This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Published on August 7, 2019, the Premier League's top six has been dominated by the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United. However, with questions surrounding the consistency of these top teams, there could be a rare opportunity for other clubs to break into the elite group.
Among the teams vying for a spot in the top six are Leicester, Everton, and Wolves. These clubs have shown promise in recent seasons, and with the right strategy, they could potentially challenge the established order.
Leicester, the 2016 Premier League champions, have finished 12th and then ninth twice since their title win. However, under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, the Foxes are hoping to crack the top six in his first full season at the King Power Stadium.
Despite the sale of England defender Harry Maguire to Manchester United for £80 million, Leicester remain optimistic about their chances. The team's success is largely dependent on the performances of striker Jamie Vardy, who scored 18 goals in 34 league games last season.
Former Liverpool and Celtic manager Rodgers has tried to surround Vardy with more quality, bringing in Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez and turning Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans' successful loan spell from Monaco into a permanent move. Tielemans should dovetail well with promising playmaker James Maddison to increase the supply lines to an attack that could also feature young forward Harvey Barnes.
Wolves, who finished seventh last season, are another team looking to break into the top six. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo's side has made rapid progress under his leadership, but they still need to make further strides to overhaul the teams currently in the top six.
Wolves have sealed permanent deals for Raul Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker after their loan spells, while Italy striker Patrick Cutrone arrives from AC Milan. The team enjoyed wins against four of the top six and knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup, but now Nuno has to work with the added demands of the Europa League.
Everton, who have been knocking their heads against the Premier League's glass ceiling, are also hoping to bridge the gap. The team has finished seventh, eighth, and eighth over the past three seasons, but under the guidance of manager Marco Silva, they are looking to make a push for the top six.
Everton have won five of their final eight matches, including home victories against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United. The team has brought in new signings, including Juventus's Moise Kean and Manchester City defender Fabian Delph, and can also look forward to more progress from Brazil forward Richarlison.
