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the only necessary factor as to whether the gamble to replace a winning unit with a much-revolutionized side will pay off and far from makes them favorites to regain the title.

Sevilla Juande Ramos and speculation with a move to North London club Tottenham appear to be materializing as it has long lingered on the clubs opening campaign, along with star player Daniel Alves collapsed transfer to Chelsea and the sad passing of Antonio Puerta, the two times reigning UEFA Cup champions have suffered a indifferent start to the season. Their penchant for an attractive attacking style of football drew them into last seasons title race, but perhaps the distraction of defending their UEFA cup crown and less than comparable squad of depth with Barcelona and Real Madrid restricted their title ambitions. With the impending departure of the manager, the man who precedes him will have a side united in the face of adversity and in a clinical finisher in Frederic Kanoute and the signings of Khalid Boulahrouz, Seydou Keita and Arouna Kone a squad who will believe they again can be amongst the frontrunners for the championship.

Villarreal The Yellow Submarine' seem to be a sinking force with their troublesome yet talented magician Riquelme so crucial to the campaign of 2005-06 that saw them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League seemingly unable to reconcile his differences with Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini. The resolution will resolve itself with the talented Argentine surely leaving the club rather than the coach. Without Riquelme as the central cog in the playing wheel of Villarreal and the departure of the goal machine Diego Forlan, the need to alter the approach was high on the priority for Pellegrini. The midfield is still marshalled by the once Manchester United target Marcos Senna but it is the front line which has taken a contrasting shape with the signings of young Italian forward Giuseppi Rossi, seasoned striker John Dahl Tomasson and the return from a long injury absence in Nihat Kahveci. A formulation in tactical astuteness and a conveying a sophisticated style of play is something becoming commonly associated with this Villarreal side and it may prove that the Riquelme' factor serves as the catalyst for the reins to be loosened on a dark horse for the league title.

Valencia Quique Sanchez Flores is drawing Los Che' in the right direction and propelling the club closer in contention for the title. Flores was dealt a blow with a string of key injuries to his

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