Collymore's Premier League mid-season report card and final position predictions

The busy Premier League festive period continues to chug along despite the spectre of Covid, with this season's table now very much taking place.

After Chelsea's early season flourish, it now appears that Liverpool and Manchester City are primed to take charge of the title race in the latest instalment of their thrilling recent rivalry.

Both Manchester United and Tottenham hope that their respective rejuvenations under new bosses can lead them into the top four, but know that a rebuilt Arsenal and a West Ham side under a reborn David Moyes will fight them tooth and nail for a spot at Europe's top table.

At the other end, Burnley, Norwich and Newcastle sit in the bottom three and know they must improve quickly, having won only four of 50 matches combined so far, with Watford and defensively-fragile Leeds looking over their shoulder.

In the middle, the likes of Aston Villa and Everton are hoping for more, Brighton and Wolves' respective issues are clear and Leicester will look to find the kind of consistency that's been missing from last season's FA Cup winners so far.

Here's a look at what to expects in the second half of the campaign, as the sun prepares to go down on 2021 and rise on 2022.

Arsenal

Story so far?

Slow start and definite improvement but still lack the teeth and ability to damage the division's big boys on a regular basis.

What's the aim?

Champions League. But I can't get excited - and nor should Arsenal 's fans - until they are there or thereabouts at the end of March. I'll review my thoughts on Mikel Arteta then.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Quiet, maybe a couple of loans after big spend last summer

Finish?

6th

Aston Villa

Story so far?

Reasonably bright until the board decided Dean Smith couldn't prevent the tailspin of five defeats on the trot. Steve Gerrard has impressed. So far.

What's the aim?

Got to be a finish in the top 10, possibly better.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

There's money to spend - and a left-back has been talked about - potentially a centre-back too. Goalkeeper is very good, spine of the side is solid. Maybe a loan or two. Expecting a busy summer though.

Finish?

9th

Brentford

Story so far?

A classic story of players coming into the Premier League with a point to prove. On and off the pitch, the club has a defined structure. It's no surprise to see them flourishing. They create and score goals. That's a big plus.

What's the aim?

I'm slightly worried for the Bees. Not over their final Premier League position - but other clubs cherry-picking their best players, like Ivan Toney. It's hard to find suitable replacements at this level.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Quiet. You can expect another left-field signing. Just to give Thomas Frank a bit of reassurance.

Finish?

13th

Brighton and Hove Albion

Story so far?

They're being dragged into trouble. They don't score goals. I like the way Graham Potter sets up his teams. I like the way they play through the lines. But they need more threat.

What's the aim?

It's a shame but I'm sure Seagulls' supporters would settle for staying in the division again.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Just go and have a sniff at, say, Anthony Martial. Or see what's available in the Championship. Blackburn's Ben Brereton Diaz has been linked - why not? Should be busy.

Finish?

16th

Burnley

Story so far?

They've failed to fire in the first-half of the season. No Clarets' fan will be surprised by this. But they have been struggling.

What's the aim?

A comfortable second-half of the campaign. I can see them rallying when Maxwel Cornet regains full fitness. Sean Dyche's side come on strong in the New Year.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Quiet. They've got a squad that's tight on numbers, light on bodies but with plenty of fight.

Finish?

12th

Chelsea

Story so far?

Thomas Tuchel has done well so far. I didn't get giddy with them winning the Champions League but it's much tougher to win the Premier League over 38 games.

What's the aim?

To close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool and overhaul them both.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Chelsea don't need any additions to a squad that is bursting at the seams with talent. Fast asleep.

Finish?

3rd.

Crystal Palace

Story so far?

Strange one. They've blown hot and cold. Relegation candidates before a ball had been kicked but their recruitment has been good.

What's the aim?

To shrug off this inconsistency. They need to find a long-term replacements in midfield for James McArthur and impressive Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

I'm sure Patrick Vieira would like to bring in one or two. Possibly a midfielder to blood for half-a-season.

Finish?

14th

Everton

Story so far?

A bright start followed by a horrible slide. Losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to injury has hurt the Toffees.

What's the aim?

Improvement - and with Calvert-Lewin due to return alongside Richarlison and surprise package Demarai Gray, I expect them to.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

They've got money but they can't spend it. Fast asleep - although they'd rather not be.

Finish?

10th

Leeds United

Story so far?

Manager Marcelo Bielsa's Plan A isn't working. He doesn't have a Plan B. He beasts them - and they have a small squad. It's hurting Leeds.

What's the aim?

To stay up. Might just have enough when Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips return. But I think they'll flirt with relegation.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

He doesn't like a big squad, but they will need some help. They should be busy trying to find help for the current players.

Finish?

17th

Leicester City

Story so far?

Brendan Rodgers has struggled to field the same side consistently. A loss of form to James Maddison has been proved temporary. Patson Daka is settling in nicely.

What's the aim?

Consolidation. A top-half finish, a re-set and then kick on again next summer.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

I think they'll be quiet until next summer. I don't see a massive upgrade. They have a pretty well-rounded squad.

Finish?

8th

Liverpool

Story so far?

They've done well to be so competitive, particularly with injuries in midfield. On their day, a match for anyone on the planet.

What's the aim?

The title. As it should be with this squad.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

I'm not convinced by Naby Keita. Harvey Elliott has picked up a long-term injury and James Milner is a stop-gap now. Possibly the addition of a dynamic midfielder. But, for Jurgen Klopp, it's more about having a fully-fit squad.

Finish?

2nd

Manchester City

Story so far?

Pep Guardiola and his relentless machine at Manchester City score goals and just keep on winning. That's the story. End of.

What's the aim?

The title. Question is: Can they now take the final step in Europe?

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Quiet. Unless they submit a cheeky bid for Harry Kane.

Finish

1st

Manchester United

Story so far?

A Colossal disappointment, really, given the spend and squad list. It's been bang average, a five or six out of 10. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's exit was 18 months too late.

What's the aim?

Champions League qualification would be a good return for Ralf Rangnick between now and the end of the season. I expect them to improve.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Fast asleep. He'll look to trim a few from the squad, if anything.

Finish?

4th

Newcastle United

Story so far?

This giant club has been rudderless for a number of seasons. And it's caught up with them.

What's the aim?

Staying up. But I don't see relegation as the nightmare others do. It would enable the club to re-set.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Busy. Not in terms of permanent signings. Four or five loans could make a massive difference - and buy them some time.

Finish?

18th

Norwich City

Story so far?

A club that's full of lovely people. The Canaries need to develop a mean streak. Until they do this trend of boom and bust will repeat.

What's the aim?

Staying up. Tearing up the theory that nice guys don't finish last - but don't hold your breath.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Who would want to join them? What kind of player is going there? No-one of any note. Quiet.

Finish?

20th

Southampton

Story so far?

Pretty much more of the same from Ralph Hasenhuttl. High energy but lower-to-middling return.

What's the aim?

Good question. I'm sure Saints' fans are asking the same. Survival but no sign of real development.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Fast asleep, unless one of the leading lights is cherry-picked by one of the big boys.

Finish?

15th

Tottenham Hotspur

Story so far?

Disappointing. Harry Kane hasn't been scoring and they've struggled, relatively speaking. The re-emergence of Dele Alli is something, however.

What's the aim?

Antonio Conte is a winner and a proper coach. Expect an uptick in performances and results.

What to expect in the transfer window? Busy, quiet or fast asleep?

Quiet. Upgrades will come in during the summer. Conte may dip into the Italian market for a defender or midfielder, though.

Finish?

5th

Watford

Story so far?

Erratic. The Hornets throw together players from everywhere and expect spectacular results. It hasn't happened.

What's the aim?

To stay up and blood more players who they can turn a profit from.