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The 2021-22 Premier League season has been captivating as always, providing unceasing entertainment. There have been a lot of ups and downs so far, with surprise names making an impact, and established ones falling short.
While Manchester City are ten points clear at the top, only a point separates second-placed Chelsea from third-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
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The second half of the season has begun, and there is intense competition at both ends of the table. The race for fourth spot is one to keep an eye out for, and it may go down to the wire. Manchester City are looking comfortable at the top, but will need to keep their focus for the remainder of the campaign.
The January transfer window could also play a role in how the Premier League season pans out. On that note, here's a look at five teams expected to have a positive start to the new year with comparatively easy fixtures.
#5 Watford
Watford were promoted to the Premier League this season, but have struggled to find their feet so far. Wins have been rare for the Hornets, as they are 17th in the league. Claudio Ranieri, their manager, will hope to reinvigorate his players for the second half of the season.
Watford fans will be grateful that Emmanuel Dennis will not be leaving to play for Nigeria in the AFCON this year. Dennis has been their sole goal threat this season. His performances could be key if Watford want to win their next two games.
Watford will face Newcastle and Norwich in January. Both clubs are having calamitous Premier League campaigns so far.
Norwich seem destined to get relegated. Newcastle’s recent takeover might help their survival chances, but they could need an extraordinary January transfer window.
#4 Everton
Everton started the 2021-22 Premier League season admirably. They were in the top five after the first seven games.
However, Rafa Benitez has not been able to get his players to continue in the same vein. They are currently 15th in the Premier League, and have had a terrible run of fixtures.
Everton have won just one out of their last 12 Premier League games. They might turn things around if they manage a few decent signings in the January transfer window. Everton face Leicester City, Norwich City and Aston Villa in January.
Leicester could be tough to overcome, but the Toffees will have home advantage. Norwich’s fate is as good as sealed, as they have just ten points thus far. Everton will also host 13th-placde Aston Villa, who haven’t been quite as good as they were last season.
#3 Leicester City
Leicester City have been unpredictable in the Premier League so far this campaign.
They have snatched three points out of nowhere on a few occasions, and lost dreadfully at times. Their clash against Manchester City, which they lost 6-3, has been probably the most entertaining game in the Premier League so far.
The Foxes are tenth in the Premier League. Due to COVID-19 related issues, a few of their fixtures have been postponed. They can climb up the table and fight for a Europa League spot if they win their games in hand. Leicester will face Everton and Burnley away and Brighton at home in the next few weeks of January.
Everton have struggled under Rafa Benitez, and are 15th in the league. Burnley, a team in trouble, are fighting for survival in the Premier League. Although Brighton might be a tricky fixture, Leicester will play them at home, and are expected to get all three points.
#2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently ninth in the Premier League, but are a defensively solid unit.
They have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight league games. In their most recent match against Manchester United, they earned a well-deserved 0-1 victory, their first league win at Old Trafford in over four decades.
Wolves face Southampton and Brentford in the remainder of January. These are fixtures they are expected to win, given the current form of their opposition. Brentford haven’t been able to continue their brilliant start to the season, while 14th-placed Southampton are also finding it difficult to string together wins.
Wolves have one of the stingiest defences in the Premier League. They have let in just 14 goals this season, the second-best in the league. Jose Sa has been outstanding between the sticks, and is largely to thank for their defensive solidity. If this form continues, Wolves have a good chance of finishing in the top eight.
#1 Liverpool
Liverpool, one of the best teams in Europe, are once again performing clinically in the Premier League.
In their most recent league game, they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Chelsea. The Reds are currently third in the Premier League, one point behind Chelsea and 11 behind leaders Manchester City. They have a game in hand that could see them overtake the Blues.
Liverpool will miss Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, as they'll participate in the AFCON. Nevertheless, the quality Liverpool possess could see them rack up wins in the next few weeks.
They'll next face Brentford at home before travelling to Crystal Palace, their last league fixture in January. Palace have won just two of their previous nine games. Brentford, meanwhile, have been very inconsistent in the league this season.
The Bees might be a surprise package, but getting any points from Anfield could be a herculean task for them.
