4) West Ham United (86%)
Under Sam Allardyce, the Hammers became – perhaps unfairly – synonymous with the long-ball tactics that Big Sam apparently carries with him everywhere he goes. However, this season the club found a new style of attractive, free-flowing football that saw them sit in the Premier League’s top four on Christmas Day. And while they failed to find any form from January onwards, there is a lot of optimism around the Boleyn at the moment. They will soon move into the Olympic Stadium, and have appointed former cult hero Slaven Bilic as their new manager.
3) Stoke City (87%)
Like Sam Allardyce, Stoke have become known for a direct style that brought them a lot of success in the past, especially when Rory Delap was launching throw-ins right into the six-yard box. However, Delap has gone, as has Tony Pulis – who appeared to make signings on their ability to bundle the ball into the goal – and Mark Hughes has arrived at the Britannia as Pulis’ replacement. Sparky appears to be gradually changing the style, and turning the Potters into an exciting force. And while he may have spent much of the year out injured, the signing of former Barcelona prospect Bojan must have done wonders for their reputation abroad, hence the growth of their value.
