Most clubs have practically finalized their rosters for the upcoming
campaign and with that in mind, Daniel Fernandes previews how the
top-Spanish clubs will fare this season.

Valencia:

If something isn't broken, you shouldn’t fix it. Valencia may find
this out the hard way. The Spanish champions brought in several new
players including strikers Corradi and Di Vaio from the Serie A.
Their top priority should have been locking up Mista, the club’s
leading goal scorer, to a long term deal. Instead, they brought in
two strikers who are unproven in Spain and were mediocre at best
during their days in Italy. The pressure that will come with playing
in the Champions League and defending their title could prove to be
too much for Los Ches.

Prediction: 4th Place


Real Madrid:

It’s very difficult to bet against a squad that is filled with so
many superstar players. After failing to win any titles last season,
look for the Galacticos to bounce back big style this season. Newly
appointed manager Jose Antonio Camacho is a former Madrid player
himself and should fit in nicely at his old club. Madrid has not
made any major changes to their starting eleven. Walter Samuel should
shore up their inconsistent defense while Morientes will provide them
with more attacking options.

Prediction: 1st Place


Barcelona:

Their roster received a massive shake up in the off season with several
players coming and going. This could mean a slow start to their campaign,
but just as they did last year, expect Barca to kick their play up a
notch during the second half of the season. Manager Frank Rijkaard does
not tolerate second rate performances, so look for him to bring out the
best in many of his new signings (Larsson, Deco, Giuly and Belletti),
otherwise they’ll see very limited playing time… just ask Rustu Recber
and Ricardo Quaresma…

Preditcion: 2nd Place


Deportivo:

They are one of the most underrated teams in Europe. They finished in
third place last season and made it to the semi-finals of the Champions
League. They will boast essentially the same squad as last season, so
look for them to pose as a serious contender for the title yet again.
If there is one knock against them, it is that they lack a world class
striker.

Prediction: 3rd place