Predictions Expanded and Explanations

Top Scorer in Prem = Torres (gangbuster season propels Liverpool to 2nd, not enough for first)

Balon d'Or (2009-2010) = Iniesta (proves his value again, this time it's recognized)

Barca - Real Madrid Derbies = TBA

Champions League Final Four = Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid, Barca

Champions League Winner = Barca

Serie A = Inter
La Liga = Barca (in a squeeker)
Bundesliga = Hoffenheim (c'mon!)
Ligue 1 = Lyon (triumphant return to form)

Regarding my league table: before you rubbish it: Man U are far more unstable than it can possibly appear, thus Fergusen starting his mind games with City and Liverpool already. Why would a confident Sir Alex get into it before he's got anything to back his words up with? He's hoping for an early pyschological advantage. Final analysis: Rooney is just not a team-maker, and who else is there to pick up the team. Can't do it without 30+ goals from C.R. and frankly, no one was picked up to replace him. Berba and Rooney will have similar seasons to last year, and just won't be able to do it. Total shock to footballing world.

City, on the other hand, shock the world as well, first by picking up Lescott on the last day of the transfer window, and second by being consistent, dominant and fiesty. Hughes proves himself and puts city into a shocking 3rd position, cementing Cities preeminence; huge signing follow in the summer. Tevez is a machine, Barry is a rock and the back four protect Given enough for him to have 13 clean sheets.

Liverpool heartbreak again as the focus all efforts on the league, limping out of the group stage in the CL and being knocked out first round against a Spanish or Italian giant. It's a nailbitter and Torres has his best season yet, but they can't make 1st.

Arsenal are the biggest surprise of the season, as all expectations are a 5th placed finish. Wenger cements his place in the history books by watching the team he had relentless confidence in finally meet his expectations. Everyone comes together at the right time and despite a shaky mid season, they win all the games they need to to eek out a trophy for the first time in ages. Win nothing else but it doesn't matter. Sweet vindication.

Hull, Stoke, and Burnley relegated. No major surprises. Birmingham win through ugly, workmanlike performances and finish respectably, and Wolves also manage a fair season. Burnley is a shambles, can't cope with the intensity of the PL and Stoke's trickery and effort just can't pull it out. Hull didn't deserve to stay up last season, and wouldn't have other than some juju Phil Brown sold his soul (and committed to a life supply of spray on tan) for, and he's fired two months in.

Villa are a shadow of the team they were last year, and Everton remain biting at the heels of the top 4.

Sunderland and Spurs fight it out in upper mid table, both producing solid but unspectacular seasons. Sunderland shake off the scrappy, uncertain previous seasons and become perenial mid-upper table folks, eclipsing permanently the shadow of Newcastle, who slink off into further mid table of Championship obscurity.