By Michael Rietdyk

This time last season Leicester City were already sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League. Who’s going to be successful this time around…?

Liverpool

The Reds’ form has been nothing short of sensational under Jurgen Klopp this campaign. Liverpool’s recent unbeaten run was impressive. However, after the 4-3 loss away to Bournemouth, questions have been asked about their leaky defence. Statistics show Loris Karius’ performance in goal has been good since his return from injury, so I don’t think Liverpool need to panic buy in order to solidify their back four.

It’s almost common knowledge that Liverpool need to invest in a central defender, especially with Mamadou Sakho being left out the squad. Virgil van Dijk’s £25m release clause may be very tempting as Liverpool looked uncertain without Joel Matip against Bournmouth. James Milner being the number one choice left back must worry some supporters and supporters are still calling for a quality left-back to be signed. Philippe Coutinho’s recent injury has sparked discussion to whether Liverpool can cope without him, with Roberto Fimino having to play out wide to cover for him. However, I think they will cope and can mount a challenge.

Arsenal

It is debatable whether Arsenal’s squad has it in them to win the title this year, but their recent form suggests otherwise. Big wins against West Ham, Bournemouth and Sunderland and draws against rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prove they aren’t here just to take part. Once the Gunners gets the likes of Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker back fighting fit, it is essential they keep them fit if they’re seriously considering going for the title.

In terms of transfers, I think Arsenal are ok. If they sell, they need to replace, with title winning quality. It seemed the transfers of Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez were rush buys due to supporter pressure to spend money but they’ve certainly helped arsenal in a spell of numerous injuries.

Chelsea

Currently top of the league, Chelsea look like favourites going into 2017. Since their September defeat to Liverpool, Antonio Conte’s side are unbeaten in nine Premier League matches. Chelsea’s style of counter attacking play appears to be paying off with the likes of Diego Costa and N’golo Kante performing fantastically in their roles.

In order to be champions come May, Chelsea need to continue to focus on keeping clean sheets which they’ve been superb at this season. As well as this, Costa is key to their title chances. Chelsea may need to spend on another striker in January as their second-choice striker Michy Batshuayi has found the net just three times since his £33m move.

Manchester City

Before the start of the season, Manchester City were firm favourites to go on to win the title for a third time. In order to do so they need to find and maintain good home form, which may prove difficult as their schedule is about to become incredibly hectic after progressing in the Champions League.

Having recruited coach Pep Guardiola, Man City are hopeful for plenty of silverware in the near future. Guardiola struggled to win the European Cup in Germany so he will be keen for success in that competition in England. Yaya Toure is back in the team having been left out and signings like Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gündogan are showing strong signs of proving their value. Individuals like Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero could be key in their title push.

Many fans have called for the goalkeeping problem to be completely solved after numerous shaky moments from Claudio Bravo. It seems their goalkeeping issues continue with Joe Hart reportedly returning from his loan in Italy, so it could be a busy January for them.