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Even if you are loved up by the idea of Kelechi Iheanacho as City’s next star, it will be hard to resist splashing the cash on youngsters once you are City boss.

City have taken a lot of criticism for their failure to use their academy in the last few years, but they have begun to show a willingness to invest a lot of money in the latest wonderkids.

If you’re going to take the reigns of England’s richest football club, we expect you may well adopt the same philosophy and look for more transfers like Patrick Roberts.

The Sky Blues have the resources to spend money on some of Europe’s biggest names, but, as with any FM save, you might be best served to bide your time with some highly talented youngsters.

Last year Gabriel Barbosa was the star, but FM16 has even more options for the next Neymar.

Here are FIVE wonderkids that you should consider at City…

Tin Jedvaj

With Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta entering the twilight of their careers’, any additional option at right-back is welcome at the Etihad.

Jedvaj would be best as a centre-back, but a bit of defensive versatility never did anyone any harm and this starlet might be the perfect man to replace Martin Demichelis in the City squad whilst offering quality backup for Kompany and Otamendi.

The class of Kompany would make the City captain the ideal man to tutor Jedvaj.

Jack Grealish

Grealish may keep going out drinking, but fortunately that doesn’t impact his brilliance on Football Manager.

Whether he fancies playing for England or Ireland, Grealish is going to set you back over £25 million in your City save, but any home-grown players is a must-target for the oil-funded club.

Whilst Rodwell and Sinclair may have flopped, Grealish is the ideal player to provide support for David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne and he can produce moments of magic thanks to his stunning dribbling and technique ratings.

Balde Keita

Signing Keita from Lazio is not going to be the cheapest signing you will ever make, but this forward may well be one of your best ever Football Manager acquisitions.

When you see Keita move for big money to another club (he has moved to Dortmund on my latest save), his goal scoring record will often be rather indifferent.

However, any self-respecting FM addict will know that the inside forwards score plenty of your goals and Keita will be no different if you can give the Spaniard the correct service.

Riechedly Bazoer

You’ll have to pip PSG to the signing of Bazoer, but this Dutchman could provide you with a top class player in several positions.

Bazoer is comfortable at centre-back, defensive midfield or central midfield, and will always become a world-class star in which even position you feel to be most suitable for the youngster.

Unfortunately, you will need to part with around £20 million to secure this defensive rock, but the versatility should justify such an addition. However, Bazoer would be best as a defensive midfielder in City’s squad.

Donis Avdijaj

Avdijaj may only be 5’6, but the German is another superb talent to come out of Schalke’s academy.

Within a few seasons, Avdijaj will have finishing, dribbling and first touch ratings of above 15 and he may well be the forward to succeed Sergio Aguero in your save.

As wonderful as Aguero is, his consistent injuries and high price tag may lure you into a sale and Avdijaj will be able to give you at least a decade of quality performances.

As with so many German players, Avdijaj can play in a number of positions and even retraining him as a natural number 10 is an option.

When a stoppage-time equaliser prevents you from taking away all three points, the resulting emotion is often one more familiar with defeat. But as Arsenal and Liverpool entertainingly duked out a six-goal thriller at Anfield yesterday evening, it still felt like a tough point  gained rather than two missed for the Gunners – who maintained their position at the Premier League’s summit.

Perhaps counter-intuitively when examining the result on paper alone, last night’s 3-3 draw provided some of the most convincing evidence yet that Arsene Wenger’s side are the safest bet in this season’s title race.

After all, the Gunners found themselves 2-1 down after less than 20 minutes due to two moments of near-unstoppable quality from Roberto Firmino – the Liverpool forward’s second strike, a powerful curler from outside the box, heralding the term ‘worldie’ – yet responded brilliantly, careering up the pitch to draw level courtesy of Olivier Giroud just five minutes later.

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Did the north London side take their foot off the gas after the France international made it 3-2 before the hour mark? I don’t think so. Last-minute goals are part of the territory in the Premier League and Joe Allen’s strike took a fortunate deflection to give goalkeeper Petr Cech no chance of stopping it. There was certainly an element of luck involved, considering that was just the fifth goal of the Welshman’s 110-game Liverpool career.

Furthermore, Liverpool are by no means a simple proposition under Jurgen Klopp. They’ve lost just once at Anfield since he took the helm in October and boast an impressive record against the Premier League’s top sides. They’ve beaten Chelsea, Manchester City and Leicester City with the German gaffer at the helm and only seem to perform below expectations when facing long-ball teams like Crystal Palace and West Brom.

Although Giroud provided a tactically expedient direct dynamic against the Reds, Arsenal just don’t fall into that category. In fact, Klopp’s ‘gegenpressing’ philosophy is almost tailor-made to stop teams like the Gunners, who create chances through technical flair in tight midfield pockets, shedding light on why the 48-year-old claimed an impressive two wins and one draw from his six Champions League encounters with the north Londoners during his days at Borussia Dortmund.

So the fact the Gunners took a point against the Reds despite having to field a weakened side makes last night’s result all the more impressive. Indeed, it’s been largely forgotten amid their run of seven wins in nine across all competitions that Arsenal are actually without three of their most important players.

Playmaking extraordinaire Santi Cazorla, who spring-boarded practically every Arsenal attack in 2015, Francis Coquelin, who protects his back four as well as any other Premier League enforcer and provides vital balance in the engine room, and Alexis Sanchez, a match-winning talent of genuine world-class proportions, have all been sidelined through injury since late November.

We’ve seen many an Arsenal campaign curtailed by injury crisis before, but the north London outfit are surviving their current one in scintillating style. Likewise, despite Wenger’s well-documented indifference towards the January transfer window, he’s accepted its expediency this year and sourced a much-needed reinforcement in FC Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny. He could prove to be a very important signing between now and the end of May.

But the biggest positive to take from yesterday’s game, in the context of Arsenal’s title bid, was the individual performance of Olivier Giroud.

I won’t delve into the debate of whether the Frenchman qualifies as world-class, but I will say that no side since 2009 has claimed the Premier League title without their main striker scoring in excess of 20 goals. 16 strikes during the 2013/14 season represents the Frenchman’s best Premier League haul of his Emirates career so far, but he’s almost certain to breach the barrier this term after taking his tally to twelve last night.

We all know how effective the 29-year-old is in bringing others into the game and how important he’s resultantly become to Arsenal’s build-up play. That evident once again against Liverpool; the difference this season, however, is that Giroud’s found the firepower to match everything else he offers as a lone striker.

Of course, there are still 17 games of the season remaining and Arsenal are by no means alone in the title hunt. It seems inevitable Manchester City’s form will take an upturn at some point and Leicester City are continuing to defy all logic – now separated by the Gunners on goal difference alone.

Yet Liverpool represent a real test of title-winning credentials and whilst City and Leicester failed, the Gunners scraped through with a passing grade. Although some may feel slightly underwhelmed by taking a single point after coming so close to winning at Anfield, last night’s performance and result should give Arsenal huge confidence for the remainder of the campaign.

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If the number of sides involved in the title-race appears to be thinning, the battle to avoid relegation looks set to go down to the wire. Discounting a pathetic looking Villa side, the final two relegation places look like a straight fight between Norwich, Sunderland and Newcastle.

With just a point separating the three teams, any edge that can be gained could be vital. Mike Ashley and Newcastle have already acted in getting rid of a hapless Steve McClaren, bringing in former Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa’ Benitez in an effort to drag themselves out of the dreaded drop-zone.

And whilst they may not have got any points against Leicester in the Monday night game, their performance brings cause for optimism. Looking more solid and more organised than at any point in the season so far, the Magpies will at least give themselves a fighting chance of survival should they continue to perform like that in their final nine games of the campaign.

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The next two games will be crucial – a home tie against bitter rivals Sunderland, followed by a trip to Carrow Road to take on the Canaries. Rafa’s organisation and experience in these, and other, games will be crucial, as will the performances of the players. And one player in particular could hold the key in Newcastle’s fight for survival.

Georginio Wijnaldum is easily the Magpies most naturally gifted player but has struggled to perform on a regular basis, as inconsistently as his side indeed. His class has shone through on occasion – his four goal haul in the 6-2 win over Norwich, and the Man of the Match performance in the 2-1 win over West Ham particularly memorable – but he needs to demonstrate his innate talents more often.

Benitez is an intelligent man and he will have no doubt seen the potential in the Dutch international already, and was almost certainly aware of his talents even before he was appointed boss at St James’ Park. And he is likely to have pin-pointed getting the best out of the former PSV and Feyenoord player as a priority, the potential in the 25 year-old to produce big performances arguably enough to help keep the Geordies in the Premier League.

The dribbling skills, range of passing and eye for goal that Wijnaldum possesses will be all the more important over the final two months of the season. As the lowest scorers in the division, Villa aside, Newcastle will undoubtedly need to improve in that area if they are to give themselves a chance of winning games, but Benitez is likely to concentrate on the defensive side of the game initially, organising the team and making them hard to beat, giving them a chance in games.

Therefore, the side will be even more reliant on the occasional flash of brilliance from their more talented attacking players, and this is where Wijnaldum comes in. Whether utilised on the left or, as has been more often, through the middle as an attacking midfielder, Newcastle’s No.5 will provide that extra goal threat and bit of class that could make all the difference in the relegation scrap.

Having reached double figures in three of his last four full seasons, ‘Gio’ will be hopeful of achieving that again, currently on nine in the Premier League to this point. And if he can utilise his talents to set up others all the better, the lack of goals from Newcastle’s plethora of strikers a major factor in shaping their current predicament.

Mike Ashley sure left it late to pull the plug on McClaren’s tenure at St James’ Park, but there is still plenty of time to get out of trouble. ‘Rafa’ may be more used to challenging for honours as opposed to rescuing sides, but his tactical nous and experience in football generally will be vital for the Magpies, but get the most out of Wijnaldum and far from grinding out draws, the Spanish manager has a true world class match winner on his books.

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Despite seeing out an impressive portion of the current domestic campaign in full confidence and style, Arsene Wenger and his somewhat predictable Gunners outfit look to have fallen short in the Premier League title-race once again, with the likes of Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur remaining in pole position for the big prize.

…And whilst Arsenal can still theoretically bring that long anticipated league title back home to the Emirates come the culmination of the domestic season, most realistic fans are now looking towards the upcoming summer transfer window as a source of some renewed hope ahead of next season.

So then, as Borussia Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitarayn has subsequently been linked rather heavily with an illustrious move to the English top-flight this summer, would the Armenia international represent a clear step in the right direction for Arsenal, or should Wenger look to bolster the rest of his ranks before adding yet another technically gifted attacking midfielder his squad?

Well, after famously failing to land a single recognised outfield player throughout the course of the previous summer transfer period, the money-men behind the scenes at the Emirates clearly need to get their act together this time around – regardless of where Wenger’s side eventually end up in the league table.

Wenger’s current first-team ranks were once again hit by a spate of frustratingly timed injuries midway through the 2015/16 campaign, and certainly would have benefited from one or two added faces when trying to combine their domestic duties with the need to succeed in Champions League football.

The upcoming summer transfer window should therefore arrive with great importance, for if the Gunners had successfully put their money where their mouth is before a ball was even kicked in the run up to the current season, Arsenal would have probably upheld their place at the top of the Premier League for a great deal longer.

Yet in the reported Gunners transfer target that is Mkhitaryan, Wenger may have just about sourced the perfect summer acquisition. Via his impressive sense of creativity inside the final third, intelligent ball control in and around the opposition’s penalty box and keen eye for goal on most given occasions, this is one player who the Emirates hierarchy must certainly offer their full consideration.

The thought of Mesut Ozil linking up effectively with the current Borussia Dortmund star in north London next season is almost too good to be true with all things fairly taken into account. Arsenal would certainly present themselves as a far more balanced outfit with Mkhitaryan working his widely admired magic at the Emirates, and it is believed that the highly coveted Armenian international would prefer a switch to the Gunners as opposed to joining up with former boss Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside.

Yes, Arsenal would admittedly look somewhat foolish if they somehow viewed Mkhitaryan as the only transfer target worth pursuing this summer, for although the current Bundesliga favourite has certainly served to impress this season, Wenger needs to install a greater sense of physicality and grit within his first-team ranks to stand any real chance of eventually landing the league title next season.

But, as the technically assured player in question will reportedly find himself out of contract in the not too distant future, perhaps the possible signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan should ultimately arrive as somewhat of an easy decision for Arsenal.

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Manchester United fans are growing more and more restless with the current regime at their club. The dreams of competing for the title disappeared months ago and they are struggling to hold their own against the likes of West Ham. The Red Devils have fallen from the stratosphere into big club mediocrity since Alex Ferguson left and are in danger of repeating Liverpool’s 1990s mistakes.

Louis van Gaal is possibly on the edge of the sack at Old Trafford. The Dutch boss is teetering on the brink as the side looks about to end the season with an FA Cup final being their biggest achievement, it is easy to see why people think that is just not enough for a club with the worldwide reputation of Manchester United.

Football hasn’t been a joy in Manchester this season. Whilst City’s struggles may have cheered up a few of the United stragglers, their own team’s on-pitch performances have been snore-worthy.

What will it take for LVG to reinvent this team? Maybe these FIVE…

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago has been linked with United for several summers now. However, the recent Bayern signing of Renato Sanches – who United also wanted – may mean that the Bavarians are more open to moving on their Spanish playmaker.

Remaining injury-free is the biggest challenge for Thiago and, when he has done that, he has been one of the best in Europe. United’s current midfield options lack a creative edge to their game and Thiago, who produced 2.6 key passes per Champions League game this season, would offer just that.

William Carvalho

Louis van Gaal has a penchant for defensive midfielders, doesn’t he?

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin have all played regularly throughout this season, but, with two of them ageing, it is time to sign a replacement. Carvalho can fill in at centre-back if required and he has time on his side to settle in to English football.

Alexis Sanchez

As good as Jesse Lingard has been, Manchester United need another natural wide player.

Juan Mata is not effective from the wing and United often seem short of regular goalscorers. Alexis Sanchez would provide them with both of these, whether playing from the left or right.

The pace, eye for goal and sensational work ethic of Sanchez would add an extra dimension to Van Gaal’s side.

Angelo Ogbonna

West Ham’s over-achievement this season has largely been down to the performances of Angelo Ogbonna.

Considered a future star when at Torino, Ogbonna’s move to Juventus stalled his career somewhat. Fortunately, he has picked up where he left off and has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season.

Ogbonna is a pacey, powerful centre-half and would be an ideal partner for Chris Smalling.

Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco

Ferreira-Carrasco is one of the quickest players in La Liga right now and one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe.

Having just been named in the Belgium squad for this summers EUROs, Carrasco is ready to take the step to the pinnacle of European football. In and out of the Atletico team, he has only contributed four goals in the league this season.

The best dribbler in Simeone’s squad, Carrasco would provide United with the sort of wide threat that they have sorely missed.

It is just conceivable that Jose Mourinho will manage a different club, elsewhere.All of the recent speculation, whether it’s on the internet on within the tabloids, consistently identifies the Portuguese boss as the next manager at Old Trafford.Whether his own PR people have spunÂrumours of Jose headingÂto Man United or stories of compensation if he doesn’t get offered the Manchester United job, few truly know, but these all amount to nothing at the moment because Louis van Gaal is still the United boss, and Mourinho still isn’t the manager of anyone.It is being said that the board at Old Trafford may well allow Van Gaal to see out his contract, whatever does or doesn’t happen with the under-achieving team this season. Despite another inconsistent campaign, the Dutchman is working closely with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and chief scout Jim Lawlor to identify transfer targets for the summer.Those potential recruits includeÂa host of massive names, so there seems to be confidence in LVG.It is also reported that United’s two week money spinning tour of the Far East this summer, has been reduced to eight days by the managers insistence. Van Gaal has been quoted as saying: “I am there for every step that is being made for next season and I decided that we would only go to China for eight days,†said the 64-year-old.Seeing that Van Gaal thinks he’s staying and seeing that nothing has been said by the club to the contrary and seeing that some board members, Sir Alex Ferguson being one, don’t exactly want Mourinho at Old Trafford – where does that leave Jose?Well, let’s face it, ‘The Special One’ won’t exactly be short of offers. Roberto Mancini’s role at Inter is in doubt, as is Zinedine Zidane at Real, as is Valencia’s wish to create something at the Mestalla, but suddenly as a fog descends around the circumstances in Manchester, another lifts over Paris.Blanc was heavily criticised by the French media for his tactics in PSG’s Champions League defeat to Manchester City, where he fielded an experimental line-up consisting of three centre-halves.The 50-year-old signed a new two-year deal with the French club in February, but the side’s owners are dissatisfied with a fourth consecutive last eight exit in the Champions League.Mourinho is the hot favourite to replace LVGÂat Old Trafford this summer and he admitted last week that he wanted his next job to be in a ‘difficult’ league. With PSG running away with the league again this year, difficult Lique 1 is not.However, according to the Sky Sports, PSG’s Qatari bosses are ready to offer the Portuguese manager a deal to relocate to the French capital.Mourinho isÂyet to manage in France as he moves around Europe winning most things in sight. The challenge at PSG would not be the league title, but getting the Paris club to the Champions League final and winning it. That’s his ultimate challenge, but would it be enough to persuade him to go to France? The money is there, the desire of the owners as well, but does their ambitions match the potential bosses ambitions or are his sights set firmly on re-building a dishevelled Manchester United?Whilst United keep quiet, it fuels speculation. If United are sticking with Van Gaal, surely it’s better to say so?It’s clear that Mourinho wants to stay in the Premier League, but once United actually make it clear what they have decided, Jose may have to settle for second best and that could be PSG.At least for now.

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If anyone was in doubt of United’s pulling power, then fear no more.

You could be forgiven for thinking Manchester United had left the good times behind once Sir Alex Ferguson had stepped down.

An experienced squad linked up with a promising manager in David Moyes, who was seen as the perfect replacement for the exemplary Ferguson. Things started off badly, Fellaini the only major addition to a squad in much need of rejuvenation with the ever present Scholes finally hanging up his boots.

Was he replaced? No.

This was a year of transition and with constant failings in the transfer market, which included failed bids for Sami Khedira, Cesc Fabregas and Fabio Coentrao.

The idea was to bring in player to sure up the midfield. Targets were identified, only for United fall short in the market. They had been superb in previous transfer windows, buying young talent along with experience. Most notably Robin Van Persie from Arsenal, which ultimately won them their last Premier League title in 2012-13.

He was the right name. Times had changed for United and not for the better. A dismal 2013-14 season, in which they finished 7th in the Premier League, was the first time United had not competed in European football for 25 years.

Things went from bad to worse with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, the rearguard for United for so many years, leaving the club.

Were they replaced? No.

Transfer rumours swelled about potential world class stars but ultimately those world class stars were not needed. Other priorities were needing attention, only for Angel Di Maria to come in for a record British fee of £59.7m – but he left a year later without coming near to the player he was at Real Madrid.

A couple years pass along and finally, with Jose Mourinho, United have their swagger back, both on and off the field. With the worst kept secret in world football, Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined United on a free transfer. Not since Eric Cantona have they had a player with such identity and charisma.

For once, this was a player they had needed. Not just a naturally gifted footballer but one of world’s greatest characters. For years the Premier League has prayed for Zlatan, and that wish has finally come true.

Many will again say he isn’t what United need. On the contrary; he is a player synonymous with class and may prove to be a very shrewd signing.

Now with a big name comes the right name, Borussia Dortmund attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. A fantastic signing that proves Manchester United mean business. For such little money (in the market today) he can potentially be the signing of the summer.

They are the first few steps, and there is much more work to be done, but for United it’s a step in the right direction.

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To be fair to Arsenal, you’ve got to feel for them on this occasion- even just in the slightest.

Whilst Arsene Wenger has gone about his transfer waiting game in typical fashion, the camp were first hit with the devastating news that defender Per Mertesacker will be out for “months” with a knee injury.

Then, in typical fashion more injuries started to take hold and next out was Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, who was injured during his side’s 3-2 pre-season win over Manchester City last week.

Either defender are hardly Gunners’ favourites but both offer a certain amount of defensive stability and leadership in the back-four, and their injuries must mean that Arsene Wenger must start looking for a replacement as soon as possible.

Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers are left at the Emirates, but with Chambers struggling to break into the side over questioned quality, the time has come for a bit of Arsene Wenger ambition.

Centre-back isn’t the most exciting position to have to fill but it is any important one- look how much Vincent Kompany means to Manchester City.

So with this in mind, who should Arsene be targeting?

Here’s THREE established centre-backs who could relieve the current injury woes…

Marquinhos

Whilst he may not be a player that instantly springs to mind, there is little doubt that Brazilian international Marquinhos could tick a number of boxes for the Gunners.

After signing for Paris Saint-Germain for €31.4 million back in 2013, he’s won over ten trophies during his stay in France. He’s had to play second fiddle after fellow countryman David Luiz was acquired by the club, but he is still considered as one of the best young defenders in the game and made over 40 appearances for PSG last season.

He’s extremely competent in his defensive game and has an excellent ability to read the game, with former Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso once describing him as “A little phenomenon who has speed, heading ability and is humble. He is a little Thiago Silva”. Not a bad comparison to draw at all.

Adil Rami

If the Gunners are looking for a defender to fill the gap, rather than be here for the long-term, then they should be looking at a man like Adil Rami.

He won’t cost the mega-bucks like the other two names in this list and his defensive record in his career has been solid enough.

Now at Sevilla, he’s performed well for the Spanish side during his first season at the club and he would be a sturdy, solid signing to provide some defensive cover.

Aleksandar Dragovic

A tough-tackling defender, Aleksander Dragovic would really add some metal to the Arsenal back four.

At 25, Dragovic might be young, but he has plenty of experience. He has won two Swiss League titles, one Ukranian title and helped Basel to the Europa League semi final.

Now at Dynamo Kiev, it might take a big transfer fee to prise him away from Ukraine but a little like Stones, this would be a signing both for the future, and for now.

What better way for the Premier League to reintroduce itself into our lives after an interminable international break than the Manchester derby, especially with the side-note of another battle between the two best managers in the world on the touchline.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United have made flying starts to the season and both still hold 100% records heading into this game.

El Clasico records have seen Pep Guardiola come out on top, with Mourinho winning just 15% of his games against Pep’s Barcelona during his time at Real Madrid.

However, United fans will argue that the Manchester derby is a totally different game and records of Spain should be forgotten.

Here are Five reasons why Jose Mourinho will lead Manchester United to glory against Manchester City in Saturday’s derby…

Fully Fit

While City have Bacary Sagna, Ilkay Gundogan, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero all out through injuries and suspension, United have a full fit squad, with only Henrikh Mkhitaryan a slight doubt for the derby.

This could be vital in the outcome of the game, especially in the absence of Sergio Aguero for the visitors.

Home Advantage

Never does home advantage count more than in a derby, where atmosphere pulsates through stadiums with palpable force.

While City have had moderate success at Old Trafford in recent years, their last two visits to the Theatre of Dreams has seen them leave with a solitary point.

Mourinho will make Old Trafford a fortress and Pep may struggle to get his side playing his total football in such an environment.

Mou’s experience

While Mourinho has never experienced the drama of a Manchester derby before, his Premier League experience means that he is fully aware of what needs to be done to reign victorious in these games.

Pep, on the other hand, is three games into his Premier League career and may need more experience in the English game before he asserts his dominance on games of this calibre.

Ibra ready to prove a point

If there is one man who will be ready to make his mark on Saturday’s derby, it will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede does not have a good relationship with Pep Guardiola, to put it lightly, after the Spaniard halted Zlatan’s career at the Nou Camp and forced him away despite a decent goal return.

The 34-year-old will not only want to prove a point to his former boss but will also want to demonstrate to his doubters that he is very much still at the very top of his game.

Solid Defence

Surprisingly, a defence made up of two former midfield players, a 20-year-old and a Premier League newbie has performed incredibly well so far this season. Man United’s makeshift looking defence has conceded just once and looked supremely comfortable in dealing with opposition.

While City’s formidable frontline looks dangerous even with Aguero, United can seek solace in the fact that their back four have stood strong thus far, and it also helps to have a certain David De Gea between the sticks.

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For some of the lesser teams in the Championship, it can often be hard to break through the barrier of money and experience some rivals have, both on and off the pitch.

But one team to have really started to shine quite unexpectedly in recent weeks is Preston North End, who are enjoying a really fruitful run of form.

Last weekend’s 2-0 triumph over Aston Villa was the icing on the cake in a month of form that really saw them turn their season around.

It’s not easy supporting a club like the Whites, who are one that have little money to spend on high-profile signings. Simon Grayson needed to be pretty thrifty in the transfer market once again and he must be commended for his efforts in bringing 10 solid players to the club.

But in recent weeks, we’ve seen some of those additions really begin to shine, particularly the likes of Callum Robinson and Simon Makienok.

We agree, they’re probably not household names, but on the pitch, they’re really doing the business for the Whites and have been a big part of this recent surge in form.

Against his former employers on the weekend, pacy winger Callum Robinson ran the Aston Villa full-backs ragged. Often swapping flanks with fellow summer signing, Aiden McGeady, he made life extremely difficult for the likes of Alan Hutton and Aly Cissokho, both of whom have plenty of Premier League experience.

Despite Aston Villa spending over £60million on players this summer, young Robinson showed Roberto Di Matteo what might have been, getting forward on as many occasions as possible and really causing difficulty in his opponents’ defensive ranks.

Simon Makienok has also been good recently, too, bagging an impressive hat-trick as his side negotiated a tricky away cup tie at Premier League outfit Bournemouth. His treble helped Preston overcome Eddie Howe’s team 3-2 on the evening and it was really promising stuff, especially for the Whites contingent that had made the long trip down to the south coast.

North End are now unbeaten in four and are looking in good shape to continue climbing the table. Granted, they’re not going to be one of this season’s glamour sides who score goal after goal, but there is a real grit to Grayson’s team that could make them serious underdogs to watch out for.

What would success be, though?

Probably another top half finish. Preston finished 11th last time out and there is real optimism beginning to build regarding getting even higher.

We’ve seen bigger shocks in second division football and whilst not everyone might like Preston’s one-up-front style of play, it’s working and, in time, they could become this campaign’s surprise package.