The Premier League has already proven how unpredictable it can be this season, with huge defeats suffered by Manchester United and Liverpool on the same day. Betting on the league this season is looking near on impossible due to this season played in circumstances that sees no advantage to any team. The title race is wide open, and the battle to avoid relegation will also likely go to the wire. But, which teams could surprise experts this season and secure a finish in the top half of the league despite some suggesting that they will be locked in a relegation battle?
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have started the 2020-21 season excellently, and it looks improbable now that they will get dragged into a relegation battle. It took the Villa until matchday 13 last season to reach the same number as points as they currently have after four games this season, and Dean Smith certainly has his team pulling in the same direction.
Jack Grealish committing his long-term future to the club was a massive boost, while the return to fitness of John McGinn has also had a massive impact. The signing of Ollie Watkins has been an inspired one, and it doesn’t look like he will struggle to find the net in the top flight. The addition of Ross Barkley also lift the load of Grealish slightly, and barring any injuries, they could be well placed to upset the Premier League predictions and finish in the top ten this season.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton have already been a team that neutrals have enjoyed watching this season, as they play a free-flowing football with the full-backs almost operating as wingers. Tariq Lamptey has been getting all the headlines so far this season, as the £3 million fee that Brighton paid already looks to be a bargain. Neal Maupay settled to life in the Premier League towards the back end of last season, and he has already scored four goals in five games this season.
Last season was a dangerous one for the Seagulls, as they completely changed the way that they played after the arrival of Graham Potter. However, after surviving the drop last season, they will now be able to kick on, and a top-half finish could be within their grasps if they can maintain their momentum.
Leeds United
It’s fair to say that there has been a lot of excitement around Leeds United and their return to the Premier League, and they haven’t disappointed. Marcelo Bielsa is already one of the best managers in the league, and Leeds have demonstrated what they are capable of on the pitch in games against Manchester City and Liverpool this season. Defensively there are still concerns, as they do leak too many goals.
But, that is just the way that they play, as Bielsa is convinced that his side will outscore the opposition. Many experts predicted a top-half for Leeds before the start of the season, but the aim would have been survival. Regardless, they already look like a team that will be knocking on the door to the top ten because of their attacking displays.