TOP 5 teams that can surprise this Premier League season

TOP 5 teams that can surprise this Premier League season

The English Premier League is a complete mixture of excitement, high voltage competition and unpredictability. When two of the best clubs of Premier League lock horns the level of competition is of the highest quality. Over the last few years the Premier League has witnessed many surprising results when some of the bottom ranked teams have managed to challenge the big guns. This pattern is clearly visible in the current season also.

Some of the less popular sides have showcased that they can compete with the top-ranked teams. These teams don’t have world-class performers but can certainly pull off surprising results if they play to their capabilities. The teams we are about to discuss in this post possess different combination of players considering their strengths.

Managers guiding these teams have implemented plans as per the quality of their players and employed formations that could bring desired results. Some teams are more creative in the midfield, some possess more skills in the forward line while some are sharp defensively. Keeping in mind all these factors we have prepared a list of 5 teams who can pull off a surprise this Premier League season. We take a look at 5 such teams.

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#1 West Ham United

The Hammers have shown signs of improvement in every department under David Moyes. West Ham United lacked the bite in the midfield in the last few years but in the current season, there has been a change in the style of functioning. The midfielders have combined well with the forward line. This was reflected when the Hammers drew against Tottenham Hotspur 3-3 in October.

Centre forward Michael Antonio’s form will be pleasing to the eyes of David Moyes. The England international has netted 3 goals in 7 games this Premier League season. Jarrod Bowen has looked impressive at the right-wing scoring 4 goals in 12 games with 2 assists to his name. Tomas Soucek has also played a fine supporting role as a defensive midfielder.

The Irons are 6th in the points table and have won 6 out of 12 games with 20 points in their kitty. Still, David Moyes needs to bring more stability in the defence. Overall, the former Everton manager has made some clever changes during crunch situations. He has majorly used 4-2-3-1 combination this season in between using 5-4-1 combination sometimes. Moyes will want his men to be more consistent especially during the final stages of a game.

#2 Southampton FC

Ralph Hassenhuttl has covered all bases with his clever aptitude and clever rotations while selecting the playing eleven. Southampton FC has got players who can play in dual positions. Star performer Danny Ings can play as a center-forward, second striker as well as at the wings. He has netted 6 goals in 9 games this season with 3 assists to his name.

James Ward Prowse who plays as a central midfielder can also be used as a right-winger. He has scored 4 goals in 11 games so far with 3 assists to his name. With the likes of Jans Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard, Southampton’s midfield is looking fluent than ever. The Saints have looked solid in defence but still need to work on timely clearances.

Hassenhuttl has made important substitutions depending on the situation which has allowed his key players enough game time against stronger sides. The Austrian has mostly used a 4-4-2 formation helping the midfield function more smoothly. It was well demonstrated in Southampton’s 3-3 draw against Chelsea FC in October. Southampton’s goal-scoring rate has looked impressive during set-pieces. The Saints are 3rd in the Premier League table with 23 points in 12 games.

#3 Everton FC

Carlo Ancelotti has turned fortunes of many sides in his managerial career. Known to be a hard taskmaster Everton has looked one of the most dangerous and unpredictable sides under Ancelotti. The 61-year-old can shape the fortunes of Everton with his expertise and fine man-management.

The Blues have got some outstanding performers in the form Dominic Calvert Lewin who has scored 11 goals in 12 games and James Rodriguez who has netted 3 goals in 10 games with 3 assists to his name. Lewin can play as a left-winger as well as a centre forward while Rodriguez can play as a right-winger as well as a centre forward. Both have had a fine on-field understanding.

Ancelotti’s game plan has enabled his strikers to play more freely which is why they are more penetrative during counter-attacks. Abdoulaye Doucore has also impressed in the central midfield with his clever passing and positioning. Though there are some minor gaps to be filled in defense the Blues are looking technically strong at the moment.

Ancelotti has more often used a 4-1-4-1 formation in between using a 4-3-3 formation against sides who are quick on counter-attacks. Everton FC is at the 7th position in the table with 20 points winning 6 games so far this season.

#4 Wolverhampton FC

The Wolves have enjoyed the reputation of giant killers. Although the team doesn’t have any big names, Nuno Espirito Santos has trusted in his players’ abilities allowing them to play their natural game. The Wolves are known for their aggressive free-flowing style of play. Their main strength lies in creating goal-scoring opportunities through set-pieces and free kicks.

Their forward line has partnered well with the midfield especially when it comes to keeping the ball in possession. Adam Traore has worked well with Raul Jimenez and Daniel Podence. Nuno Espirito Santos has constantly made minor changes in the midfield depending on the opposition’s defence.

The Portuguese has kept on experimenting with his formations. He has employed a 5-3-2 formation while in between using a 3-4-3 set up or a 3-4-2-1 set up. The Wolves are at the 12th position in the Premier League with 17 points in 12 games.

#5 Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s form this season will be a deciding factor for the next season. The Blue Army has got enough depth in every department. The Lions pulled up a big surprise this season when they beat Liverpool 7-2 in October. That win clearly showcased the quality of this outfit. Dean Smith has turned out to be a fine administrator and is rotating his squad cleverly.

From using a 4-3-3 kind of formation to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 type of combination, Dean Smith is trying every option to build a team for the future. Aston Villa is going through a transformation phase as the Blue army needs time and consistency to create a set up for the future. Jack Grealish has been one of the biggest finds. He has scored 5 goals in 10 games with 6 assists to his name. The winger can play on both sides of the wings which can create problems for the opposition.

Ollie Watkins is another special talent who needs to be given more game time by Dean Smith and the team management. He has scored 6 goals in 10 games so far. He can also play on both sides of the wings. The defence has also looked sharp but needs to be more prudent while playing against sides who are more fluent in counter-attacks. The Lions have won 6 games so far and are known for their quick counter-attacks. Aston Villa FC is 10th in the points table with 18 points at the moment but Dean Smith’s men can’t be taken lightly.

Also Read: Bruno Fernandes – Premier League player of the month