by Jamie Frier

Created on: February 19, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Barcelona are obviously the favourites in the Spanish La Liga because of their plethora of talent. Ronaldinho and Messi are two of the most skillful players in the world, Deco is one of the best ball players, Eto'o scores most of his chances and Marquez and Puyol are as good a central defensive partnerships you are likely to see. They are a quality side and it would take a brave person to bet against them.

Real Madrid are no longer the force they once were with Zidane retiring, Ronaldo and Figo going to Italy and most of their Galacticos getting on in years. They are still good but i don't think they have the legs for an entire season.
I think that Seville have a decent chance of running Barcelona close as Fredi Kanoute is on fire and they seem to be a tight packed unit and if they keep the pressure up on Barcelona then there is every chance that Barcelona will start to slip because over the past few seasons they have had it all their own way and a challenge might start alarm bells ringing.
This is quite an interesting parallel with the English Premiership. Manchester United were dominant throughout the 90s as were Real Madrid. Then Arsenal came along and upset the champions as did Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna in Spain. And over the past two years with huge spending power and a charismatic coach Chelsea took over as the main force in the Premiership. Barcelona were the exact same in La Liga, winning the last two championships and investing heavily in future and current stars.
And this season Manchester United have led the charge to derail Chelsea and there is just a chance that Barcelona might start to go the same way. Cracks have also started to appear in their armour as the very public argument between Samuel Eto'o and Frank Rijkard has shown.
I would still bet on Barcelona to win the title this season but just watch out for a Sevilla and Valencia charge. Sadly though i don't think David Beckham will win La Liga in his final season with Real Madrid.

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