Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Valencia will start as favourites for the maximum prize, although Real Zaragoza and two teams that have strengthened really well, Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal will hope to spring a surprise and gain a Champions League spot.
Reigning champions Real Madrid have suffered a terrible pre-season, culminating with a 6-3 defeat on aggregate in the Spanish Supercup . New coach Bernd Schuster who promised 'juego bonito' (beautiful play) at his presentation, has a real job on his hands and even now on the eve of the new season, he still hasn't decided what his preferred starting 11 is going to be.
What of the signings?
A mixed bag to be honest, Pepe for me is an ordinary central defender and nowhere near worth the fee of 30million euros that Madrid paid for him. Christoph Metzelder who has signed from Dortmund will on the other hand strengthen a traditionally weak defence. The signing of Royston Drenthe is interesting, as the young Dutchman can either fill the large gap left vacant by Roberto Carlos or play as an out and out winger. Drenthe is quite clearly a talented player, but has this step-up to a major league come too soon for him? Time will tell. Another Dutchman Wesley Sneijder has even more pressure on him. Schuster plans for all Madrid's attacking moves to go through the 23 year old and for him to dictate the rhythm of 'Los Blancos' play - a tall order for any new player starting out in a foreign league.
Javier Saviola has shown that he can score goals wherever he has played and 'El Conejo' (the rabbit) should be able to take some of the goal-scoring weight from Ruud Van Nistelrooy's shoulders.
Bernd Schuster has laid his cards on the table early, by promising a move from the cautious tactics of Fabio Capello to all out attacking play. A big promise and like everything at Real Madrid, there will be no middle ground for the German, he will either fail miserablely or be a spectacular success.
Barça, after a pre-season full of victories, good play and goals, appear to be in a better shape than their eternal rivals and optimism in the Catalan capital is at an all-time high.
President Joan Laporta moved fast in the summer to placate the restless 'socis' (members), upset with how their beloved team had imploded in the second half of last season. In a style reminiscent of ex-Madrid president Florentino Perez, Laporta signed Thierry Henry, in his words 'un autentico crack' (a truly world class player). The Frenchman was followed by the imperious
Yaya Touré (for many the new Vieira) who will provide much needed bite in the Barça midfield and cover for the defence. Rampaging left-back Eric Abidal has also arrived, together with no-nonsense Argentine defender Gabi Milito. However the star of Barça's pre-season has been the 18 year old Mexican striker Giovani Dos Santos. A product of the club's celebrated 'La Masia', Dos Santos is Barça's top scorer this pre-season. Look out for him!How Frank Rijkaard manages Barça's four big stars, Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto'o and Henry will be vital in the coming season. If he keeps them all happy, then 'Els Blaugrana' will take some beating, however if the internal power struggles and jealousies of last season come to the service once again, the mild mannered Dutchman will be looking for new employment next summer. Already the Catalan press are running polls on which 3 of the 4 should be in from the start in Rijkaard's preferred attacking formation. Ronaldinho and Messi are certainties to play, with Henry and Eto'o vying for the last attacking place.
Sevilla with or without the fantastic Dani Alves are sure to challenge the big two once again. The main architect of the club's recent successes, coach Juande Ramos has been persuaded to stay on for one more season and guys like Keita, De Mul and De Sanctis are all good signings who will provide much needed depth to their squad.
Pre-season performances have been very positive, with the team turning in fine performances in their Champions League qualifier and in both Spanish Supercup legs against Real Madrid.
In Valencia hopes are high once again. 'Los Ches' are expected to put in a much stronger challenge for the title than they did last season, when injuries and a feud between coach Quique Sanchez Flores and the now departed director of football Amedeo Carboni were significant in the club's title bid grinding to a halt.
The blow of losing Ayala has been softened with the arrival of Ivan Helguera from Real Madrid. However it's the signing of giant striker Nikola Žigiæ which could turn out to be the catalyst for a strong title bid, especially if Joaquin a
nd Vicente can provide him with decent service. Let's not forget also, that Valencia still have in their ranks the superb David Villa and David Silva.What can we make of serial failures Atletico de Madrid? To be honest they are looking good, but they always do at the start of a new season. This year however the 'Atleti' project looks serious, despite the loss of local hero Fernando Torres. New arrivals Diego Forlan, Simao, Jose Antonio Reyes and Luis Garcia will bring quality and experience to an already decent squad.
The title may be too much for 'Los Rojiblancos' to aspire to, but they should be more than good enough for a UEFA place, anything else would be an unmitigated disaster.
Real Zaragoza one of the better footballing sides in La Liga (which is some compliment) are looking strong too. The hole in the defence caused by the departure of Gaby Milito, has been more than covered with the arrival of a certain Roberto Fabian Ayala. The signing of Luis Oliveira will give them more options up front. If they can build on last season and if Pablo Aimar can rediscover his best form, they will be another team who will gain a UEFA place at least.
Villarreal are another side to keep an eye on this season. The signings of Giuseppe Rossi from Manchester United, Diego Lopez, French midfielder Mavuba and Joan Capdevilla, to go with guys like Pires, Nihat and Tomasson will mean they won't miss Diego Forlan too much. With their attacking play and hunger for success, a UEFA place at the minimum is guaranteed.
These top sides will be followed by Espanyol and two clubs who have new coaches, Betis under Hector Cuper and Michael Laudrup's Getafe.
Who's going to win it then?
I really can't see past Barcelona, with both Sevilla and Valencia pushing them close. Real Madrid? Funnily enough, I expect them to do better in the Champions League than in La Liga and I predict a fourth place finish.
The season begins on Saturday with the small mater of a Madrid derby! Get ready for a 9 month rollercoaster ride, get a nice bottle of Rioja in for the occasion and as the Spanish would say… disfruta! I know I will!
Maccloyalist.