England:
After a troubled pre-season in which many first-team regulars have left (Gilberto, Flamini, Hoyte) and been replaced by inexperienced newcomers, Arsenal do not currently look like challengers A number of squad players have been loaned out thus lowering the depth of the side, with a notable departure in the loaning of Philippe Senderos to AC Milan. The lack of a midfield enforcer to set the tempo, drive on the side and gee up team-mates is a major factor why the side is likely to fall well short from first place. If a current squad member can step up or a new signing or two (Inler?) comes in, then the Gunners will have a squad with enough quality to compete for silverware this year.
Chelsea have hired another Portuguese manager and a larger Portuguese-speaking contingent with Bosingwa and Deco adding to Ferreira, Alex et al. The addition of Deco, the Brazilian born playmaker, looks to be key to the side’s style of play. There is an embarrassment of midfield riches, with Lampard, Deco, Ballack, Mikel and Essien all fighting for a starting spot. Scolari’s use of attacking full-backs might finally get the best out of Ashley Cole. The squad depth and the re-signing of Frank Lampard to a new hugely-inflated five year deal might spur last year’s runners up to challenge on all four fronts.
Having won the Champions League and Premiership last season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United will look to defend their titles, with an even more congested fixture list, with the World Club Championship in December, it will be even more difficult this time round, especially if they decide to take part in the FA Cup, unlike last time. The main issue with the team is the lack of a reliable third striker aside from Rooney and Tevez, especially with Saha being as injury prone as…well, Rosicky. Berbatov is the name being touted everywhere but will cost close to £30m. The injury to Real Madrid fan Ronaldo will inhibit their play but the strength in depth means results will come even without the Portuguese attacker. The sale of Silvestre to Arsenal means the promotion of Fabio and Rafael the adventurous full-backs, with the former of the two top-scoring for Brazil in the U17 World Cup in 2007. Silverware is very likely for the Red Devils.
‘When will Liverpool win the title again?’ is a question on the lips of many a football fan. Pundits and ex-players alike have tipped the side to run the favourites close having signed Keane from Tottenham. Yet the issue of money has come up once more, with Benitez insistent on signing Barry for £18m and his reasons for this protracted transfer saga being the need of left footers and British players. The reported £8m arrival of ex-Manchester City player Albert Riera from Espanyol is now being seen as the alternative to Barry, despite their different positions and style of play. The future of Alonso is still up for debate, while the fans are also worried concerning the success of the DIC’s bid to buy the club from its American owners, neither of whom are particularly liked (and that’s being kind). Success on the pitch will do much to distract the media attention from the inner turmoil at the club.
Prediction: Chelsea 1st, Manchester United 2nd, Arsenal 3rd, Liverpool 4th
Abramovich may finally get his wish of wining the title with aesthetically pleasing football. United will no doubt be right up there, but lagging behind unfortunately will be Arsenal and Liverpool (the order of the two is anybody’s guess – I’m feeling optimistic!).
Spain:
A poor quality La Liga title race was won by Real Madrid at a canter last season and one can only hope a better fight is put up this time around. The Spanish Champions will no doubt put priority on a 10th Champions League crown, having been knocked out by Roma last year, but a third league title is very appealing. They have strengthened with the signing of Rafael Van Der Vaart, who will play a key role, especially after the injury which Sneijder sustained in the Emirates Cup, keeping him out for roughly 3 months. The transfer saga of Robinho is seen as karma by many for the flirtatious manner in which the Spanish side courted Ronaldo over the summer. After a relatively low key summer in terms of spending, with De La Red bought back and Garay signed and loaned back to Racing Santander, it seems Schuster is happy with the size of his squad. Perhaps the signing of David Villa might be the key to another successful season. If they can pull it off (a figure of £41m is being touted), glory should be theirs.
Finally, for Barcelona, the old guard is gone. Coach Frank Rikjaard leaves; having won a Champions League title (something which only club legend Johan Cruyff has achieved) and two La Ligas. His players let him down with the likes of Ronaldinho and Deco rightly criticised for their poor form. Both have since left and Samuel Eto’o, after a brief flirtation with Uzbekistani side Kuruvchi, has buckled down and decided to stay. A new defence has practically been bought by new coach Pep Guardiola, with Alex Hleb also coming in from Arsenal but with Lionel Messi in front of him, it is unlikely he will start many games this upcoming season. An impressive pre-season against small sides showed their potential after it culminated in a 4-0 win in the important Champions League qualifier against Wisla Krakow. They will run the Champions closer this time around.
Has complacency set in at El Madrigal? The Yellow Submarine, led by Manuel Pellegrini has performed poorly against sides including Sevilla and Valladolid, with the latter thrashing them 5-1. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez called for self-reflection with Villarreal looking to improve on a 2nd placed finish last year. They have retained Marcos Senna, who performed a master-class in the holding role over the summer for Spain. They have signed Joseba Llorente, who will guarantee goals. The size of their squad may make challenging for the title difficult, especially with a Champions League campaign to contend with. A better work ethic from the one shown over pre-season is needed if they are to reach the heights of last year.
Sevilla under Juande Ramos were aggressive and attacking, playing wonderful football at a high tempo. After a year of mediocrity, Manolo Jimenez’s side is ready for another shot at the title. Transfer activity with Barcelona has been very common with Alves and Keita arriving at the Nou camp, while Diego Capel is also being linked to the Blaugrana. The goals of the fiery Luis Fabiano and Kanoute will be key to their challenge. They have brought in defensive solidity with midfielders such as Romaric and Acosta and defenders such as Sebastien Squillaci, Abdoulay Konko and Fernando Navarro strengthening the side.
Prediction: Real Madrid 1st, Barcelona 2nd, Sevilla 3rd, Villarreal 4th
The Champions look to have the quality and strength in depth to retain their title. Another season playing together will improve them as well. Barcelona will run them very close and are likely to win a cup instead. It becomes tricky predicting third and fourth place with Valencia also threatening to break into the Champions League slots with a new president and coach and their Euro 2008 stars.
Italy and Germany to follow. Comments are invited as usual.
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