John Dillon

Simply by working on the likes of intensity, organisation, pressing and commitment, David Moyes has delivered an instant improvement at West Ham.

It is one thing getting to the top. It's harder than ever to stay there, as Man City have discovered this season.

The prospect of a top six Premier League finish will be on the minds of Leicester, West Ham, Everton and others.

United need to once again convince themselves about their stature and potential as much as they need to persuade the outside world that they can be great again.

Chelsea have been beaten by both Man Utd and Liverpool this season, but with City stuttering and beset by defensive problems – and the Blues’ mood so buoyant – the stage may be set for Frank Lampard’s biggest day so far in management.

Pearson has 13 points from the last possible 15 since becoming Watford’s third manager of the season, while Mourinho’s early progress has stagnated.

Should Los Angeles FC follow up with another “expansion team” MLS Cup triumph, it would provide another significant piece of evidence about the strength of the league’s growing size and attraction.

For a man whose reputation was forged so emphatically by dazzling success in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola has been tormented by it for some time now.

Bet against Jurgen Klopp’s relentless Reds at your peril as this team just don’t know when to lie down, writes John Dillon.

A better record against the Top Six is one identifiable advance for Liverpool in their quest to close the narrow gap on Man City.

The opportunity for England to potentially play five times at Wembley during Euro 2020 and give their hopes of glory a huge lift, writes John Dillon.

Murmurs of discontent about Manuel Pellegrini's methods have started while Sheffield United make a mockery of both teams' pre-season expectations.