It’s promising to be an exciting Premier League title race this season. Already we’ve seen the summit change hands several times, while the leading pack have all experienced periods of good and bad form.
Currently, a clear top six are forming in the English top-flight as they look to depose reigning champions Leicester City. But what are each team’s chances of rising up and lifting the trophy come May? Here, we look at the positives and negatives for the top six clubs.
6. Manchester United
Pros
Jose Mourinho’s men are just starting to hit their straps with their defence clicking into gear, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba are combining in devastating fashion. The Phil Jones/Marcos Rojo partnership is promising, despite being, arguably, the biggest surprise of the season too “ although the Argentine needs to keep his tackling in check. Meanwhile Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly mean they have exceptional depth. Anthony Martial has sputtered into life recently and, prior to his injury against Tottenham, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was looking like the man the club thought they had signed in the summer. If they can keep up their form they could gatecrash the Premier League title party.
Cons
Realistically, their early season form has already cost them their shot at winning the Premier League. Meanwhile, an injury to Ibrahimovic threatens to derail the Red Devils. Wayne Rooney looks incapable of picking up the slack while the progress of Marcus Rashford has slowed.
5. Tottenham Hotspur
Pros
Spurs haven’t even hit top form yet. Mauricio Pochettino’s men haven’t got going so far this season, having lost key players through suspension and injury during the first-half of the campaign “ and yet they have still been winning games. If Tottenham’s stars click they could be a very dangerous outfit, as they showed in a first-half display against Chelsea, which saw them dominate until one minute before half-time. They have also showed tactical versatility by deploying a back-three against Hull City in the Premier League, and also possess two of the best full-backs in the competition.
Cons
The Europa League is going to be a burden on the club, as it means they must play more games than title rivals Liverpool and Chelsea. And if their current patchy form, which has led to far too many draws, continues there is no way they will be able to battle for the Premier League title for a second season in a row. Goalscoring also remains a problem for Spurs and is something which could well restrict their ambitions going forward.
4. Arsenal
Pros
In Alexis Sanchez, the Gunners have one of the Premier League’s top stars who, at times, appears capable of dragging them to victory when everything around him looks incapable of anything other than a languid and lethargic display. The Chilean has also been aided by an in-form Theo Walcott, who seems set to enjoy his most prolific season to date, if he can avoid injury issues. Shkodran Mustafi is also growing into a fine addition and will hope an injury lay-off doesn’t derail his campaign.
Cons
Summer signing Granit Xhaka has yet to make the impact required by the club to help solidify the spine of their side, while injuries have left huge gaps in their squad and show no sign of relenting with eight first-teamers currently out. Another negative has been the inconsistent form of German playmaker Mesut Ozil who has failed to replicate his match-winning displays from last season.
3. Manchester City
Pros
Pep Guardiola’s men are coming off the back of a morale-boosting victory over rivals Arsenal, and will know Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero are set to return soon following suspensions. Their 4-2 humbling at the hands of Leicester City seems to be behind them now and several players are beginning to gain confidence, which had been lacking.
Cons
As almost everyone has witnessed, their defence has been truly awful and they desperately need additions in this area. If they fail to strengthen, they may find it tough to compete for the title. The long-term injury to Ilkay Gundogan has also been a blow, while goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is an ongoing concern following several weak displays between the sticks. He could find himself targeted by opponents in the coming months.
2. Liverpool
Pros
Currently, the Reds have the most fearsome attack in England. Jurgen Klopp’s side have scored 41 goals in just 17 games with a number of their stars chipping in with goals. Their ability to score from several areas of the pitch is a huge plus, while the form of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana will be delighting their German gaffer. Being absent from Europe also means they can concentrate their efforts on Premier League football, which could be a huge boost as their rivals rotate their squads. And the return of Philippe Coutinho will deliver the Reds a huge boost in the coming weeks.
Cons
Liverpool might be firing on all cylinders going forward, but they look weak at the back and capable of conceding to any opponent. It will also trouble Klopp he may have to do without Joel Matip and Sadio Mane at the start of 2017 due to their possible involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations. Losing striker Daniel Sturridge, who may seek a move to get more game time, will also weaken his squad if the England star isn’t replaced well enough.
1. Chelsea
Pros
The Blues are in a superb period of form under new boss Antonio Conte, who is really getting a tune out of his new charges. They are likely to continue this in the coming months thanks to the depth of quality they have in midfield, which has seen them have the luxury of bringing in Cesc Fabregas to replace Nemanja Matic at points. Diego Costa and Eden Hazard have also been superb in recent months following poor campaigns last season, which has boosted the Blues and fired them up the Premier League table. And just like Liverpool, a lack of European football could prove to be a big help, with their rivals all facing extra games.
Cons
Recently, the Blues have looked a bit more fallible having struggled during matches with Tottenham and Manchester City, despite eventually winning the games. Goals have also recently dried up a little, which may leave some concerned should Diego Costa face a long-term absence. Meanwhile, although their defence has looked much-improved, it does look capable of being breached, unless they strengthen there in January.
Conclusion
Unless improvements are made in January, Tottenham are unlikely to be able to trouble the summit, while Manchester United may have left their surge to the top a little too late. Manchester City’s defensive problems leave them with plenty to do, but know the goalscoring exploits of Sergio Aguero could potentially fire them up the table, without too much effort.
Chelsea and Liverpool are both showing significant improvements, although lack a little depth defensively. But the fact both sides aren’t in European action will be huge boosts to their respective Premier League title chances. Arsenal, meanwhile, will know they have a point to prove after missing out on glory to Leicester City last season. Injuries, though, remain their biggest concern in the coming months.
