We could of course go down and are more likely to than probably at least 13 or 14 other teams. But I agree the preparation for this season in preseason has been better and we're in a much better position on paper than this time last year or the year before, at least if we manage to retain Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White, CHO, Elanga. There's been cumulative improvement over the last two seasons, and I do think Nunonis a good manager and that we have looked more confident generally about being able to play to the level rather than be inferior but just smash and grab points with him at the helm.
If we do that and if Sangare carries his preseason form through to competitive games, we get another fullback and forward and we get off to a good start (we have been relatively blessed, for a change, with opening games which look like ones we may get points or even wins from on paper), we may well kick on to midtable. That could happen if Silva and Anderson settle and adds value, CHO continues his rehab, and Elanga and MGW carry on progressing. However, as ever these things are on a knife, a bad start and lose a key player or two the mood could shift rapidly and it could be another backs to the wall job. Chance as ever will play a big role.
I would probably sell Neco for £30M I think, as although he is good and may get better I'm not sure he's that good. That would depend on what we replaced him with though as we are not rich in experienced full backs. I'd probably say the same for Danilo at £40M.