Positions the top 5 Premier League teams should strengthen in January 2019

#1 Manchester City (Defensive Midfielder)

Fernandinho has been excellent but will need help

Manchester City has every right to feel slightly aggrieved with the state of the Premier League table. After 10 games the Cityzens sit in first place, two points better than second-placed Liverpool.

However, for a horribly-placed Riyadh Mahrez penalty against the Reds and a clear handball not called against Wolves, they would have a maximum of 33 points from 11 games.

Just like last season, Fernandinho has been one of the pillars of Guardiola's team. The Brazilian international has been near faultless (like he was last season). His tackling, intercepting, intelligent shielding of the ball and passing have contributed greatly to the Cityzens' good run.

Well aware of Fernandinho's age (33) and the law of diminishing returns, Guardiola tried to get Jorginho before the Italian international decided to move to London and join Chelsea instead. He may dip into the market again in January as none of the other midfielders: Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden or Kevin De Bruyne offer Fernandinho's defensive solidity.

The likes of Tanguy N''Dombele (Olympique Lyon), Ruben Neves (Wolves) have been linked with the French international looking the likeliest to join. He really impressed in Lyon's 2-1 win over City in the UEFA Champions League clash and may cost up to £40m to prise from Les Gones.