Football news: 5 football clubs who have emerged as dark horses this season; check out

The beauty of football leagues across lies in the competition that it brings to the table. Some teams step up to the plate with the others don’t but there are the dark horses too.

These dark horses are the surprise packages who are not expected to make it against top sides but their determination, desire and ability help them in their endeavor.

There have been teams like West Ham United, Real Betis to name a few who have been give the top sides a run for their money and made them work hard for points.

It is these sides who are the surprise weapons this season who with their astute management and desire have become top contenders.

This season we have come across 5 such teams who have surprised one and all with their willingness and desire to be amongst the best.

REAL BETIS

The Spanish club secured a poor 16^th place in the league last season. But in this season, it has been a 360-degree flip for Real Betis.

They are currently in 6^th position on the points table having secured 46 points.

This has been a marked improvement from a side who were languishing at the bottom half of the table last season.

Real Betis have secured 14 wins out of 29 matches in the league.

With another 9 matches to go before the season ends, they would like to finish even higher to wrap up the season on a high.

ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa finished last league in 17^th spot having just scraped out of the relegation zone.

A turnaround this season has seen them win 4 more matches than what they did last season, showing improvement.

The Claret and Blue are on the 9^th position in the table this season having secured 44 points from 29 matches.

Villa have the third best defensive record this season having conceded only 31 goals while scoring 42 on the other hand.

Watkins and Grealish’s performances have made a massive different to the setup with their confidence and abilities.

Grealish is having his best season having scored 6 and provided for 10 goals in 22 appearances to make Villa compete with the top sides.

Ollie Watkins has scored 11 goals in the league in his debut season to be top scorer for the Claret and Blue.

The Villans will hope to keep putting in fabulous performances as they look to finish their best season amongst the top 6 teams.

LENS

Franck Haise’s side secured a place in Ligue 1 this season by finish second in Ligue 2 last season.

Lens are currently in the 5^th position this season with 49 points to their credit.

This is nothing but a fairytale journey for Lens as they look to stay on in the Ligue 1 for the first time since the 2014-15.

Gael Kakuta has scored 8 goals and provided 5 assists to be the top player for the French side this season.

Players like Jonathan Clauss, Florian Sotoca have been very impressive with their performances aiding Lens to a brilliant season on return.

Jean-Louis Leca’s seven clean sheets have helped the Lens defense to hold fort at the back.

Lens will be very happy as far as the returns they have shown but will look to keep the performances on a high in order to compete with the top sides consistently.

WEST HAM UNITED

David Moyes took over from Manuel Pellegrini in December 2019 and helped the Hammers avoid relegation by finishing 16^th last season.

This season the Hammers have surprised everyone with their tactical play and resilience alongside the drive to win matches and compete.

David Moyes’ side are currently in 4^th place in the league table after 30 matches with 52 points.

They are on the verge of securing a Champions League spot for the 1^st time in their club history.

There can be no better way of improvement show by a club than by this performance.

This season personifies grit, desire, passion, resilience and Attitude which West Ham United have brought to the plate to reap success.

Soucek, Antonio and Cresswell’s performances have exploded the Hammers into a tough outfit.

The mid-season signing of Lingard on loan has changed the dynamic of the Hammers as he gets in the pace and goal scoring ability to keep defenses on their toes.

West Ham United have won 15 out of their 30 matches this season and will look to secure the elusive UCL spot.

This will be a proud moment for Moyes and will elevate his status in world football.

LILLE

After being the champions of Ligue 1 for the last time in 2010-11, Lille have come a long way to impress one and all.

Lille are current table toppers with 66 points to their name as they search for their first title win in over a decade.

Christopher Galtier’s side have been ruthless this season, winning 19 matches out of 31 and scoring 51 goals in the season.

They also hold the best defensive record in the season having conceded only 19 goals.

Jonathan Bamba’s 6 goals and 9 assists has been the catalyst for Lille’s push towards their title this season.

The 21-year-old Jonathan David has hit the back of the net 10 times to be top scorer for Lille.

Consistent contributions from Burak Yilmaz, Yusuf Yazici, Bamba and Ikoné have aided in Lille being a dominant outfit this season.

Lille’s defensive record along with Mike Maignan’s 17 clean sheets this season has ensured the foundation of the side does not collapse.

The synergy of defensive and attacking play has been the key catalyst for Lille this season.

The French side are only 3 points off second place and will ensure they finish the season without any slips up if they want to achieve their first league title in a decade.