5 clubs surprisingly in the top 4 of their leagues right now

Although it is expected that the 'Big Four' of the league will dominate the league, we have to accept that secretly all of us want upsets to happen. Honestly, it is oddly satisfying for a football fan to see little-known clubs at the top of the table.

This international break has provided us with the opportunity to take a look at the top standings across Europe. Well, the good news for all of us fans around the world is that we find some rather unexpected teams at the top of the standings.

So, let's take a look at the 5 clubs who have managed to break into the top four of their leagues, and surprised the fans and pundits alike.

---

5. VfL Wolsfburg

Wolfsburg have secured two wins in as many Bundesliga games. (Image Source: 7 Sep 2018, Vfl Wolfsburg)

VFL Wolfsburg, which started out as a team of automobile workers way back in 1945 is a well known name in the Bundesliga today. Die Wölfe have won the Bundesliga once in their history, exactly 10 years ago in the 2008-09 season, but their fortunes have since changed.

Though the team had its fair share of top quality players in recent years, like the 2017 UEFA Champions League finalist Mario Mandžukić, Manchester City midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne, and Julian Draxler, it is not a club one expects to compete for the "Deutsche Meisterschale." As recently as last season, it barely managed to retain its Bundesliga status by beating Holstein Kiel 1-0 (4-1 on aggregate) in the relegation play-offs.

But it seems things are getting back on track under Bruno Labbadia. So far they have managed to defeat Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen. As a result, they sit surprisingly at second position in the league standings, behind only the German giants Bayern Munich on goal difference.

One thing's for sure: no one would've expected the last season's worst performers to score the maximum points this season so far.

4. Dijon FCO

Dijon FCO are Second in Ligue 1 standings, with 9 points. (Image Source: Dec 15 2017, AFP PHOTO / JEFF PACHOUD)

A little known name not only in Europe, but in French football too, Dijon FCO is a Dijon based football club founded in 1998. Having been back in Ligue 1 since 2016-17 season, the club has done a decent job of staying in the top flight, and ended last season with a modest 11th position finish in Ligue 1.

The tremendous start to this season for Dijon can be attributed to their team effort, especially in the final third. They have the fourth best attacking stats in the league so far. Julio Tavares has already scored 3 goals, and Valentine Rosier has second highest number of assists so far.

With key players performing well, it is no doubt they are second in Ligue 1, only behind the commanding PSG. But to see a club like Dijon on top sure is as welcoming sight as it is surprising.

3. U.S. Sassuolo Calcio

Sassuolo are one of the only three unbeaten teams in this Serie A season so far

Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio is a club that was founded in 1920, but only played their first-ever Serie A match on August 25, 2013. Over the years, achievements for the club include winning the TIM Trophy in 2013 and securing a Europa league qualification in 2016.

The club secured a decent 11th place finish in the Serie A last season, but have started this season with a bang. They have managed three wins in the four games played so far, thus find themselves in second position only behind current champions Juventus.

Interestingly, the reason for their early success can be attributed to the players up front, with Kevin-Prince Boateng and Dominic Berardi both finding the back of the net 2 times each. As things stand, they have the best attacking stat in the Serie A this season, with 8 goals scored.

Though the Neroverdi being second in Serie A has surprised one and all, I think that because it has the best attacking stats in the league, it deserves to be where it is.

2. Celta de Vigo

Celta Vigo are one of the only four unbeaten teams in La Liga this season.

Real Club Celta de Vigo, or Celta, is not a club which is generally considered a serious contender for anything. Having never won the league title nor the Copa del Rey so far, it is quite understandable why.

In a league dominated by the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, any club will find it difficult to lay claim to the top two spots in the standings. We can at least say that Celta are at least trying to do just that. They are unbeaten this season so far, and recently beat Atletico Madrid 2-0. This helped them climb up to third in the La Liga standings, only behind, you guessed it: Los Blancos and the Catalan giants Barça.

With players like Iago Aspas and Maximiliano Gomez, both of whom were in the top 10 goalscorers in La Liga last season, we can expect them to stay in the top four for a while.

1. Watford FC

With 12 points in four games Watford are third in the Premier League.

The Vicarage Road based club secured promotion in 2014 and has managed to stay in Premier League since. Watford, under the new coach Javi Gracia, is in top form right now. With four back to back wins, including a 2-1 win at home over Tottenham, they are on level with league leaders Liverpool and Chelsea in terms of points, only behind on goal difference.

With such a perfect start to the season, they must have surprised not only fans and pundits, bu themselves too. Jose Holebas leads the league's assists charts, with four in four games. Pereyra has already scored 3 goals for them. But it has been team performance that has taken them this far.

While it is surprising to see the Hornets occupying the third spot in the league right now, it was not that surprising to see Gracia being awarded the August Manager of the Month award for his intelligent management of the team. He deserves as much credit as the players for Watford's 100 % win record.