Watching Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea suffer a bad start to a new campaign, it looks like we’re in for another epic top-four chase this season.
Last season, Newcastle made history by making their way to a landmark Champions League berth, Tottenham also enjoyed a bright start under Ange Postekoglou.
With a host of clubs looking to upset the Premier League establishment this time around, we’ve taken a look at three top-flight dark horses that could look into their own shocking top four this season.
Brighton
While many at Amex may have been frustrated by Graham Potter’s move to Stamford Bridge, Brighton have only continued notable growth since welcoming Roberto De Zerbi to Amex 11 months ago.
Having made Premier League history last season when they won a famous qualification to the Europa League group stage, it’s no secret that the Seagulls are going one step further this time around.
Having quickly established a reputation for their freewheeling approach under the former Sassuolo manager, Brighton are certainly on a wave of rising momentum on both sides of the summer break.
While De Zerby’s team may have watched Moises Caicedo wrap up his £105m blockbuster at Chelsea earlier this month, Brighton are only going strong.
Opening the 2023/24 season with a routine 4-1 win against top-flight return Luton, the Seagulls last played another amazing game.
With another 4-1 away win against Wolverhampton last weekend and being one of only two Premier League clubs to boast a 100% start to the new season, it seems that Brighton are being seen as the real contenders. to enter the top four this season. .
Brighton finish in the top four in the Premier League this season – 4/1 v Vegas Land
Aston Villa
Although it was De Zerby’s arrival at Amex that stole most of the headlines last season, Aston Villa are also enjoying a wonderful purple spot under a new boss on their bench.
Turning to Unai Emery in an attempt to keep the ship in the Midlands after Steven Gerrard left the club, the one-time job at Arsenal since arriving at Villa Park has produced brilliant results.
Having kicked off the 2022/23 campaign with resounding success after returning from winter break at the World Championships, Emery’s side certainly feel the mood is heating up in their camp.
Having won last season’s first European berth in over a decade and opening their European Conference League adventure with a crushing 5-0 away win over Scottish club Hibernian midweek, Villa are clearly a club on the rise.
With notable business during the summer transfer window following the signings of Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans, new recruit Moussa Diaby also made an immediate impact on his move from Bayer Leverkusen.
With their first win on the board this past weekend thanks to a 4-0 win over Everton, Villa are considered a real dark horse in the top four this season.
Aston Villa finish in the top four in the Premier League this season – 8/1 with Laxter
West Ham
While West Ham may have gotten their hands on the first chunk of European silver in over 50 years back in June when they became Europa Conference League champions, the Hammers have failed to find any domestic stability.
In the midst of a shock crash and just limping to the finish line, David Moyes certainly felt a lot of pressure.
However, while West Ham may have endured a low-key start to the summer transfer window, the former Manchester United manager has seen his side acquire a number of attractive newcomers.
Coming closer to a stellar deal for Ajax superstar Mohammed Kudus, Moyes’ men also made a statement of intent last weekend.
Having put on a spectacular display in a 3-1 win over London rivals Chelsea, they look to have started the post-Declan Rice era with welcome momentum.
While the Hammers can be seen as a compelling outside challenger in their quest to create their own top four, West Ham have previously shown they can upset the Premier League establishment.
West Ham finish in the top four in the Premier League this season – 40/1 with @BetUS