The Premier League has always been a different ball game for the viewers. It is one of the most unpredictable leagues and rightly this makes it one of the toughest leagues in the world too.
The reason why it’s called unpredictable is because of its nature to spring surprises. May it be Leicester City winning the league in 2016 or Stoke City hammering Liverpool 6-1 in Steven Gerrard’s final game for the Merseyside giants, the Premier League has never shied away from surprising the fans.
Adding to the aforementioned examples, Manchester City winning the Premier League by a solitary point in 2018-19 is a remarkable achievement too, considering the unpredictability of Liverpool’s slump after Christmas.
Every season, certain “small” clubs perform considerably well against the so-called big teams, and the ongoing campaign has been no exception. Besides surprising the big guns, these clubs have performed consistently and have managed to silence the critics.
So, here are three clubs who have punched above their weights in the ongoing 2019-20 season.
#1 Leicester City
Despite selling Harry Maguire for a hefty sum to Manchester United last summer, Leicester City have never looked out of touch in the ongoing season.
They were 19 points off the top four in the 2018-19 campaign and many thought it would be a difficult season for them. However, they have proved the doubters wrong with their excellent performances on the pitch.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are currently third in the Premier League and are expected to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Leicester’s position in the table shows the tactical astuteness of the former Liverpool boss. The Foxes have given several youngsters playing time this season and they have also repaid the club’s faith.
Leicester’s fine results can also be attributed to their teamwork. Senior players such as Jamie Vardy, James Maddison, Ben Chilwell and Kasper Schmeichel have also performed well this season.
Although they have blown hot and cold since January, not many expected Leicester City to be fighting for a Champions League spot in the present campaign.
#2 Sheffield United
In the Premier League, we often see the newly promoted clubs in a relegation dogfight. Although the case has remained the same with Norwich City and Aston Villa, who find themselves in the relegation zone, Sheffield United have been a real surprise to many. Not only are Chris Wilder’s men several places above the drop zone, but they are also fighting for a Champions League spot. Currently, they occupy the seventh position in the Premier League, five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea but having played a game less than the Blues.
In their last five Premier League outings, Sheffield United have just lost once and have won thrice. The Blades’ last loss in the league came in the form of a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City in late January. Wilder has made his players punch above their weight with an effective 3-5-2 formation.
If they continue their fine performances, there is no doubt that Sheffield United can seal a place in Europe next season.
#3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Espirito Nuno Santo’s side are quite underrated in Premier League. Although Wolves have been performing consistently well since last season and shocking the top six clubs often, they haven’t got the recognition they deserve.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated reigning champions Manchester City after coming back from two goals down at end of December. In their past five Premier League outings, Wolves have won two and drawn thrice, conceding just two goals in the process. Those two goals came against Tottenham Hotspurs in a 3-2 winning effort against the north London outfit as Nuno triumphed over fellow Portuguese manager, Jose Mourinho.
Players like Raul Jimenez, Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves and Rui Patricio have been crucial in Wolves consistently punching above their weight. With nine league games remaining in their hands and Wolves being just five points adrift of the fourth spot, they have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have performed remarkably well in the Europa League too. They drew 1-1 against Olympiacos in the first leg of their Round of 16 fixture away from home and have a great chance of booking their place in the next round of the continental competition.
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