Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp says a top four finish is too high a target.

He explained: "I can't see anyone breaking the top four this season. I think Villa will go close and will be a danger to everyone. They will be a top-six side. That is where we want to be as well.

"But there are so many good sides, proper sides, who will be there or thereabouts. Villa and Spurs are nailed on for that kind of finish. After that there is Everton, ourselves, West Ham, Newcastle and Blackburn who are all going to be there.

"As for the top four, you'd have to spend £100m to break their stranglehold."

But goalkeeper David James says: "In the build-up to the Cup final, I saw Harry was voted as Portsmouth's greatest-ever manager.

"I believe his highest-ever finish as manager was fifth with West Ham. That was a team with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and other super youngsters. Maybe we can get him into new territory this season and beat even that."