Dear Santa… (Part 2)

Be sure you’re warm and ready for the stretch of games over Christmas, as the clubs prepare their own shopping lists for the New Year.

Newcastle United

A Christmas get-together. The Loj could be an option. Newcastle looks like a bunch of talented but unorganized players that would not fight for each other. They were better against Liverpool, but still largely shambolic, and they’ve relied too much on Sissoko and Wijnaldum to get them out of jail. It would have been so different if Moreno’s goal stood too, because Newcastle would have collapsed.

Norwich City

Veteran players with actual quality. While experienced, their players increasingly look like they are consigned to history. They need a stronger central defender as Bassong becomes a growing liability and the same could be same of Cameron Jerome. The Canaries need a competent goal-scorer.

Southampton

For the other clubs to mysteriously run out of cash so that they’ll stop poaching their players. It’s a miracle how they continue to compete with all the rebuilding necessary every summer. This Southampton squad is good enough to compete for a Europa League place, as they’re only five points behind the fifth-place Spurs.

Stoke City

A new Steven N’Zonzi. They’ve had a good season so far, but I still don’t think they’ve really replaced the Frenchman. Their only other anchor in midfield is Glenn Whelan.

Sunderland

For some Big Sam magic. They’ve improved under their new head coach, but they could do with players who know how to defend. This aspect’s been masked by Allardyce’s more pragmatic and steely approach.

Swansea City

For every month to be August. They blew the League away in the first two months with scintillating performances, and it initially seemed like they’d be able to compete. The last few months could not be further from that for the team, though. They haven’t won in the league since Oct. 24, and that was a come-from-behind win at bottom club Aston Villa.

Tottenham Hotspur

For a wand to turn draws into wins. Spurs have drawn eight of their 15 games this season. They’ve been good this year going forward and look decently solid at the back, but they need three points instead of one from each game.

Watford

For Odion Ighalo to remain fit. Ighalo has been involved in six goals in his last six league games, and has scored more goals (25) than any other player in the top four tiers this calendar year.

West Bromwich Albion

A Christmas present for Saido Berahino. Maybe a pick-me-up. He’s a talented and intelligent footballer, but the young sulky boy needs to get his head down and play instead of complaining about wanting to leave the club.

West Ham United

An injury-free game, especially through the Christmas period. They’ve got Andy Carroll back, but Victor Moses limped off at Old Trafford to join Manuel Lanzini, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet on the sidelines. They’ve been key to West Ham sitting pretty at the top of the table, creating and converting numerous chances.