Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes next season will be even tougher for the Premiership's Big Four to maintain their Champions League status.

O'Neill has identified Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City as possible contenders to challenge for the Champions League places.

He said: "We'd like to try and improve if at all possible but, if you look at Manchester City, they have the wherewithal to be really big players next season.

"You look at Tottenham Hotspur, who spent a lot of money in January time just to get out of trouble, which they accepted the fact it was a position they shouldn't have been in, and well done to them. Their rise has been terrific and next season they will be setting their sights very high again.

"You'll have other clubs, even clubs that have been a struggling a little bit, will have the wherewithal to go [higher].

"So it's going to be really difficult. It's been difficult this season but we've kept our heads above water all year. Next season it's going to be even more difficult."