Football Blog: So long big 4, there's a big 8 developing

OK Sunderland are mixing it in there now, and for all their improvement on last year's dismal displays, they will no doubt fall away, as will Everton slowly improve as usual.

So sure, Man City may have it in them to break into the top four, but mark my words those will be the teams occupying the top eight places at the end of the year, and in theory every team in the second bank of four has it in them to challenge for the top four if they get a good run together.

But nobody else has the quality or consistency to make it into the top eight this year, West Ham? No chance, Wigan? ditto, Fulham are preoccupied with Europe, but what does this mean for the Premiership, is it a good thing or a bad thing?

Well it is good from the point of view that it is about time the big four had some noteworthy competition, its easy to forget that in 2003 Newcastle finished 3rd, but since Abramovich took over Chelsea, the big four have become a permanent fixture, to the detriment of the Premier League.

Villa had a good crack at it last year and just came short, but haven't really strengthened enough to make you believe they can improve this year, and the rise of City makes it even more unlikely.

Early performances from Spurs suggest they seem to be walking over everybody that isn't United or Chelsea, and they will curely occupy one of the top spots, as will Everton who now they have got rid of Lescott and settled, are getting their season back on track.

It also looks like the Carling Cup is going to be ultra competitive this year, as the teams mentioned are really pushing hard and taking it seriously, in a bid to solidify the improvements they have already made, Villa and City especially would love to win it.

The problem is, what is five seasons down the line, the big eight is a monopoly like the big four? What hope does it give for the lower teams? The bottom end of the Premiership is going to be tight this year, with a lot of teams not up to scratch, I'm looking at you Hull.

For the mean time we should enjoy the ride, this season looks like it is going to be a great one, but if you are not a fan of the big eight clubs, it could be worrying, or it could be inspiring? What are your views?