Given that each team has now played 20+ games in the Premier League this season, it is fair to say that the standings look as interesting as ever.
With gladiators like Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal all outside the top five as things stand, things really are getting interesting.
We are also seeing a few new names entering the top four which has prompted a rather hot debate — could we witness an underdog winning the Premier League again this year? Or at least qualifying for the Champions League? Anything is possible and there are a few outside bets for the Champions League places.
With that said, we have a few dark horses in mind that are more than capable of achieving such a feat.
West Ham
Before the season kicked off, nobody would have anticipated that West Ham would be in the top four in February. But facts are facts, and we cannot deny that West Ham look like a team that can do some serious damage this season.
They have won seven out of the last nine Premier League matches, the only loss being to defending champions, Liverpool, and recent loan signing from Manchester United, Jesse Lingard, has gotten off to a great start at the club.
Everton
The other team we feel has a realistic chance of upsetting the big six is Everton. Although they haven’t been the most consistent in the league this year, they have a squad that is capable of really turning up the heat.
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is in the Top 5 Premier League scorers, has been the most critical player, the likes of James Rodriguez and Richarlison are also important to their attacking play.
Everton sit seventh level on points with Liverpool after their Merseyside Derby victory which could be the confidence boost they need to push on.
Aston Villa
This could be a long shot, but Aston Villa did get off to an incredible start this season and had some of the best teams in the league shaking in their boots.
So far, Villa have managed to dismantle Liverpool 7-2 at home and have also managed wins against Leicester City and Arsenal.
While some may have thought that the win against Liverpool was a bit of a fluke, Dean Smith’s side have backed it up with impressive wins since.
Villa also has a fantastic attacking duo in the form of Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins, and they will be key for Villa’s outside shot of a European place.
Although Villa are currently 8th in the league, they have two games in hand. If they manage to win both games, they could leapfrog Liverpool and Everton.
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