My La Liga predictions 2010-11

2010-11 promises to be a fascinating campaign. Both Madrid and Barcelona have spent big and effectively. Only yesterday Madrid announced Mesut Ozil was their new signing having thrown up some impressive performances at the World cup just gone. Ozil joins Carvalho, Pedro León, José Mourinho and Sami Khedira as the new arrivals. But what can we expect from Madrid this year? this time last year with Kaká and Ronaldo we expected Madrid to take some time to gel. The gelled quickly and chased Barca all the way until the final day last season.

And what of the Catalans that are the currently champions for the past two years. Not much different from last season with David Villa heading the arrivals that also include Adriano from Sevilla, who I think is proberly the best bit of business in Spain this summer and the on going Fábregas saga which it is not beyond question that we may see Cesc in Barca colours before the window shuts at the end of the month.

The rest of the league may well forget about the title but a season that could lead to a scramble for the European places may end up with the usual suspects claiming them. Last year both Sevilla and Valencia were touted as possible contenders to stop Madrid and Barca but 3rd placed Valencia were a full 25 points off.

This summer Valencia have been hit hard as the financial problems have caught up. Out are David Villa and David Silva while Ruben Baraja has also departed and in come Roberto Soldado, Aritz Aduriz and Mehmet Topal plus many others from around Europe. The shining light may be Juan Mata who appears to be set to stay and Pablo Hernández, a player I highly regard might well be staying which could help Valencia.

My Top four:

1. Barcelona
2. Real Madrid
3. Sevilla
4. Villarreal

Barcelona for me may well win the league but just as last year it will be tight possibly heading down to the final day again. Real Madrid to finish 2nd but just pipped by Barca. José Mourinho may have a strong squad but Barca have been on top with the same players for the past two years while Adriano and Villa will strengthen the side.

As for the other places. Sevilla get my 3rd place as I feel they will have a good season providing they keep Luís Fabiano and keep Jesús Navas fit.

Villarreal get my 4th place ahead of Valencia because of the problems Valencia have endured this summer. Villarreal have spent wisely this summer but I think Nilmar will have a good season as will Giuseppe Rossi and I think we may well be seeing more of Jefferson Montero this season.

Rest of the top ten

5. Valencia

6. Real Zaragoza

7. Atlético Madrid

8. Deportivo La Coruna

9. Athletic Bilbao

10. Getafe

A season that could surprise many as far as the European places are concerned. Zaragoza I feel are a top six team in Spain but may struggle to get the Europa league place. Atlético it depends on which Atlético we see this year. Do we see a side that implode and miss out on Europe or a side that can make a push for the champions league again.

Deportivo might finish 8th but home form is crucial and getting a good run away. Bilbao have been improving and 9th I think is the best they will achieve this year but don't be surprised if they finished higher.

Getafe may well be fighting for a Europa league place but Pedro León is a key departure as is Roberto Soldado but are a dark Horse.

Mid-Table:

11. Real Mallorca

12. Real Sociedad

13. Sporting de Gijón

14. Espanyol

Mallorca will achieve a could solid 11th I feel but Sociedad and Gijón have strong home support which will help them while Espanyol without Raúl Tamudo will be interesting.

Relegation:

15. Racing Santander

16. Almería

17. Osasuna

18. Málaga

19. Levante

20 Hércules

This is what I have gone for as for relegation but I like to be proved wrong and Hércules have an element of surprise. Levante have been here before but I think not enough to stay up this time while Málaga for all the support could be down this season. Almería, Osasuna and Racing are my other sides here but any of them can go down.