The Premier League is well underway now, and fans have been able to get a feel of how their team will do this season. Some fans will be nervously expecting a first win in the league and hoping that their side won’t be locked in a relegation battle, while some will be hoping that experts are right and that they can challenge the top six.
The top six in the Premier League have been unbreakable ever since Manchester City’s cash injection in 2008. The places in which they finish have altered over the seasons, but no teams have been able to sustain any kind of form to challenge them.
That could change this season, and there are a few teams that have a realistic chance. Their chances are certainly helped by the circumstances surrounding two of the top six, with Chelsea looking the most likely to lose their place due to a transfer embargo and the departure of Eden Hazard. But which club will be most hopeful of breaking into the top six party?
Wolverhampton Wanderers
The Midlands club have only been back in the Premier League for one full season, but Wolves are unlike any other promoted side that we have seen in the Premier League. Their wealthy owners have injected money smartly with the purchases of Ruben Neves, Rui Patricio and Joao Moutinho, and the partnership with Jorge Mendes only promises bigger things to come.
Nuno Espirito Santo has done a remarkable job during his time at Molineux but breaking into the top six would be the finest achievement of his career.
Surprisingly there was no interest in many of Wolves’ top players over the summer, which meant they have been able to strengthen with the signings of Pedro Neto and Patrick Cutrone. The big question that remains over them is how they will be able to remain competitive in the league while also playing in the Europa League.
Their squad is much thinner than most European sides, and injuries to first-team players could derail their hopes. However, if they can keep the core of their squad fit, then they would be in with a chance. Wolves will just need to ensure that they play on the front foot against lower-quality sides, which were the fixtures that they dropped points in last season.
Leicester City
Brendan Rodgers arrived at the King Power Stadium midway through last season and was confident that he could guide this team to bigger and better things. The Foxes have one of the best young squads in the division and players such as Ben Chilwell, James Maddison and Harvey Barnes have been able to flourish alongside seasoned professionals like Jamie Vardy and Jonny Evans.
Their season has started with consecutive draws, but it would seem only a matter of time before they get their first three points of the season on the board.
The big concern for Leicester would be how they deal with the departure of Harry Maguire. The Englishman was an integral part of their defence, and the club wasn’t able to bring in a new player once he departed for Manchester United. Rodgers has played CaglarSoyuncu in his position for the first two league games. Only time will tell whether he is the perfect replacement.
Everton
The final side that would be hoping to break into the top six is Everton. Marco Silva has spent big once again this summer to bring in Moise Kean, Andre Gomes and Alex Iwobi. But, how he manages to knit this team together will be intriguing. Their away form was the reason why they missed out on Europe last season, as they only won five games away from Goodison Park. However, most online sportsbooks still make Everton the favourites out of the chasing pack.
The Toffees have needed a striker ever since Romelu Lukaku departed, which means there will be pressure on Moise Kean to deliver the goals that could seal a top-six finish. The Italian is widely regarded as one of the best young strikers in the world, and Everton raised a lot of eyebrows by being able to tempt him away from Juventus.
Kean hasn’t registered a goal yet, but his performance against Watford shows that fans won’t have to wait too long until he’s off the mark. However, they would still have to improve across the field if they are going to finish about Leicester and Wolves, never mind finish in the top six.