Ranking The Top 5 EPL Teams To Beat Heading Into Week 8

Sitting third in the league table behind only Manchester City and Chelsea, The Saints are doing a fantastic job of continuing on life after Mauricio Pochettino and the hoard of players that left over the summer. Now, performers such as Graziano Pelle, record club signing Shane Long and captain José Fonte are thriving under Ronald Koeman's possession-based football. They will be expecting a win vs. Sunderland to keep the points flowing.

Back before the season started, Aston Villa's Week 8 clash with Everton would likely have been earmarked as three points already lost. But the Toffees are going through somewhat of a sticky patch so far, and Paul Lambert's Villain's are four points ahead of them in the table. The combination of struggling underachievers and overachieving battlers promises to be an enjoyable watch.

Several weeks ago, placing Louis Van Gaal's men in such a list would have been laughable. But now that they've recaptured their spark and have started to play a bit with some fine connections, the Red Devils are thoroughly deserving of their inclusion. The reactionary endeavour of David De Gea in between the sticks will give his back-line a boost of confidence, and United are already firm favourites to defeat West Bromwich Albion.

Having only lost once so far, a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City, Manuel Pellegrini's men are on a good run of victory. That said, they've not played particularly well so far, and in welcoming Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad after the international break, they face a massive test. Can they keep the likes of Harry Kane quiet? Will The Citizens' stars prevail and run riot? An enthralling encounter awaits.

At the top of the pile after a string of astonishing wins that's seen them tested time and again, Chelsea are undoubtedly the team to beat. Striking fear into the hearts of all and waylaying every team in their path, they've been in top form, outscoring everyone in the league with 21 goals. Facing Crystal Palace next, it's hard to imagine they'll stutter even after a toll-bearing international period featuring several key Blues players.