ClapIn the wake of a month-long break due to the World Cup, it’s finally time to dive back into the chaos that is the English Premier League.
It’s known around the globe as the best top flight league on the planet and, while there may be some bias involved, we believe that to be true.
The season has been pretty fascinating thus far and as we look ahead to the next couple of months, we’re excited to see how the following five teams fare in the midst of the carnage.
It isn’t going to be easy, but nothing at this level is.
Arsenal
Arsenal Football Club are top of the Premier League by five points. Given how disappointing the end to last season was for this team, it’s kind of remarkable to see them in this position at Christmas.
Alas, now is when the real pressure begins. In addition to keeping hold of the lead, they need to prove they can withstand the pressure despite losing one of their key men in the form of Gabriel Jesus.
Chelsea
There was always going to be a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Graham Potter when he took over as Chelsea boss. Now, with the club down in eighth place with three losses on the bounce, he has real work to do.
The Blues will see finishing in the top four as a big accomplishment but they are already eight points off the pace. If they can get on a nice run then they may be able to do something, but it’s easier said than done.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa may be in 12th but they have three wins in their last four. As well as that, they have Unai Emery as their new manager – a man who knows how to win and knows the Premier League quite well.
Villa have a lot of potential but there are obviously still some issues that need to be ironed out. If they can manoeuvre through the next few weeks, a top half finish is the absolute minium they should aim for.
Everton
Everton were given a close call last season when they just about managed to survive, despite seeming as if they were going to slip through the trap door for the better part of the entire season.
Frank Lampard may well be the man to get them out of this mess. If he isn’t, though, we’re going to find out sooner rather than later, and the Toffees will have a big decision to make before the end of winter.
Wolves
Wolves fans can be forgiven for feeling a little bit worried. While they find themselves in the quarter-finals of the League Cup, they are also situated in 20th positon in the Premier League table.
Thankfully, Julen Lopetegui is here to try and save the day. It isn’t going to happen overnight but this is an experienced manager who has a talented squad, as well as a decent amount of money to spend in January.
