbreak in Spain it'll look like a less attractive proposition.

You could 'if' the daylights out of any transfer and invent a scenario to make it seem unappealing.

Fair comment, I just don't think Emirates is a particularly exciting home ground to play at due to the lack of big match atmosphere, also at the moment, they aren't attracting the superstars so he isn't particularly mission out on playing alongside world greats...

Leicester will still be in and around the top 6 this season

Thats doubtful but they still won't be as big a club as the one Kante went to or the one Vardy didn't.

Vardy will be 30 next birthday, There is no way a player of his type will be playing at Champions League level in 3 or 4 seasons. More likely what would have happened is he would have two seasons (if very lucky) at a club at Arsenal at the very most before he was either a squad player or sold and at his age by then it would not be to a top club. Staying at his current club will ensure a much longer playing career and much better chance of getting decent contracts when he is coming at the end of his career due to his status at the club

arsenal was never a good move for him. he'd be ruined there and be under massive scrutiny. they always get humiliated in the champs league so it's hardly that attractive.

Are you kidding me? The man is financially set for life and that's even before you factor in his media work.

He doesn't even need to justify himself. He made a decision about where he thought he would be happiestl

He was a professional sportsman. Being financially set for life and having a media career doesn't mean that the fact he passed up the opportunity to win trophies, even if he did sign for his boyhood club, is going to hurt.

I never mentioned money?

He went to Newcastle at a time when he thought they would be challenging and winning honours surely he would have expected a trophy or two? I have no doubt he enjoyed playing for his local side and the team he supported as a lad but now his career is over thats about all he can say rather than the medals he could have won if he had gone to Manchester. Of course he is going to say he doesn't regret it and all that Local Hero stuff but really I'm sure he wonders what might have been, he wouldn't be human if he didn't.

My prediction, to dispel all the baited breath:

1) Manchester City
2) Manchester United
3) Chelsea
4) Liverpool
5) Arsenal
6) Spurs
7) West Ham
8) Leicester

.....then I lose interest

1) Manchester United - Pogba depending- he's the game changer for me.
2) Manchester City
3) Chelsea
4) Arsenal - Just because the only skill Wenger has left is acheiving a Top 4 finish each year.
5) Liverpool - but undoubtedly Top 4 17/18 if Klopp sticks around. Will win a cup.
6) Spurs
7) Everton
8) Leicester.

Arsenal 5th?

Nah!

Why City first just out of interest?

So far they've had a poor transfer window, other teams have improved. Liverpool will get better now Klopp has his feet under the table in his second season, City have strengthened and have a superstar manager, Chelsea should be strong under Conte and we have Mourinho and our signings look decent, going by pre-season, with all the usual caveats that comes with.

I know Arsenal are the perennial top-four team but vs those I've named I think they've stood still.

Because I think they stand a better chance of winning the league than Manchester United

Fair enough, I think that they have not covered their weak point (defence), whereas we have tried to cover our weak points more than they have, so I think that we have given ourselves a better chance of doing well them they have.

However, it is still a very difficult season to call, no doubt about that.

I'll give the top 8 a go, based on the current teams (and Pogba being at Man United):

1) Man City
2) Chelsea
3) Liverpool
4) Man United
5) Arsenal
6) Leicester
7) West Ham
8) Everton

Everton is dependant on the Lukaku situation. If he stays, fine. If he goes they may struggle unless his successor hits the ground running, and assuming they buy a striker, which I assume they would.

EDIT: Just realised I forgot Arsenal existed, so Leicester, West Ham, Everton and Southampton had to move down a spot, resulting in Southampton falling off the list.

I've got a sneaking suspicion that Otamendi will be an absolute beast for City, this year.

My prediction:

1. City
2. Arsenal
3. United
4. Chelsea
5. Spurs
6. West Ham
7. Leicester
8. Liverpool
9. Everton

Are those of you predicting Chelsea finishing in the top 3 basing that on an assumption that we wlll sign a couple of quality defenders before the transfer window shuts? If so, you've got more confidence than me about that happening. With the defence as it is at the moment, there's not a chance of finishing as high as that.

Oops, I just realised I also forgot about Spurs, and can't edit my above post to put them in.

I don't even know where I could place them. I'm thinking 5th, but I can't see Arsenal finishing 6th, or Spurs. They'll probably finish above Liverpool again, too, but I'll leave Liverpool in 3rd.

You had the chance to win the League last season and blew it you won't be in that position again.

I honestly think this season will be won by either Liverpool or Spurs.

Man City still don't have a lot in depth, lose a few first team players to injury and nothing to fall back on.

Man Utd will still have the LVG influence around their necks, will take a while for it to become a JM team, expect them to win it next season.

Chelsea will be unpredictable and lose against teams they shouldn't at crucial times.

Arsenal, will be Arsenal, no real additions to the squad, will be fighting for 4th place, and more depressing for Arsenal fans, don't expect Wenger to leave at the end of the season, as he will sign another contract extension.