We’re virtually on the midway level of the Premier League season and Liverpool are nonetheless holding a powerful lead atop the desk below new supervisor Arne Slot. Having a sport in hand on the remainder of the highest 4, Liverpool lead by 4 factors over a resurgent Chelsea. However with the switch window opening quickly and Boxing Day across the nook, it is a good probability to see what every staff want to add when celebrating the vacations.
So this is what each Premier League staff may very well be asking for this Christmas.
1. Liverpool, 39 pts
Reward: Historical past to repeat itself
Why: Already including somebody who may assist the assault in Federico Chiesa, this nonetheless is not a Liverpool staff that has hit high gear but. Contemplating they’re already clear on the high, there isn’t any purpose to upset the apple cart. However 10 of the final 15 groups to occupy high spot at Christmas have gone on to win the Premier League title, in order that they’ll simply be hoping for that to pan out of their favor.
2. Chelsea, 35 pts
Reward: A wholesome Reece James … or a James alternative
Why: Below Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have come into their very own, however they’ve spent a lot of the season with out correct wing backs as James has been injured on and off, and Ben Chilwell is out of the image, so an opportunity so as to add extra depth in January if James is not good to go would make the proper defensive addition below the tree.
3. Arsenal, 33 pts
Reward: Bubble wrap
Why: A staff that wants good situations to win the title, Arsenal have already frolicked with out Martin Odegaard and now they’re going to be with out Bukayo Saka with their newest damage. Whereas it could be nice so as to add a striker, what’s most essential is maintaining their present squad wholesome.
4. Nottingham Forest, 31 pts
Reward: From socks to a sweater, something will do!
Why: With spending energy, the Tough Timber are on observe to return to European play for the primary time for the reason that 1979-80 season. At a time like this, it is a good probability to not get too far forward of yourselves and ensure to not have any massive departures.
5. Bournemouth, 28 pts
Want: Magical eggnog to duplicate away type at residence
Why: Like Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth are climbing the desk with out being anticipated to be on this place, primarily because of their sturdy away report. However with regards to taking good care of enterprise at residence, the Cherries have struggled to impose their will. Deal with that and the sky may very well be the restrict for this staff.
6. Aston Villa, 28 pts
Want: Extra days off
Why: After qualifying for the Champions League final season, Villa have taken a step again in league play, primarily resulting from lack of depth within the first staff. Villa are nonetheless doing properly in European play, however to make a return subsequent season, they’re going to want some assist.
7. Manchester Metropolis, 27 pts
Want: Restart complete season
Why: That is doubtless a misplaced season for Manchester Metropolis and it is not all all the way down to lacking Rodri. It is a staff that wants assist virtually in every single place and a mentality shift. These shifts will be exhausting to make in the course of the season, however with the assistance of a time machine, perhaps we have now an opportunity.
8. Newcastle United, 26 pts
Want: Alexander Isak to ship presents each weekend
Why: After a gradual begin to the season, Isak is now displaying why he was an outdoor shot for a Golden Boot title, however in Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, he hasn’t had sufficient help. The Magpies are so near breaking via, and getting a secondary possibility within the assault will go a protracted technique to making that occur.
9. Fulham, 25 pts
Want: Extra castoffs from the Large Six
Why: Fulham have develop into the place Arsenal castoffs go to thrive with additions from different high sides which in one other universe would make them good candidates to signal Marcus Rashford, if he leaves Man United. However when Marco Silva has been getting a tune out of those guys, there isn’t any purpose for Fulham to not have a look up the desk and see what they’ll poach.
10. Brighton 25 pts
Want: To search out out Evan Ferguson’s potential
Why: Danny Welbeck has been higher than anticipated for Brighton, however with a younger gifted striker already within the squad in Ferguson, they want to determine what they’ve in him sooner relatively than later. Exhibiting that he has the expertise, he now must take that subsequent step and Brighton as a membership will observe.
11. Tottenham 23 pts
Want: Well being
Why: The primary XI of Tottenham is fairly good, however when damaged all the way down to utilizing depth choices reminiscent of a midfielder at middle again, even the best-made plans will crumble into nothing. This is not to say that Spurs needn’t buy extra depth, but when this staff is hanging round in competitions once they do get wholesome, that is once they’ll be a aspect to be careful for.
12. Brentford, 23 pts
Want: A middle again or three
Why: Few groups do extra with lower than Brentford, and so they’re making an excellent account of themselves to this point this season, however the protection has conceded far too many targets. Including some reinforcements there may go a protracted technique to turning plucky overachievers into actual contenders.
13. Manchester United, 22 pts
Want: A time machine
Why: Each Manchester groups will wish to alter time however for various causes. Enchancment is displaying below Ruben Amorim, and for United, they only must get to some extent the place extra of that may be seen after extra coaching classes and time to work on defending set performs.
14. West Ham United, 20 pts
Want: Tremendous-powered striker boots
Why: Jarrod Bowen cannot do every little thing, particularly if West Ham’s protection can be going to take a step again. Niclas Fullkrug was imagined to be a giant addition however he solely has one Premier League objective to this point which is not near what the Hammers want at this stage.
15. Everton, 16 pts
Want: 2020-21 version of Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Why: Now below new possession and out of the relegation zone, issues are wanting up for the Toffees besides with regards to scoring targets. It does not really feel like there is a participant on the staff who can rating double-digit targets after Calvert-Lewin. Provided that it might take time for Everton to begin shopping for gamers, with the ability to get the most effective out of those that they’ve will should be sufficient.
16. Crystal Palace, 16 pts
Want: Michael Olise to return again
Why: Virtually in every single place you look across the backside of the desk, scoring is a matter and that is nonetheless the case with Palace after Olise left for Bayern Munich. With solely 18 targets to their title this season, one thing wants to vary as a result of solely being 4 factors from security may see them slip shortly. Olise has half as many targets himself this season at Bayern.
17. Leicester Metropolis, 14 pts
Want: Defenders, defenders and extra defenders
Why: Conceding the second most targets within the league, Leicester’s defensive points aren’t notably one thing that Ruud Van Nistelroy’s fashion goes to repair, resulting from him focusing a lot on attacking play. With that, the protection needs to be able to be left on an island which is one thing that they can not do but.
18. Wolverhampton Wanderers, 12 pts
Want: A complete midfield
Why: There’s quite a bit to love about Wolves as Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha are a formidable assault. Even a number of the defenders aren’t horrible, however the transition from assault to protection leaves a lot to be desired. If that may be cleaned up, it is a midtable aspect.
19. Ipswich City, 12 pts
Want: Continued perception within the Ipswich spirit
Why: Picked by many to be the clear backside staff within the league, Ipswich are solely two factors off of security and will keep away from the drop within the Premier League. Simply being within the combine for security is spectacular, however beating the drop can be an astronomical achievement.
20. Southampton, 6 pts
Want: A miracle
Why: The one staff within the league on a single-digit factors tally, there’s nothing that may clearly save the Saints. They’re greatest off making ready for subsequent season as a result of at a minimal they should make up eight factors and that seems like it will probably’t be made up even after bringing in Ivan Juric as their subsequent supervisor. Stranger issues have occurred, however this feels over.
