re: I need an EPL team to root for

Sunderland just signed Altidore. Decent team to watch.

Stoke City have three Americans. Going through a managerial change, traditionally a dirty club.

Aston Villa have Brad Guzan and Everton have Tim Howard. Villa have a wonderful history, but had a very disappointing season last year. They are also about to sell their best player. Everton are a good club, but they play longball and just lost their manager to Manchester United.

Dempsey plays for Tottenham but he could be on the move soon. Tottenham are good and have one of the best players in the league (Gareth Bale). They barely missed out on the Champions League last season.

Swansea City and Liverpool both fit your wants pretty closely. Both play attractive soccer and are currently midtable. Swansea have a wonderful history recently - big time underdog story. Liverpool on the other hand are one of the more storied clubs in the world who have struggled greatly in the past 20 years. Neither have an American though.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are the four best teams in the league right now. City and Chelsea spend incredible amounts of money. United spend money as well, but have historically had a terrific academy. Arsenal is run very well and they don't spend what they don't have (cue the "they don't spend at all" jokes). Chelsea have a very young and entertaining team coming up. They are fun to watch. United have dominated the past 20 years. Great club, but their legendary manager retired at the end of last season. City have a new manager this season. They are loaded with superstars and are a treat to watch when they are on their 'A' game.