Football is a team game, each team has its own strengths and weaknesses, and in order to churn out results, football managers have to come up with gameplans which maximise their team's output and minimise the risk of their weaknesses being exploited.
This year’s Premier League title race is a closely fought one with as many as 6 teams still in the running for the title. Chelsea are the overwhelming favourites and have a five-point lead over 2nd placed Liverpool. But, as was witnessed in the last round of fixtures, even the best teams susceptible to fail.
Here, let us take a look at one position each top EPL club must strengthen.
#1 Chelsea – Right-back/right wing-back
The first half of 2016/17 season saw Chelsea race to the top of the league with 49 points from 20 games, 5 more than second-placed Liverpool. They had roped in Antonio Conte as their manager at the beginning of the season who was known to be a vocal and astute proponent of a 3-man backline system, and the Italian set up Chelsea in such a way that it might appear to be one of the most balanced sides in the league.
However, if we had to pin point a position that is relatively weaker, then my vote would be their wing backs. Although not exposed much yet, there have been moments where either Alonso or Moses have been troubled defensively, especially Moses.
One fine example of Moses' lack of defensive nous is the game against Spurs. Not only was he ran ragged by Danny Rose, but was also quite at fault for both the goals, failing to cover Dele Ali on both occasions in the half space between him and Azpelicueta.
It would certainly be wise move by Antonio Conte to get a seasoned wing back, more like Alonso, who has the tactical know-how as well as overall ability to play in that position.
Potential Upgrade: Alessandro Florenzi, Kyle Walker
#2 Liverpool – Goalkeeper
Liverpool have been one of the best-attacking units in the league this season, scoring the most number of goals in the English top tier. However, on the flip side, they have also conceded the most goals amongst the top 6.
Although Klopp might have found his ideal starting backline in Clyne, Matip, Lovren and Milner, he is yet to reap its benefits fully. Injuries to either Matip or Lovren or both have meant that this centre back pairing has not been seen much on the field.
Thus, in the absence of a stable backline, being their goalkeeper has to be one of the most thankless jobs in football.
However, this does not mean that the Merseyside club’s goalkeepers have been doing good, or at the very least, okay. Loris Karius has made 2 costly errors leading to goals whereas the usual culprit at Anfield, Simon Mignolet has committed 1 error too.
Klopp, if he wants to win the league, should seriously assess the goalkeeper situation and try to rope in a better keeper who can be relied upon consistently at times of need.
Potential Upgrade: Victor Valdes, Joe Hart
#3 Tottenham Hotspur – Striker
Tottenham Hotspur have been playing quite an exciting brand of football in recent times, especially under Pochetino. Regarded as one the favourites to win the league this season, they do appear to be moving in the right path. Sitting comfortably in third position in the league table at the momentGuardiolan climb up the ladder in the coming days.
However, for that to happen, they need to reduce their over-dependency on Harry Kane and buy a quality backup striker in case Kane is injured or out of form. They did buy Vincent Janssen, top scorer in Eredivisie last season, but he is yet to perform at his best and has not adapted to the Premier League.
Spurs, however, are not in the position to patiently wait for Janssen to come good and deliver. They need a quality backup who can hit the ground running when called upon.
Potential Upgrades: Jermain Defoe, Anthony Modeste
#4 Manchester City
This season was supposed to be their year. Having announced that Pep Guardiola would be taking over from Manuel Pellegrini at the end of the season and spending over €150m in the summer transfer window, it was expected that they would be the runaway winners this season. However, here they are, struggling at fourth place in the standings.
As everybody knows in the footballing world, Pep Guardiola likes to play out from back. Ever since he began his coaching career, his centre backs have almost always been ball-playing ones. This, though, was not the case when he signed for the City job. The Manchester club lacked centre-backs who could fulfil their future coach's demands.
So as expected, they did get a centre-back this summer, and young John Stones was signed for £49m from Everton but has underperformed largely this season, failing to justify his price tag as well as polishing the enormous talent that he has. With Vincent Kompany's regular injury troubles, their defence does not inspire much confidence.
The Spanish manager has a very immaculate record as a coach and if he wants that to continue that tradition, it would be wise on his part to consider buying a good centre back before its too late.
Potential Upgrades: Leonardo Bonucci, Virgil Van Dijk
#5 Arsenal
Arsenal were going strong till a month ago. They were constantly on Chelsea's heel threatening to take over the 1st spot from them. However, within a month, they have slipped down the rungs and are currently sitting uncomfortably at 5th place – outside the Champions League qualification zone and more importantly, below Spurs.
So, which position can Arsenal look to upgrade if they want to win the league for the first time since 2004? As many have observed, they are missing a certain Santi Cazorla, who is a very mobile midfielder. Cazorla has been injured for the majority of the season, it would be wise of Arsene Wenger to bring in someone in his mould.
Whether Arsenal can win the league this year or not, will depend very largely on the personnel they deploy in the middle of the park – an area where most of their game-plans are executed.
Potential Upgrades: Miralem Pjanic, Ivan Rakitic
#6 Manchester United
Closing off this list with the most successful English club of all time, Manchester United, who started the season poorly but have since been improving steadily. They currently sit at 6th position the table despite winning their last six Premier League matches.
Jose Mourinho is a very successful manager and most of his trophies and successes were based upon very sound defensive structures, be it at FC Porto or his title-winning season at Chelsea. But at United, he may not have that luxury of having the best defensive players or the freedom to play defensive football.
He has managed to get the maximum output from his limited defensive resources and suffer from a lack of recognised defensive midfielders in their squad. They have only two defensive midfielders to name - Morgan Schneiderlin and Michael Carrick.
The Frenchman has seen chances limited and is set to exit Old Trafford, with Everton his most likely destination. Carrick has been exceptional for United this season and they are yet to lose a game when he has started for them, but he will not be able to play all games in the season at his age.
If Manchester United are to win the league, they would certainly need a quality defensive midfielder to limit attacks of the opposition and give freedom to Pogba and co.
Potential Upgrades: Julian Weigl, William Carvalho
