Rafael Benitez believes that Everton, Leicester City, West Ham and Wolves can challenge for a spot in the Premier League's top six this season, though he does not feel Tottenham Hotspur will drop out of the top four.
While Liverpool and Manchester City are again threatening to run away with the top two places in the league this season, a number of other contenders for the top four are showing signs of inconsistency.
Tottenham have struggled to get going so far this term, while there are also question marks over Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Benitez feels that Mauricio Pochettino's side do have enough to make sure they are again in the Champions League next season, but he sees the remaining top six mix as fluid and is of the view that there are another four sides that can insert themselves into the picture.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle manager pointed to Everton, Leicester, Wolves and West Ham as clubs who have the potential to push up towards the top six.
Asked about in a Q&A with The Athletic about if Tottenham can finish in the top four, Benitez said: "I think so. It will maybe more interesting this year, but still I can see that they have the potential to do well.
"We talk about 'six teams', but for me Leicester, West Ham, Wolves and Everton can progress and challenge.
"Again, I will say Tottenham have all the experience and quality to do well and to stay in the top four."
Wolves have picked up just four points from their opening six Premier League games, while Everton have seven points on the board.
Leicester meanwhile are a lofty third with eleven points from six matches, with West Ham sitting fifth on the same number of points.
