The soccer season has been underway in Europe for several months now, starting in the late summer. We are currently entering winter at the time of writing, so there have been many significant developments over the course of this period. While there is still a lot of soccer left to be played, certain teams have come roaring out of the gate in each of the major European top divisions.
Throw out the odds that sportsbooks had before the season began because many of the teams on the top of the tables in European leagues were not the favourites entering the season. With several months left to play, let’s look at the teams that are currently atop the table in major European leagues as we enter the winter.
Premier League: Arsenal
In the highly competitive English Premier League, Arsenal has emerged as the league leader despite nearly all betting sites having Manchester City as the team to beat in the Premier League. Their performance over 14 games has been a blend of resilience and tactical intelligence. Winning 10 games, drawing 3, and losing just once, the Gunners have shown a renewed vigor under their current management. Scoring 29 goals and conceding 11, they have a goal difference of +18. With 33 points, Arsenal is re-establishing itself as a powerhouse in English football, much to the delight of their fans.
Serie A: Inter Milan
Inter Milan shocked the world last year by making a run to the Champions League Final. Few sportsbooks had them pegged for such a performance. Many were asking what the team would do in their follow-up. Inter Milan has come out of the gates playing great soccer, and this has positioned them at the top of the Serie A table through the first portion of the season. Led by Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, who have had blistering starts to their year, Inter Milan looks like the best team in Italy right now. Serie A is bunched up, with Juventus lurking just behind Inter Milan. AC Milan and Napoli could also get hot and make this an even tighter battle.
La Liga: Girona
The biggest surprise in domestic European soccer this year has been Girona. La Liga is controlled by an elite tier of teams, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid having a firm chokehold on Spanish soccer. However, Girona, a little club with the smallest grounds in La Liga has crashed the party, sitting atop the table and attracting global attention. Most sportsbooks give them a very low likelihood of retaining their position, but for now, that doesn’t matter. Girona is ahead of the titans of European soccer, and they intend to stay there. Real Madrid closed the gap as they have an equal number of points now while Barcelona is nipping at their heels. But Girona is red-hot, and they can continue their incredible run.
Bundesliga: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Another league that has defied expectations is the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich has won the Bundesliga every year for 11 years in a row. The other team that typically is at the pinnacle is Borussia Dortmund. One team that has never won is Bayer Leverkusen, although they have finished runners-up five times. Could this be the year the team finally breaks through? They are currently sitting alone at the top of the Bundesliga table. Victor Boniface has been the dynamic face of the team’s success, but they have been well-rounded and dynamic. Many are hoping they can hold off Bayern and maintain their success.
Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain entered the year as the heavy favourite in Ligue One, and they’ve done nothing to dissuade that impression. Even after a dramatic transfer period with questions around Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi’s move to Miami, this team has continued to dominate the competition. Mbappe is having an incredible season, as per usual. Players like Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele, and Marquinhos have all stepped up. Even after some notable departures, betting against Paris Saint-Germain to stand atop France’s top league would be a mistake. If this is Mbappe’s last year with the club, it should be a great one.
Dutch Eredivisie: PSV Eindhoven
In the Dutch Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven has set a remarkable pace, leading the league with an unblemished record. After 14 games, their performance is nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a 100% win rate. Their offensive prowess is evident, having netted 50 goals, an average of over 3.5 goals per game. Defensively, they are just as formidable, conceding a mere 6 goals, which speaks volumes about their balanced and effective style of play. Their goal difference of +44 is a testament to their dominance, and with 42 points in the bag, they are a formidable force in Dutch football.
Portuguese Primeira Liga: Sporting CP
Sporting CP, a historic name in Portuguese football, sits comfortably at the top of the Primeira Liga table. Their journey through the first 12 matches has been impressive, with 10 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 loss. Scoring 26 goals while conceding 12, they have demonstrated both offensive efficiency and defensive solidity. Their goal difference of +14 and a total of 31 points reflect a team that is not just winning but doing so with a certain flair and consistency.
Belgian Pro League: Union St.-Gilloise
Union St.-Gilloise, perhaps a less familiar name in European football, has been making waves in the Belgian Pro League. Over 16 games, they have secured 12 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Scoring 37 goals and conceding 17, they have shown a potent attack coupled with a reasonably strong defense. Their goal difference of +20 and a total of 38 points is a clear indicator of their capability to challenge the traditional powerhouses of Belgian football.
Austrian Bundesliga: FC Salzburg
FC Salzburg, a team known for its youth development and attacking football, leads the Austrian Bundesliga. In 16 games, they have won 11, drawn 3, and lost 2. Scoring 33 goals and conceding 10, they have demonstrated a solid balance between attack and defense. Their goal difference of +23 and a total of 36 points underline their status as the team to beat in Austria.
Turkish Super Lig: Fenerbahce
In Turkey, Fenerbahce has risen to the top of the Super Lig. Their performance in 14 matches has been commanding, with 12 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 loss. Scoring 37 goals and conceding only 10, they have displayed a lethal attacking force combined with a robust defensive setup. With a goal difference of +27 and 37 points, Fenerbahce is asserting its dominance in Turkish football.
