Compared to recent campaigns in which dominant forces have quickly emerged, an exciting 2020-21 Premier League season really could be one that keeps us guessing until the end. Instead of just one or two front-runners heading into the final stretch of games, we could genuinely be blessed with several teams battling for the title.

Not one single team remains unbeaten. That’s quite a stark contrast to previous campaigns, in which Liverpool made a flying start and kept it going, as did Manchester City the season before that. Likewise, not one single team can claim to be entirely happy with their form, especially when it comes to defending, although that has made for some amazing results and plenty of goals.

Poor defending or just great attacking?

An interesting statistic has emerged for the first time in several Premier League seasons. Not one team has conceded less goals than their number of games played, following the opening eight matches of the season. During their phenomenal 2019-20 campaign, Liverpool only conceded 33 goals in 38 games, along with remaining unbeaten for their first 27 games.

This season, Liverpool conceded 16 goals in just eight games, putting them almost halfway towards the total amount conceded last season in just over a fifth of the time. For anyone pondering fantasy team transfers right now, it might be worth looking elsewhere for defenders. Of course, one game that somewhat skews the goals against column was the 7-2 drubbing the Reds suffered against Aston Villa. However, there have been other examples.

Manchester United were stuffed 1-6 at home against Tottenham Hotspur, on the very same day that Liverpool fans were covering their eyes against Aston Villa. For all their big-spending on shoring up the defence, Manchester City also continue to struggle at the back, including the 2-5 collapse they suffered at home to Leicester City.

Only five teams in the Premier League have failed to score more goals than games played, after the opening eight matches of the campaign. That’s great news for the attacking players in our fantasy football team selections, yet at the same time, woeful when it comes to our defensive choices, with very few defenders having shown any level of consistency.

Which teams are showing the best early form?

In the season to date even Southampton have briefly topped the Premier League table, without any disrespect to them, the south coast club are highly unlikely to be amongst the leaders in the final stretch of the campaign. Nevertheless, the Saints can be proud of the run of form they were able to produce after opening the campaign with two defeats.

As of mid-November and insofar as the latest outright Premier League winner odds at Betway are concerned, Liverpool are the second favourites to win the title at 15/8, with Manchester City leading the way at 6/4 odds. Neither side have yet hit their best form, although they are the two sides expected to shift up into top gear over the coming weeks.

 

That said, anyone who ignores Leicester City at 25/1 or Tottenham Hotspur at 10/1 will do so at their own peril. The Foxes made a stuttering start to the campaign, although they’re in fine form on all fronts, including the Europa League. As for Spurs, they have been ruthless in front of goal since the opening day defeat to Everton, with Manchester United and Southampton both being on the end of this in 6-1 and 5-2 defeats respectively.

Meanwhile, after just about managing to clinch third spot in the Premier League last season, Manchester United have made a poor start to the 2020-21 campaign, which has even led to speculation Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might be facing the sack, amidst reports that Mauricio Pochettino is being considered as his replacement.

Who are the most consistent players?

According to statistical website WhoScored.com and their calculations, the most consistent Premier League player so far is Harry Kane. That’s hardly surprising, considering the Spurs man registered seven goals and eight assists in his opening eight appearances of the season. His teammate Son Heung-Min also enjoyed a superb start, with eight goals and two assists in the same number of games.

The form of Jamie Vardy continues to be great news for Leicester City, as the 33-year-old England striker seeks to win the Premier League golden boot again. Mohamed Salah also remains marvellous for Liverpool, and if he remains in top form, they will undoubtedly be amongst the leading teams towards the end of the season. Both were very popular choices when making initial fantasy draft team selections.

Elsewhere, the biggest surprise has arguably been Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton, indicating that the 23-year-old is thriving under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, ready to produce his best season to date. Finally, keep your eyes peeled on the goals and form of Patrick Bamford at Leeds United, because the 27-year-old is taking his chance in the Premier League with aplomb.