With the new La Liga season (finally) about to start, I suppose it’s time for some predictions. But first, I have to confess, as a Barcelona fan I wasn’t convinced that 40 million was best spent on a central midfield player – in Fabregas – given the plethora of talent we have in that department. Despite this, I was checking ‘Google News’ daily for stories mentioning ‘Febregas, and ‘Barcelona’. And then there was the crazy announcement weekend, with his flight delayed till Sunday, and then the official announcement made half-time during the Super Cup…And the emotional reception, the feeling of catharsis at having a player they never should’ve lost return home. Seeing him, during his long and ‘multilingual’ press conference – I couldn’t help but smile: he was so happy…and so was I. Back with his friends and family, in his hometown, he has played really well so far. The Sanchez signing was always a good idea, and his work rate seems remarkable…He might take longer to settle, but what a prospect!
On to the predictions: Obviously, Madrid and Barca will finish in the top two. The order, though, is nearly impossible to predict. Madrid, with its enormously talented squad, sly manager and ability to scare opponents shitless does make me think they might take it this year. However, if Messi stays fit, and we get back Puyol and Pique (for the bulk of the season) there’ll be nothin in it. I’d go with my gut: Madrid to win the Classico at home, 2-1, Barca to win their home Classico, 3-1, and the final result:
1) Barcelona 95pts
2) Real Madrid 93pts
As for the rest, it’s going to be a very exciting season. With Falcao, I’d tip Atletico to finish in the top 4, and despite Mata leaving, Valencia have the class to join them. Malaga have spent big, but will take a while to click. Sevilla to disappoint somewhat. Villareal, having kept Rossi but lost Cazorla, can challenge for the Europa League. Bilbao have an exciting manager, but I don’t see them cracking the top 6…The rest of the top 8:
3) Valencia
4) Atletico Madrid
5) Malaga
6) Villareal
7) Sevilla
8) Bilbao
And, going completely overboard, the rest:
9) Espanyol
10) Sporting
11) Mallorca
12) Zaragoza
13) Racing
14) Osasuna
15) Sociedad
16) Betis
17) Getafe
And to go down:
18) Granada
19) Levante
20) Vallecano
Lastly: What’s wrong with Messi? Returning late from the Copa, after some friendlies for various charities, he trains for less than a week before scoring and assisting one in the first leg of the Spanish Supercup, scoring two and assisting another in the second leg, scoring two and assisting one in the Gamper (having only played 30min) and scoring and assisting one in the UEFA Supercup. Unbelievable.