This article is unique. A prediction from a group of writers from our website on how the top 5 leagues will play out this season. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the opinions!
Sean Tansley (@FalseFantasista)
Premier League: Once again, I expect a tight finish to the Premier League season. However, it's extremely difficult to look past the Chelsea squad and Jose Mourinho, bar an injury to a central defender. Manchester City will push them all the way however, and Fernando could prove to be an excellent addition to the side, allowing them to play a 4-5-1 formation as well, sitting behind a Toure - Fernandinho pivot. Arsenal have had an impressive window, with Sanchez & Debuchy already looking excellent while young Chambers still has a little to learn in order to play as a centre back. 3rd for the Gunners seems realistic. Then we come to 4th. For me, it's between Liverpool, Manchester United & Tottenham Hotspur. Personally, as a Liverpool fan, I'm confident that we can achieve the final Champions League qualifying spot, especially due to the fact that our end of season run-in is looking okay. If Lamela gets off to a good start with Spurs, the young Argentinian may be the catalyst to spark a 4th place rush, while in United's case they'll be looking for van Persie to replicate his form from 2012/13.
La Liga: Real Madrid, with the additions of the magnificent James Rodriguez, the elegant Toni Kroos and acrobatic Keylor Navas should bring La Liga back to the Santiago Bernabeu for the 33rd time. Barcelona, with Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic added to the side, as well as defensive duo Mathieu & Vermaelen, should push Los Blancos all the way but ultimately fall just short. Retaining the title would be quite the ask for Atletico Madrid, who have utilised their tranfer funds superbly to bring in the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Guillherme Siqueira and Jan Oblak and should look to finish 3rd place this time around. 4th place is up for grabs between Valencia, Athletic Bilbao & Sevilla, with the former likeliest to snatch it.
Ligue 1: The two horse race between PSG and Monaco should continue, with the same outcome as last season, PSG winners with Monaco 2nd. Bielsa's exciting Marseille side should just about have enough in the tank to steal into third place ahead of Olympique Lyon, who have retained their key men for the upcoming campaign.
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich should have more than enough to retain the Bundesliga, and Borussia Dortmund should finish clear of third place by a distant margin as well. The final two Champions League spots are up for grabs between Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke 04, VfL Wolfsburg & Borussia Monchengladbach, and I feel that Leverkusen & Wolfsburg should clutch these two spots. Expect Hakan Calhanoglu & Kevin de Bruyne to play starring roles.
Serie A: The battle between Juventus & Roma is bound to be intriguing, but feel that Juve will steer just clear at the top, with Roma in 2nd place. Inter Milan have made some impressive acquisitions, Osvaldo, Medel and M'Vila to name just 3, and keeping young talent like Kovacic and Icardi has been a signal of intent from the sie I fancy to finish 3rd. Napoli should fill the final spot in the top 4, and conclude my preview of the new season!
Sam France - (@sjakef)
I just can’t look beyond Chelsea for the Premier League this season. After a stellar transfer window, their starting XI simply doesn’t have a single weakness, and Diego Costa is the real deal – the World Cup was not a true reflection of his quality. Sanchez is not enough to make Arsenal champions but they should sustain a challenge for longer and United can challenge for the top four with no Europe to worry about, but it is still between City and Chelsea for me. Aston Villa will struggle, they have had a poor window and if Benteke is injured again their season will go out the window; he won’t still around much longer. Surprise package of the season? Southampton. Everyone expects them to struggle but they have recruited well, and Premier League defences are unlikely to know a lot about Pelle and Tadic – they won’t hit the heady heights of last season, but relegation seems a bit of a long shot.
How do you improve a title-winning team? Buy your biggest rivals’ top goalscorer. Dortmund have replaced their star man well and their front line is still pretty scary, but so is the prospect of Bayern with Lewandowski. I can see Bayer Leverkusen having a crack at the title with the arrival of Calhanoglu, with they and Schalke completing the top four. Hertha will suffer with the permanent loss of Ramos and Lasogga.
Far from being one-hit wonders, Atletico can mount another real challenge for the title this year – Mandzukic will score plenty, especially with the service of Griezmann. Barca have confused me – Vermaelen and Mathieu, a world-class defensive pairing? How will Messi, Neymar and Suarez fit into one team? If it comes off then there will be fireworks, but Real Madrid are my favourites; looking at their squad, how could they not be? Pray for little Eibar when the big boys come calling.
You don’t need me to tell you that £40million+ is stupid money for David Luiz, but he and Thiago Silva can form a solid partnership – as long as they exorcise the ghosts of the World Cup. With Rodriguez gone, keeping Falcao is paramount to Monaco’s title chances. They will run PSG close, but the title will not leave the capital. A mixture of Europe and ‘second season syndrome’ could prove the downfall for last season’s surprise package Guingamp.
Roma and Napoli have both had a productive summer window, but Juventus are still firm favourites for the title having kept the core of their team, and Morata can shine with first-team football. Inter Milan have assembled a solid spine with Medel and Vidic but retiring heroes will hit them hard. It’s difficult to imagine AC Milan coming back from the dead, but keep an eye out for Hachim Mastour – the 16-year-old is Italy’s next big thing.
Sam Biggers - (@PortuFutbol)
Spain: 1st - Real Madrid, 2nd - Barcelona, 3rd - Atletico Madrid, 4th - Sevilla, 5th - Valencia
With Real Madrid’s acquisitions of Kroos and James Rodriguez, Real Madrid are oozing with talent. While Barcelona have to become accustomed to a new manager, Ancelotti can continue his magic at Madrid, which will give them an edge this season. While Atletico still has a strong squad, the departures of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, and Courtois can do nothing but hurt. Sevilla will continue their solid form with Unai Emery at the helm, and with some positive summer signings as well as a new coach, Valencia look to return to the top 5.
England: 1st - Chelsea, 2nd - Manchester United, 3rd - Liverpool, 4th - Manchester City, 5th Arsenal
Despite Liverpool’s emergence last season as a contender and Manchester United’s new manager, the ever capable Louis Van Gaal, I pick Chelsea for the title this season. The weaknesses in their squad from last season have been addressed with three very able signings in Filipe Luis, Fabregas, and Diego Costa. Mourinho is a proven manager, and this season should be the one where he gets the title. Manchester United have looked strong this pre-season, and one feels that things may be back to normal under Van Gaal. But it won’t be enough for the title this season. Liverpool have made some positive signings this off-season, but the departure of Suarez will hurt them. They’ll come close, but it just won’t quite work out in the end. Despite winning the league last season, Manchester City won’t be able to replicate the success this time around. Though close, Arsenal will likely have a poor mid-season, and will sink to fifth in the table. This season looks to be similar to last, with the race ridiculously close until the end.
Germany: 1st - Bayern Munich 2nd - Borussia Dortmund, 3rd - Wolfsburg, 4th - Eintracht Frankfurt, 5th - Schalke
Pep Guardiola is creating a dynasty at Bayern, and it’s one that won’t fall this season. With new front-man Robert Lewandowski, Bayern may be unstoppable, not just in Germany, but in all of Europe. Dortmund will have a solid season, but will fail to fully challenge Bayern for the title. Wolfsburg will look to build on what was a positive season last time out, and with World Cup stars Ricardo Rodriguez, Luiz Gustavo, Ivan Perisic, and Kevin de Bruyne, the team can only improve. With Werder Bremen’s long-serving coach Thomas Schaff now in charge, Eintracht Frankfurt has the potential to have a storming season. With the experienced coach comes proven Bundesliga performers in Hasebe, Timothy Chandler, and Aleksandar Ignjovski, as well as the promising Seferovic and Lucas Piazon. And despite finishing in third place last season, Schalke will not be able to manage as strong of a finish this time out.
Italy: 1st - Roma, 2nd - Juventus 3rd - Inter, 4th - Napoli, 5th - Udinese
With the departure of Antonio Conte, Juventus will fall from grace. New man Allegri will fail to replicate his predecessor’s success at the club. And building on last season’s positive finish, Roma will pounce on Juventus’s fall, with coach Rudi Garcia leading them to the title. After some positive transfers this off-season, Inter will look to finally return to the top of the table. New signings Nemanja Vidic, Yann M’Vila, and Gary Medel can do nothing but help Inter’s chances this season. Napoli will continue their good form in recent seasons, while Udinese, now led by former Inter man Stramaccioni, will improve on last season’s 13th place finish.
France: 1st - PSG, 2nd - Monaco 3rd - Marseille, 4th - Lille, 5th - Lyon
This season, PSG will be unbeatable yet again. With the transfer of David Luiz this offseason, it will be hard to look past PSG for the title, though even great teams are always susceptible to meltdowns. Monaco will look to push PSG more this season, and with the pragmatic Leonardo Jardim now in charge of the club, a more successful season looks to be on the cards. With the hiring of Marcelo Biesla this season, Marseille will look to improve upon last season’s disappointing 6th place finish. And with the additions of prospect Michy Batshuayi and proven Ligue 1 performer Romain Alessandrini, Bielsa will have tools at his disposal. Despite their third place finish last season, Lille won’t be able to top Marseille, despite picking up Sebastian Corchia, as well as Marcos Lopes on a loan deal. Lyon will do well this season to finish 5th, after the club’s startling fall from grace over the past few seasons. And with Reims’ previous manager, Hubert Fournier now in charge, stability may help them to a 5th placed finish.
Eimhin Lyons - (@EimhinL91)
Premier League: Chelsea. Although Man City may be well fancied, I can't see Chelsea losing this title. I expect Eden Hazard and Diego Costa to play big roles in their pursuit for the title.
Ligue 1: PSG. PSG are an obvious choice for the Ligue 1. With players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and new signing David Luiz, they are a force to be reckoned with both in France and Europe.
Serie A: Roma. I believe that Roma, under the rule of Rudi Garcia, will win in a tight battle with the likes of Juventus and Inter. Key players will be Pjanic, Strootman and De Rossi.
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich. After acquiring Robert Lewandowski from rivals Borussia, Bayern are the obvious choice. I believe they could go all the way in the Bundesliga and in Europe.
La Liga: Real Madrid. The Madrid giants will be tough opponents this year. Recent signings such as James Rodriguez and world cup winner Toni Kroos will hope to bring success to los blancos.
Charlie Malam - (@CharlieMalam)
Premier League - 1st - Chelsea, 2nd - Manchester City, 3rd - Arsenal, 4th - Liverpool, 5th - Manchester United
Jose Mourinho's side have undoubtedly the strongest squad, having brought in players like Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas over the summer and released some of their ageing players. After they failed to win the title last year, I believe Mourinho will be extra hungry to deliver a title to Stamford Bridge, and that's exactly what he'll do. Second, Mauricio Pelligrini's City. They're not too dissimilar from last season, with Fernando and a rejuvenated Stevan Jovetic adding to the ranks. A huge signing for them though, is £32 million Eliaquim Mangala, who could form a formidable partnership alongside Vincent Kompany. If they can keep Sergio Aguero fitter for longer than they did last season, and Yaya Toure and David Silva can shine again, they'll be there or there abouts. Still, I think Mourinho may just pip them in the top four games once again, and that might be the difference. Plus, Chelsea won't throw away silly losses. Third, Arsenal. Many are touting them for a title charge, but I think they're a decent no.9 forward and a defensive midfielder away from that just yet. Still, their summer has been outstanding and Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers, David Ospina and Alexis Sanchez will change them dramatically. Keep Aaron Ramsey away from injuries, and they could be an outside bet, but I think injuries might just strike them down again. Liverpool enjoyed a fantastic season last year, but I think they'll have to settle for a battle for fourth this year. They've added some good business, but they need another striker to cover in case Daniel Sturridge gets injured, which is likely. The ex-Chelsea and City man has scored goals for fun since his move to Anfield, but seems to be made of paper thin glass. Still, their defence looks a lot stronger with the additions of Javier Manquillo, Dejan Lovren and soon Alberto Moreno, which makes me think they'll just pip Manchester United to the top four. Louis Van Gaal's men seem to be the favourite outside bet to break back into the Champions League, seeing as they only have domestic games to worry about in 2014-15. Though even if they've brought in Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera and a strong tactical shape under the Dutchman, their defence is still questionable and all the teams I've chosen above them just look that little bit stronger. They won't be far off though.
Serie A - 1st - Roma, 2nd - Juventus, 3rd - Fiorentina, 4th - Napoli, 5th - Internazionale
With Antonio Conte having left Juventus, I can't see them being quite as strong as last season. Massimiliano Allegri had a good start at AC Milan back in 2010, be they were simply awful before last Christmas, so I'm gonna say it'll take some time for them to gain the form that made them so superior last season. In contrast, Rudi Garcia's Roma have brought in Ashley Cole, Juan Manuel Iturbe and loanee Salih Ucan looks a prospect. Napoli will be looking to improve under Rafael Benitez after a few avoidable draws and defeats last time around, but I think they'll have to settle for a place just behind Allegri's Juve and Fiorentina, who have a very strong squad. They haven't had much inspiring business over the summer, but if their best players such as Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (should he stay), Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gómez all keep fit and they rotate well to deal with the Europa League, I think they could push for the Champions League spots. Though Roma are back in the Champions League and will have all those extra midweek games back, I think Garcia's added a bit depth and if Mehdi Benatia stays, they'll be a very strong outfit. Internazionale, I reckon, will finish in the same spot as last year. Under Nemanja Vidic, they'll be stronger and Gary Medel is a great acquisition, but there's not to much in their favour to suggest they'll be up for the title challenge. AC Milan, despite adding Diego Lopez and Pablo Armero into their defence, just haven't got a side capable of breaking back into those top few positions. Not yet at least.
Bundesliga - 1st - Bayern Munich, 2nd - Borussia Dortmund, 3rd - Bayer Leverkusen, 4th - Schalke, 5th - Wolfsburg.
It's hard to look past Bayern to take the Bundesliga again. They may have lost 2-0 to Dortmund in the German Super Cup, but having brought in Robert Lewandowski, Juan Bernat and Sebastian Rode they've improved again, even though Toni Kroos and Mario Mandzukic have left. Under Pep Guardiola, they'll be thoroughly dominant once more, but I think the gap between first and second will be slightly smaller this time around. Jurgen Klopp may have lost Lewandowski, but the signings of Ciro Immobile, Adrian Ramos and even Matthias Ginter have strengthened them. A 4-0 loss to Liverpool aside, their pre-season has been impressive, albeit against poor opposition and Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shone, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a dangerous asset on the break. That was shown in the Super Cup, where both of those two scored to win it but Bayern were admittedly under strength. Bayer Leverkusen will improve on their place last season, with Josip Drmic and a new manager, Roger Schmidt, in through the door and not to mention the loan signing Kyriakos Papadopoulos. I'm not sure why I think they'll pip Schalke, because Die Konigsblauen have bought in Sidney Sam, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Dennis Aogo, but a gut feeling says that Bayer will finish above them. Behind that, I think Wolfsburg will finish fifth for a second successive season their squad is strong, even despite the signing of Nicklas Bendtner.
Ligue 1 - 1st - PSG, 2nd - Marseille, 3rd - Monaco, 4th - Lille, 5th - Saint Etienne.
Monaco have seen a fair few players go, with even Radamel Falcao eager to move away. James Rodriguez and Emmanuel Riviere will be missed, and they've only really brought in Aymen Abdennour, so I can't see them doing as well as last time out. PSG meanwhile, have only strengthened. Alex and Jeremy Menez have gone, but the reigning champions will be able to pair David Luiz and Thiago Silva at the back to form a solid Brazilian centre back partnership and Serge Aurier has been loaned in after a great World Cup campaign. I think they'll retain their crown. As a surprise package, I reckon that Marseille may be runners up. It's a very risky prediction, but Marcelo Bielsa is a very good manager and the Argentine tactician could change the fortunes of Marseille, and with some of the players at his disposal - expect a shock. I predict that Lille and Saint Etienne will take up the remainding positions in the top five, with the former just beating the latter to the Europa League spot.
La Liga - 1st - Real Madrid, 2nd - Barcelona, 3rd - Atletico Madrid, 4th - Athletic Bilbao, 5th - Valencia.
This one was a tough one, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atleti all bringing in some big name signings. Real have signed James Rodriguez, Keylor Navas and Kroos, Barcelona have bought Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Marc-Andre ter Stegen to name but a few. Atleti however, even after losing Filipe Luis, loanee Thibaut Courtois and Diego Costa all to Chelsea, have signed Guilherme Siqueira, Jan Oblak, Antoine Griezmann and Mandzukic, all of whom will make an impact. It's rather harsh that I think they'll finished 3rd after how spectacular they did last season, but their rivals just look better off this time around. The battle between Madrid and Barca will be interesting, with Luis Enrique implementing his style on the Catalan club, but I think last season's 3rd placed side under Carlo Ancelotti, will be eager to add to their Champions League crown from last season. Releasing Diego Lopez is an odd one, but Navas had a spectacular World Cup campaign and at just 27, he's five years younger than Lopez and so that may be in the thinking. Behind the top three, Ernesto Valverde's Bilbao should be in for another good season. Even without Herrera, they have a strong core with exciting youngster Aymeric Laporte at the back, Ander Iturraspe in the midfield and Iker Muniain and Markel Susaeta further forward, they should be good enough to retain a Champions League play-off place. My chosen side for fifth is probably a bit of a surprise, and again it's more of a gut feeling than a justified reason, but without any European football and the loan signings of Andre Gomes and Rodrigo from Benfica and the permanent acquisition of Shkodran Mustafi in addition to the talents of Paco Alcacer, they could just be the dark horses despite finishing 8th last season.