We asked for your views on the debate around Tottenham's dwindling 'big-six' status, and whether either Aston Villa or Newcastle has a case to take their place.
Here are some of your comments:
Spurs fans
Dave: In recent years, our being viewed as one of the big six has become increasingly ridiculous. History and a nice stadium simply isn't enough. We've had some interesting managers and some good players - but despite that have remained a consistently mediocre team. If the owners don't get VERY serious about significant investment in our squad very soon, I think we're doomed. Relegation would be heartbreaking but it's where we are. I'm 72 and have been a fan since I was six. It's getting hard to remain hopeful.
Colin: Have we ever been a top-six club? Maybe we expect too much from our team - we just do not have the financial resources to get a top-six team together, let alone a top-four one. I am worried that we are battling to stay up this year - we really need to win at least four more games and the way we are playing I just cannot see that! We are a long way off top six.
Chris: Agree with Wayne Rooney's comments - this team is average at best and has a poor attitude. I don't blame Thomas Frank at all, I genuinely feel sorry for him and now we're seeing it all play out again with Igor Tudor. Are we going to blame him too? No manager is going to fix this mess until the board shows some real ambition. We need four or five proven, high-quality signings. There are also deeper, structural problems that have been there for years. Championship next season.
Brian: Yeah we are still a big-six team. Any club with as many players injured as we have would be struggling. It would be a different story with all players fit - so, yes.
Aston Villa fans
Carl: In the past three seasons, Spurs have been in the top six once, flirting with relegation last year and again this year. Meanwhile, Villa have been in the top six twice in the past three years and are firmly there again this year. Spurs shouldn't be mentioned in the 'big-six' conversation any more.
Paul: Yes of course Villa are a top-six club. Look at Unai Emery's record - a top-class European manager and sold-out games at a great stadium. Only PSR stops them being even more successful. Tottenham are nowhere near being called a top-six club.
James: Villa have always been a big-six club. Spurs' inclusion was always utterly baffling, and based purely on London bias. They have a big stadium? Wow. It's soulless, and they were being considered as part of the big six before that was even built, so that's not it. Villa are huge. Football royalty.
Daniel: All day long Villa are bigger than Spurs. They have a better stadium - that's it. Villa would be even bigger and would definitely be challenging for titles if they could spend. If Unai could buy who he wanted, Villa would have won the league this year. In reality, we've lost our midfield and are still competing better than Spurs. Anyone who think Spurs are top six are deluded or a Spurs fan.
Alan: I don't think Villa, as a club or the fans, could care less about whether they're regarded as a 'big-six' club. Let the results speak for themselves. When Villa Park is redeveloped to accommodate over 50,000, then maybe they'll be viewed differently.
Newcastle fans
Simon: Spurs still receive disproportionate media coverage and were part of the ill-fated Super League. Their on-field performances have been enough for Newcastle or Villa to replace them. The idea of the 'big six' can become the 'big five', neither of the aforementioned clubs need it.
Adam: We're realistically down to a 'big three' of regular Premier League title contenders. At this point, Newcastle don't have the financial clout to compete at that level. It's probably a discussion that is worth revisiting in a few years' time though.
Tom: Newcastle's average finishing position over the past four seasons is fifth. The 'big six' is nonsense anyway. Little Tottenham have only been placed there by the media. Newcastle should definitely replace them and Aston Villa should replace Manchester United, who were also in a relegation battle last season and aren't playing in Europe this season.
Sean: Newcastle and Aston Villa have both broken into the top six over the past few years. Spurs change their manager regularly and are nowhere near the top six any more. Newcastle should be a top-six team, just in front of Villa because of winning a cup.
Kevin: The Toon have always been a top-six club in most people's eyes. The supporters are the best in the league. Watch out for the new stadium.