As we head into yet another international break, the four teams slotted in at the top of the table look the most likely to mount a serious challenge for the title.
If the bookmakers are to be believed, than they are the only contenders as they are almost entirely discounting any other challenge. So let’s take a look at the likely chances of the current top four.
Any Newcastle or Manchester United fans who disagree can back their teams at very tidy odds indeed.
The galvanising effect of Ange Postecoglou has been well documented and is beyond question. The sale of Harry Kane appears to have also lifted a weight off the club and the signing of James Maddison has been inspiring
Micky van de Ven has also been a revelation and has had a hugely positive effect on Romero also. Son Heung-min has a smile back on his face and appears to be truly injury-free finally.
It’s probably a stretch to see Spurs winning the league this season and they are the longest price of the current top four. A look at their bench on Saturday possibly offers a clue as to why this is the case as a lack of depth could catch up with them.
They do, however, have the advantage of not playing in Europe this season, giving players optimum rest time and the best chance for Big Ange to get his ideas and tactics across.
With some shrewd investment in the January window, there is no reason for Spurs not to feel they are strong favourites for a top-four berth given Chelsea and Manchester United’s travails and Newcastle’s European distractions.
The Gunners sit on Spurs’ shoulders separated only by goals scored and will have taken huge confidence from their most recent win against City.
Declan Rice is a sensational signing for them, giving the North London side poise and control in midfield. Alongside Martin Odegaard, Arsenal have huge quality in that area. If they can keep Martinelli and Saka fit, they also have absolute dynamite down the flanks.
Arsenal went close last year but ultimately came up short. Mikel Arteta remains the key for Arsenal after some fingers were pointed earlier in the season with issues over team shape and tinkering.
The purchase and integration of Kai Havertz as well as the loan signing of David Raya, who has ousted fan favourite Aaron Ramsdale for the time being have also been contentious for the Emirates faithful.
Mikel Arteta. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Arteta has more options this year, has a vibrant and still-maturing team and now has the experience of last year to call on. They could go even closer this season if Arteta can use those options effectively.
The class of the field and still odds-on favourites with the bookmakers – even after this weekend. They have stayed the course time after time and also added the biggest club trophy of all last season to their burgeoning trophy cabinet.
Like Fergie’s United teams, City are not always the fastest of starters, but they are formidable come the sharp end of the season and they have the toolkit to dismantle any teams in their way.
Injuries to key players – especially Kevin De Bruyne – have hampered City’s start to the season and Erling Haaland has looked a little off-colour so far by his ridiculous standards.
City will need the likes of Bernando Silva and Jack Grealish to step up and it is clear to all that any long-term absence of Rodri would be a serious issue for City. Pep clearly has no faith in Kalvin Phillips who should move on for the sake of his career.
However, City’s unrivalled ability to string long winning sequences together is without question and Pep Guardiola sounded entirely relaxed after yesterday’s defeat to last year’s title rivals.
City have huge quality and experience all over the field and a coach that has redefined the very essence of the word. Certainly, if any team were to finish above City this season, they would definitely be champions.
Probably the Joker in the top four pack. Liverpool has gone toe to toe several times with City but, in truth, only came out on top once. Klopp’s previous Reds incarnation also had the ability to string mammoth runs of consecutive victories together, but they regularly came up just short and this is a squad full of new faces.
Liverpool will rightly feel robbed after their loss at Spurs and Klopp remains a master motivator of his players. One criticism of his teams is that they can be left wide open if their press isn’t functioning at the optimum strength and if Liverpool will have an Achilles heel this season then it does look to be in defence.
The Reds, however, remain formidable in attack led by the wonderful Mo Salah, now aided by an impressive cast of new talent.
With Salah and Virgil van Dijk now both the wrong side of 30, Klopp may feel that this season offers an opportunity for another title. One other option would be to take the money on offer for Salah from the Saudi league and build for the next couple of seasons. Third place looks likely.
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