3 Premier League surprise packages, and who can keep it going

Each term there is a surprise package that lights up the top tier of English football.

Newcastle United's fearlessness in its 1993-94 title push, two years after Kevin Keegan's side was in the third tier, is the most shocking impact of the Premier League era.

There are three teams this campaign who, according to preseason expectations, are in nosebleed territory. But can they keep it up?

Leicester City

When Claudio Ranieri was unveiled as Leicester City manager - strangely looking as if he had been interrupted from a nap in his back garden - many in the media slammed the appointment and tipped the Foxes to be hounded from the Premier League and back into the Championship.

But the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Jeff Schlupp, and Danny Drinkwater have performed beyond expectations, while the endeavour of Jamie Vardy put the Sheffield lad to the top of Premier League scoring charts and helped engineer a host of unlikely comebacks for his club.

It can't last. The East Midlands club had a relatively easy beginning to the season, and faces a cruel run of fixtures over the festive period. A poor Christmas, and a potential sale of Vardy in January, could spell two contrasting halves to the season.

Crystal Palace

Yohan Cabaye adds class and composure to a midfield that was already full of speed and directness. The reversal in fortunes at Crystal Palace since Alan Pardew took over at the turn of the year has seen the 54-year-old tipped for an England job in the future.

Although the Eagles lost 3-1 at home to fellow surprise package West Ham last weekend, the result was flattering for the visitor. It did reveal an issue for Palace though: up front.

Six players can play striker in Crystal Palace's ranks, but Pardew continues to stick with just one spearheading his attack. Dwight Gayle was the latest to be given a go last Saturday, and his eagerness resulted in two yellow cards before the half.

If Pardew is adamant in the use of a lone striker, a more imposing figure who allows the pacey ranks behind him to overlap may be a better option. Six-foot-three Connor Wickham, who is due to return from a calf strain next weekend, may be just the man.

Sort this out, and Palace can compete for a Europa League spot.

West Ham

When looking at value for money, signing Dimitri Payet to a five-year contract for a fee around £10.6 million has to be the best piece of business this summer.

The invention of the Frenchman, coupled with the busy Argentinian Manuel Lanzini, makes watching West Ham an exciting proposition and a threat to the most stingiest Premier League defences - ask Arsenal and Manchester City.

Slaven Bilic's side is the most likely to hold its lofty position in the league. The squad has much more balance than it has for a long time, and has earned fourth place in the face of injuries throughout the squad.