Despite a patchy start where away form was inconsistent at best, City are an attacking behemoth whose front line strike force of Aguero & Negredo strike fear into everyone. They have over 63 goals in the league already.
But whilst they have won every one of their 11 games at home, their away trips have wielded only 17 points, and with Arsenal taking 25 points on the road you can see why City are second.
The new signing of Fernandinho has freed Toure to be the midfielder he wants to be. With the depth they have, they are without doubt best equipped to deal with the long run in between now & the season end.
The concern will be a leaky defence & the hangover battling on 4 fronts may bring.
Key Player - Sergio Aguero
Key Man: Sergio Aguero
One of the questions at the start of the season was how Martinez would fair in Moyes old seat. So far Everton fans will be delighted. They are in the mix for a top 4 spot and have got their by playing attractive football…a philosophy which the Spanish man had at Wigan.
He has built on the platform left behind by Moyes. They are still solid at the back but much more creative going forward. Much of this is down to the additions of Lukaku & Deolefeu on loan; as well as the form of Ross Barkley who has excelled in the absence of Fellaini, earning an England call up in the process.
They have added Lacina Traore and Aiden McGeady in the January window; this will only add to the new depth which Everton have so long lacked and they must now be considered serious challengers for a Champions League berth.
Key Player - Ross Barkley
Fulham have had more up’s & downs than a rollercoaster so far this season. A 5 game losing streak cost Jol his job in December; replaced by experienced coach Rene Meulensteen.
Results haven’t really changed since his appointment; as they continue to bounce from the odd win to a severe drubbing amongst a few straight losses: (W) 2-1 Villa – (L) 1-4 Everton/(W) 2-1 Norwich – (L) 0-6 Hull
Whilst they have enough experienced players to pull them away from the drop, the question is do they have too many aging players. They seem to lack pace going forward & if truth be told some players just don’t look interested.
Dempsey has come back to the club yet remains the only ‘mid season’ arrival…a sign which will worry fans. With a defence which has leaked goals, Fulham could well find themselves in the bottom 3 come May.
Key Player - Steve Sidwell
As is often the case for promoted sides, survival was the key aim for Hull heading into the season. With 23 points so far Hull are on the way to reaching the magical 40 usually required to beat the drop.
Unlike Palace & Cardiff, mass overhaul was not the status quo for Bruce, instead he brought in a few key additions. The signing of Huddlestone has been a big boost and he has been pivotal in their campaign so far.
January has seen two new strikers come to the club; Jelavic from Everton & Long from West Brom. Both come with rather large fee’s attached and the pressure will now be on them to fire Hull to safety.
They are tough to beat at home; a factor which could well be the difference between staying up or going down.
Key Player - Tom Huddlestone
Last season was
somewhat of a baptism of fire for former Swansea manager Brendon Rodgers. Fear of poor form early doors with Suarez’s ban were quickly put to rest as Daniel Sturridge stepped up to the plate with 10 goals in the first 9 games.
Other players have also improved their game this season, Jordan Henderson has been a stand out player for Liverpool this season, and appears to playing with no fear and is full of confidence. There are still some concerns about the defence, as Sahko looks very shakey at times, and Simon Mignolet has made one or two errors that have cost the club at times.
If they can keep up both the style and intensity of their current play then they have every chance of returning to Europe's elite competion next season...something fans & Suarez crave!
Key Player - Luis Suarez
A
B-
B+
B+
D-