Several details always determine the winner of any competition and for the current EPL, we expect the
following to determine the final outcome;
- Consistency
of good results
- Perfect squad management amidst injuries,
suspensions and loss of form
- Taking the right actions during the January 2024
transfer window
- Effects of the CAF January 2024 African Nations
Cup
- The burden of multiple match schedules
After the week 16 matches, Liverpool FC, with 37 points occupied
the first position. They stood one point ahead of second-placed Arsenal FC, two
points above rampantly surging Aston Villa FC, four points above title holders,
Manchester City FC, and seven points above fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur FC. Apart
from Aston Villa FC, the other clubs have at different times occupied the first
position.
EPL STANDINGS AT WEEK 16
THE PERMUTATIONS
CONSISTENCY OF GOOD RESULTS
Within
the first ten matches of the EPL, fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur FC had a wonderful
run of ten matches, winning eight and drawing two. They beat Liverpool, and Manchester
United and drew with Arsenal FC. At 26 points, they occupied the first position,
but thereafter, disaster arose! They lost 1-4 at home to Chelsea FC, 1-2
against Wolves, 1-2 to Aston Villa, and 1-2 against West Ham FC until respite came
with a 3-3 draw against Manchester City FC and last weekend’s 4-1 win against
Newcastle FC. Such undulating performance captures the dynamics of the EPL and
the benefits of good results. Pundits would point to injuries and suspensions
to Spurs' important players, during their capitulation to Chelsea. They lost James
Maddison (three months injury), Van de Van (3months injury), Cristian Romero (three-match ban), Destiny Udogie (1-match ban), Yves Bissouma (1-match ban). This narrative
is not isolated to Tottenham, since; other clubs suffer the same fate.
Aston
Villa FC has experienced an astounding evolution since Unai Emery came. In the
past weeks, they have thumped Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal FC. If they
continue with this good run, the odds favor them to surprise bookmakers. They currently
are not overwhelmed by injuries, loss of form, or multiple suspensions of their
main players. They stand a good chance!
PERFECT SQUAD MANAGEMENT AMIDST INJURIES, SUSPENSIONS AND LOSS OF FORM
Good players and superior tactics win games rather than total dependence on big names!. With the EPL regulations permitting the registration of up to 45 players (including the academy players), teams must build their squad whilst considering obstacles such as suspensions, loss of form, and injuries to their players within the season. Manchester City has invested wisely and by combining the first team and the rest of the squad, they have remained a formidable squad in the past three seasons. Despite the loss of their talismanic captain, Kelvin De Bruyne, since the beginning of the season, they still compete at the highest level. This attribute has enabled Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC, to remain serious contenders. Any negative consequence of squad depletion to positive results should be attributed to bad planning.
For Manchester City, Tottenham, and even outsiders Manchester United FC, the return of some important players from injury could cause a significant turnaround to enable them to win the title. With an on-form De Bruyne, Maddison, and Van de Van in their respective clubs, their fortune could improve far beyond their current situation.
THE ASIAN CUP & JANUARY
2024 AFRICAN NATIONS CUP
Liverpool
FC would be without their main striker, Mo Salah, for over two weeks, when the 2024
Confederation for African Football, African Nations Cup begins in January 2024.
Their fortune or otherwise could be determined by how well his team manages his
absence. For Tottenham, they’d be without Yves Bissouma and Pape Mattr Sarr, further
depleting their midfield that’s already suffering from the loss of James
Maddison. They’d also be without their captain, Heung-Min Son, who would participate in the same
period in the Asian Nations Cup.
THE JANUARY 2024 TRANSFER WINDOW
Player
transfers are dicey; some players seamlessly integrate and others never do,
even after their first season. The January transfer window remains an
opportunity for teams to reinforce their squad to cover for any flaw they need
to correct in their squad. With the intricate competition for the EPL, the most
successful team in the January transfer window, amongst the main contenders,
could carry the day by July 2024.
THE BURDEN OF MULTIPLE MATCH
SCHEDULES
Only Tottenham has fewer matches than the other teams. They’re not involved in any European competition. Their players shouldn’t be affected by fatigue and could take this advantage to consolidate, but they have a depleted squad and can only win the title if they can perfectly strengthen their squad in January 2024.
In their current situation, Manchester City and Arsenal FC, stand the best chance to win the EPL, judging from their consistent form, these past seasons. They already have a stable squad and wouldn’t suffer from any competition-related exits in January. Beyond them, the experience of Unai Emery could help Aston Villa FC, spring a major surprise by winning the EPL!
