Manchester United will win the Prem, although lately it appears like they're going to make things very interesting down the stretch. Chelsea and Man U both have been tripping over themselves lately, but will the recent turmoil be enough to let another club into the race? My guess is no, but the race for third and fourth--and a spot in Europe next season--will likely come down to the wire like it did last season with Tottenham and Arsenal. With all the internal issues surrounding Chelsea like Sheva's drama and Murinho's bougeious, I just can't give them the nod. Add to the fact that I'm an unabashed hater of the Blues, this is an easy decision for me. Watch out for the Red Devils, they are the team of destiny this year.
As far as Europe goes, after the Winter break I simply haven't seen enough football to make a sound judgement. A month ago I would have said I liked Lyon but what's with the losses lately? I think they've set the bar so high with the way they've dominated the French Ligue A that we scoff any result other than a win, but they have not looked good since the new year. I said early in the tournament that Inter Milan would be tough out, and after an early scare in the group stages, they have composed themselves with stellar form of late, especially domestically where they've won a Serie A record 13 games in a row.
I can't give Barcelona any love when they're drawing with Real Betis and company. They've looked average with their stud forward Samuel Eto'o, who they should be getting back from injury in the near future. Let's hope that will get them over the top because as it stands now they're in a three-way tie at the top of La Liga with Real Madrid and Sevilla. That ought to be a downright dogfight down the stretch.
We've still got a month until the round of 16 gets underway in the third week of February...I'll hold out until then before I take an official stance. It won't be Chelsea that's for sure.
