SEASON 2016/2017;

THE PREDICTION!

With the final International break of the year in progress, and the new season having grown to a relatively matured state, the time has come for me to peer into my crystal ball to see what it says for this very interesting and mouthwatering season we are already experiencing. A lot has been said and have gone down in the first two months of the 2016/2017 season across Europe, which would only tell us one thing; we always would see a competitive campaign across board.

I shall discuss my tips for glory in the top five European leagues. So, without further delay, let us delve into business.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE;

 Often said to be the most competitive and glamorous league, it is living up to its billing once again. Last year was a stunning season all round as the top four witnessed unprecedented changes, as Leicester City, graced the podium for the first time in their 132 year history. This year however, familiar faces are in position as the keen race begins to gather pace and momentum. Liverpool are on top right now and have displayed breath taking football, with a powerful and lethal front three of Philipe Coutinho, Roberto Firminho and Sadio Mane. The reds have no Premier League title to their name after coming agonizingly close in 2009 and 2014, losing out to Manchester United and Manchester City respectively. However, there is something about them this season; they cannot be taken lightly. Jurgen Klopp has transfered his spirit to this team and they seem to finally have the extra to go on and win.

 Of course, there are other challengers as Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all make up the top four and are breathing down each others throats. Chelsea has a new found belief in them and it has been evident in their recent appearances, as they have obliterated their opponents. After a shameful 10th place finish last term, Antonio Conte seems to have found the right formula. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have returned to the monsters we always knew them to be, with the latter topping the scoring charts. At the start, they did not look like challengers but they are now. Conte has revitalized the team.

 Manchester City started like a house on fire with 10 consecutive dominant wins as Pep announced himself to England, although, there have been some spanners in the works, as they have once gone six games without winning. City have a strong team and are in the mix definitely. Arsenal also, have started well and are in the top four, and among the challengers. It makes for a keen race.

I look at it and I see it between Chelsea and Liverpool. Apart from the common reason that they have no European engagements, I tip both to go closely for they have gotten the ideas of their managers in motion. Klopp and Conte are written all over their teams' performances. However, I tip Chelsea to be champions. Chelsea has achieved a defensive solidity which has always characterized their triumphs, and now have an attacking flair to match. Roman Abramovic's yearnings for sexy football was satisfied in Chelsea's pummeling of Everton at Stamford Bridge and was a performance you expect of a champion. So, Chelsea it is.

SPANISH LA LIGA SANTANDER;

The new Spanish league with its new name has been interesting and competitive with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla all in challenging mood. Zinedine Zidane haven won the Champions League in less than six months as Manager, has overseen an unbeaten start to the new season at the Santiago Bernabeu, while defending champions, Barcelona, have lost matches to Alaves and Celta Vigo. The title race always comes down to these two giants of spanish soccer and it surely would go that way again.

As earlier mentioned, Real Madrid are unbeaten as Zidane enjoys his first campaign as manager. Los Blancos have not lifted Laliga since they did in 2012 under Jose Mourinho and their unbeaten start would suggest a willingness to correct the anomally. Although, I have not been too impressed with the display on the pitch and I believe the manager would be worried. Also, Zidane is yet to really prove himself as a top manager. Many have atrributed his UCL triumph to luck.

Barcelona on the other hand have shocked people with their home loss to Alaves. They have also lost to Celta Vigo and have been held by Atletico Madrid. The dreadful MSN is still in position and contributing the goals while the catalans have some injury worries to cope with.

It is always about both of them and it would be keen. I like Real Madrid and Gareth Bale is performing on a consistent level. However, Lionel Messi is in top form in Barca and it is a big race. I make a bold tip and I go with Real Madrid.

FRENCH LIGUE 1

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has left and Parc des Prince is missing his aura. PSG have not started the campaign as they would have liked. Edison Cavani now has all the responsibility. Unai Emery has a big job to do. AS Monaco are running ahead and it is going to be a big run for the Championnat this time around.

The Ligue 1 would be a keen race that is what I can say. Monaco have started well and are also doing well in the Champions league. However, I would still go with Paris Saint Germain. They have the best players. They struggle to start the campaign but they stabilize. It would not be roller coaster but they would win.

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA

The German topflight has just kissed goodbye to the dominance of Pep Guardiola but Bayern Munich remains the top team in the land. However, they have not enjoyed a consistent performance as levels have obviously dropped. They remain unbeaten and at the top followed by Rasen Ballsport Leipzig, a newly promoted side. Borrussia Dortmund who should be close challengers are battling inconsistency of their own.

My thinking is Bayern have the championship again but, like Ligue 1, the dominating levels would drop.

ITALIAN SERIE A

The Italian Serie A is another top competition which has been dominated by Juventus and candidly, I see no change to the status quo. What I just want to tip is for AC Milan to return to Europe. Vincenzo Montella is doing a really good job at the San Siro club that has dwindled well from its glory days. The Rosseneri defeated Juventus at San Siro and have posted some impressive performances to sit third. There is Napoli, who I believe would suffer from Higuain's departure, and AS Roma, but, I tip Milan to return among the elites.


These are my humble and honest tips for this glamorous season on our hands. I am pretty sure we all have our tips. Why not hit me with your tips across board and let us compare notes in May. Have a great season to remember.