OddsChecker: Who are the Premier League dark horses that are looking to mount their own top-four charge this season?

Watching the likes of Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea endure a stuttering start to the new campaign, it appears that we could be set for another epic top-four chase this season.

With Newcastle making major history last season as they stormed their way to an iconic Champions League ticket, Tottenham have also enjoyed a bright start to life under Ange Postecoglou.

With a host of clubs looking to upset the Premier League establishment this time around, we have taken a look at three top-flight dark horses who could all be eyeing up their own shock top-four charge this season.

Brighton

While many around the Amex might have been disappointed as Graham Potter made the move to Stamford Bridge, Brighton have only continued on a remarkable rise since they welcomed Roberto De Zerbi to the Amex 11 months ago.

Making major Premier League history last season as they claimed a famous Europa League group stage ticket, it is no secret that the Seagulls have their sights set on going one step further this time around.

Quickly gaining a reputation for their free-flowing approach under the former Sassuolo boss, Brighton are certainly riding an extended wave of momentum on either side of the summer interval.

While De Zerbi’s side might have watched Moises Caicedo complete his blockbuster £105million move to Chelsea earlier in the month, Brighton have only gone from strength to strength.

Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a routine 4-1 romp against top-flight returners Luton, the Seagulls were last seen putting in another thumping performance.

Claiming another 4-1 victory away at Wolves last weekend and one of just two Premier League clubs that can boast a 100% start to the new season, it feels like Brighton are seen as a genuine contender to mount a top-four charge this season.

Brighton to finish in the Premier League’s top-four this season – 4/1 with Vegas Land

Aston Villa

While it might have been De Zerbi’s arrival at the Amex which stole most of the headlines last season, Aston Villa are also enjoying a remarkable purple patch under a new boss in their dugout.

Turning to Unai Emery in an attempt to steady the ship in the Midlands following Steven Gerrard’s departure from the club, the one-time Arsenal job has done a stellar job since arriving at Villa Park.

Signing off the 2022/23 campaign with a stunning late flurry after returning from the World Cup’s winter break, Emery’s men certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high.

Punching a first European ticket in over a decade last season and opening up their Europa Conference League adventure with a thumping 5-0 victory away at Scottish outfit Hibernian in midweek, Villa are undoubtedly a club on the rise.

Doing some eye-catching business during the summer transfer window after snapping up Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans, fellow new recruit Moussa Diaby has also made an immediate impact since making the move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Getting their first victory on the board last weekend thanks to a 4-0 victory against Everton, Villa are seen as a genuine top-four dark horse this season.

Aston Villa to finish in the Premier League’s top-four this season – 8/1 with Luckster

West Ham

While West Ham might have got their hands on a first piece of European silverware in over 50 years back in June as they were crowned Europa Conference League champions, the Hammers failed to find any kind of domestic stability.

At the heart of a shock relegation scrap and only just limping their way over the finish line, David Moyes certainly found plenty of pressure on his shoulders.

However, although West Ham might have endured a low-key start to the summer transfer window, the one-time Manchester United boss has seen his side make a string of eye-catching new recruits.

Inching closer to what would be a stellar deal for Ajax superstar Mohammed Kudus, Moyes’ men also made quite the statement of intent last weekend.

Putting in a gritty display as they landed a 3-1 victory against London rivals Chelsea, they appear to have started the post-Declan Rice era with a much-welcomed boost.

While the Hammers might be seen as a landslide outside contender in their bid to mount their own top-four charge, West Ham have previously shown that they can upset the Premier League establishment.

West Ham to finish in the Premier League’s top-four this season – 40/1 with @ BetUS