Manchester United

After over taking close rivals Liverpool with 19 Premier League titles last season, confidence is at an all time high on the red half of Manchester. Chelsea and their City rivals will be their closest challengers this time round, but it is hard to look past Sir Alex Ferguson's men clinching their 20th title this time round.

Goalkeeper

Long term target David De Gea has arrived to take over from the now retired Edwin Van Der Sar. The Dutchman has been a terrific servant to many sides, and shone in his later years at Old Trafford. Anders Lindegaard came in in January as back up, but the big problem here is that there could be one too many keepers on the books.

Defence

Another area in which this side is ridiculously strong, and more bodies have added even more depth. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will be the first choice, injuries providing that is. Chris Smalling and new boy Phil Jones provide very adequate back up though, and could well be the future England partnership.

Midfield

WIth Paul Scholes retiring the rumour mill is in over drive about a replacement, with Wesley Sneijder the name cropping up more than most. However despite this, the Midfield is still strong with steel and creativity in abundance. With Ashley Young their is now another dimension added, and depth is certainly here for all to see.

Forwards


Wayne Rooney will once again be the focal point of this sides attacking intent, but after his excellent debut season Javier Hernandez will be expected to perform to that level once again. Dimitar Berbatov could have to seek pastures new if he wants regular first team football, and that highlights even more strength in this team.

Manager

Everyone knows the successes that the Scot has had, and nothing knew can be said about this man that has not already been said. The pressure will certainly be on the next man in the hot seat when he eventually steps aside.

Areas to Strengthen

On the outset this side looks complete, plenty of depth with experience and young talent blended. Sneijder could well be the final piece of the jigsaw, and would be a huge hit in the Premiership with this side.

Expectations

Another League title will be the least of the expectations places upon Manchester United this season. A good showing in Europe, and maybe avenging last seasons final defeat would be desired but it is hard to look beyond Barcelona.

Odds

13/8 (Sky Bet)

Players in

David De Gea £20m (Atletico Madrid) Ashley Young £15m (Aston Villa) Phil Jones £17m (Blackburn Rovers) Pierluigi Gollini free (Fiorentina)

Players out

John O'Shea undisclosed (Sunderland) Wes Brown undisclosed (Sunderland) Gabriel Obertan undisclosed (Newcastle United) Joe Dudgeon undisclosed (Hull CIty) Nicky Ajose undisclosed (Peterborough)  Ryan Tunnicliffe and Scott Wootton loan (Peterborough) Conor Devlin, Owen Hargreaves (all released) Bebe loan (Besiktas) Ritchie De Laet loan (Norwich City) Oliver Norwood loan (Peterborough United) Danny Drinkwater loan (Barnsley)

Manchester City

The new side on the end of every supporters hatred? Perhaps. Jealousy? Probably. But everyone concerned with this club can't afford to be too bothered with those outside looking in, they need to improve, or at least consolidate, on last seasons achievements. The whole country wants them to fail, but the reality is that they have now turned the Premier League into a three horse race.

Goalkeeper

Joe Hart has well and truly consolidated himself at number one, with Shay Given now sold to Aston Villa to stave off the splinters from that City bench. He is prone to the odd mistake, but nobodies perfect, and fans worldwide will have to get used to him because he surely has over a decade of being not just his club's first choice but England's too. Stuart Taylor provides decent enough back up.

Defence

Despite already being strong in this area, two more bodies have arrived to bolster a stern defence further. Youngster Stefan Savic, coveted by many of the top European sides, is now at Eastlands along side Gael Clichy, who snubbed Liverpool to join Roberto Mancini's men. In reality they could probably field two very strong back fours, so competition for places should ensure that level of performance stays high.

Midfield


Adam Johnson, lauded as one of the new breed for the national side, can't even get into the starting eleven at his club. That shows the level that this side are now competing. James Milner is expected to have a more prominent role this time round, where Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure continue to endear themselves to the city faithful.

Forwards

New record signing Sergio Aguero has arrived from Atletico Madrid, raised expectations further still. Edin Dzeko, a £27m arrival from Wolfsburg in January, should also have s heavy role this year despite his poor performances so far. Mario Balotelli, an undoubted talent, should also stay even after his 'I don't like Manchester' moan recently. Carlos Tevez is still seeking a way out, as are Roque Santa Cruz, Craig Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor who were all left behind when the first team jetted out to the States.

Manager

Roberto Mancini seems to have the confidence of everyone concerned with the club, and has built a side which should compete on all levels. The FA Cup win last year ended the long wait for silverware, whilst also ridding Old Trafford of the banner that has taunted them all these years. A first Champions League outing could be the real test, but with the calibre of player at his disposal it wouldn't be surprising to see them reach the latter stages.

Areas to Strengthen

No where in this side really needs any more strength. They have strength in depth at all levels, however if a truly world class player came up they would no doubt try their hardest to clinch the signature. Especially if that person is Wesley Sneijder and bitter rivals Manchester United also want him.

Expectations

They are no doubt very very high. Consolidation on last years league position will be the minimum that will be expected, while more silverware would be desired. However if a real push for the title is made that will show great progression, and you would think would keep the majority of the fans and board room happy.
Odds

4/1 (Sky Bet)

Players in

Sergio Aguero £36m (Atletico Madrid) Stefan Savic £6m (Partizan) Gael Clichy £7m (Arsenal) Costel Pantilimon undisclosed (Poli Timisoara) Samir Nasri £24m (Arsenal) Owen Hargreaves free

Players out

Felipe Caicedo £1m (Levante) Jerome Boateng £12m (Bayern Munich) Jo Undisclosed (Internacional) Craig Bellamy free (Liverpoool) Shaun Wright-Phillips undisclosed (Queens Park Rangers) Shay Given £3.5m (Aston Villa) Scott Kay free (Macclesfield Town) Shaleun Logan free (Brentford) Andrew Tutte free (Rochdale) Donal McDermott free (Huddersfield Town)  Javier Garrido, James Poole, Javan Vidal, Patrick Vieira, James Wood (all released) Ryan McGivern loan (Crystal Palace) Michael Johnson loan (Leicester City) Kieran Tripper loan (Burnley) Ben Mee loan (Burnley) David Gonzalez loan (Aberdeen) Dedryck Boyata loan (Bolton Wanderers) Roque Santa Cruz loan (Real Betis) John Guidetti loan (Feyenoord) Ryan McGivern loan (Bristol City) Ahmed Benali loan (Rochdale)

The final looms!

The pinnacle of world football is almost upon us, with Spain and Holland all but ready to contest the 2010 World Cup final.

South Africa has thrown a fantastic football party, and one of world top nations is about to shed it's 'underachievers' tag.

Holland have not lost a game at this years tournament, and this coupled with the fact they also went unbeaten during qualifying makes them a daunting proposition.

Some said they breezed through a mediocre qualifying phase, but they have answered all their critics as they stand on the brink of greatness.

Largely hailed as the best side not to win the World Cup, this current crop of Dutch stars could etch their names on the record list for many years to come.

Key to success are of course the fearsome duo of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, the latter of which is an unlikey joint top scorer.

Against Brazil he bagged both goals, as Holland showed great grit and determination to come from behind against the side who many tipped to go all the way this year.

Uruguay were pushed asisde, with a stern defence also showing they can get on the score sheet as Giovanni Van Bronkhorst smashed in a stunner.

Also if Gregory Van Der Wiel and Nigel De Jong are restored to the line up, they will field shirt numbers 1-11.

The group phase was a pushover as were the qualifying and last 16 stages, could they be about to lift their first World Cup.

Spain on the other hand are the pinnacle of beautiful passing football.

With a large crop of Barcelona players, seven of which started the semi-final against Germany, this hardly suprising.

David Villa is once again topping the scoring charts, along with Sneijder, with Andres Iniesta and either Pedro or the mis-firing Fernando Torres expected to sit just behind him in a three pronged attack.

Iker Casillas has put som early dodgy performances behind him, with his defence looking stronger with each passing game.

From the midfield Xavi is no doubt the key man.

He touched the ball every 46 seconds in the semi, and along with Xabi Alonso the pair form a fearsome duo with a wide array of passing ability.

After defeat to Switzerland in the first game Spain have come back stronger, and with them being widely fancied for the trophy before the tournament they could become the first side in history to win the Euro's and then the World Cup.

Beside all the debate one thing is for certain, this year will be the first time a European side has won the World Cup outside of Europe.

Before that happens though their is the little matter of the third/fourth placed play off.

Uruguay haven't beaten a European side in their last 14 attempts, since defeat to germany at the same stage in 1970.

It should be an excting conclusion, to the best sports event in world sport.

Group E

Cameroon - World Ranking 19

Won their qualifying group, and will feel less pressure in this years tournament given that it is in Africa. With key injuries to the other African nations Cameroon could well have the best chance to be the best performing African nation in this years tournament.

Captain Samuel Eto'o will be the linchpin of the side, and much will hang on his shoulders if his side are to perform well and more importantly escape the group.

Strengths

Paul Le Guen has recovered from the Rangers shambles, and formed a side that has a great unity and belief about it. There are players throughout who have played or are playing at top European side so there credentials cannot be questioned. Eto'o has been on sparkling form for Inter Milan this term under Jose Mourinho, and if he can take this into the World Cup Cameroon stand a chance of at least making the knock-out phase.

Weaknesses

If the midfield men fail to shine, then Cameroon could come falter. Alex Song will have to be the creative force that feeds Eto'o, and if this doesn't happen goals could be hard to come by.

Also there defence could also fail, with an ageing Rigobert song and a player not good enough for the Championship, Geremi, main stays of that back line. This could be an area that will be there downfall, as opposition teams will have highlighted it as a major weakness.

Key Man - Samuel Eto'o

Cameroon's all time top scorer will have to live up to the hype and be firing on all cylinders should Cameroon enjoy any success. At times for both Barcelona and Inter Milan he has looked unstoppable, and it is that fear that opposition defences feel that he will/does thrive upon and exploit.

One to Watch - Jean Makoun

Lyon's combative holding midfielder is an integral part of this Cameroon side, he sits back stands his ground and cuts out attacks before feeding the attacking players. He will have to perform these duties to the best of his ability, as well his defence partner Stephane Mbia, if this side are to challenge.

Manager - Paul Le Guen

After winning three League titles at Lyon Paul Le Guen had an unsuccessful spell at Rangers, before being appointed a surprise short term appointment at Cameroon. However he has proved a success, and now has the chance to test himself on the world stage.

Odds - 100/1

Prediction - Will have their work cut out to get out of the group at Denmark's expense.

Denmark - World Ranking 35

After not qualifying for the last World Cup in Germany, Denmark will hope to equal their run to the second round in 2002. And they will be confident of doing so, they have reached the knock-out stage each time they have made it to the World Cup finals.

The impressive thing about Denmark is the sides they beat on their way to South Africa. Both Portugal and fierce rivals Sweden were swept aside, two thorns in England's side over the last few years.

Strengths

Denmark have a very experienced side throughout, as well as containing a good blend of ages too. On top of this they have the steely determination to pull off the unexpected. Results over both Portugal and Sweden in the qualifiers proved this, after trailing 2-0 to the former they scored three times in the last ten minutes and also left Sweden with a 1-0 victory.

Weaknesses

The simple lack of world class talent could be their undoing in this tournament, however you can never count out the Danes to do the unexpected. A repeat of their 1992 heroics is out of the question, but they could well cause an upset if written off.

Key Man - Christian Poulsen

Being one of only two players to have played in all ten of Denmark's qualifiers shows the importance of Christian Poulsen to this side. The combative Juventus midfielder breaks up play and can also set up attacks for his side too, he no holds barred approach makes him the steel of the Danes midfielder.

One to Watch - Soren Larsen

His form for club and country has been tremendous, and his form of 11 goals in 19 games for Denmark shows his ability. With the lime light bound to be on Jon Dahl Tomasson and Nicklas Bendtner, Larsen could well slip under the radar and surprise a few.

Manager - Morten Olsen

Patience has definitely been the key to Olson's approach, as he is now entering his tenth year at the helm of the Denmark national side. This will be his third major finals, and his experience could be key to his side escaping the group.

Odds - 125/1

Prediction - Despite having the Dutch first up, they should recover and will challenge Cameroon for second spot.

Japan - World Ranking 45

After being the first nation to qualify for South Africa, Japan's bold, brash and unpopular manager Takeshi Okada stated that his side will reach the semi-finals. However that seems way short of the mark and very unlikely.

Their best showing was in 2002 when they co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea, but other than that they have failed to win a World Cup match on non-Asian soil.

Strengths

Like all Asian teams, Japan's strength lies in their work ethic, passion and national pride. They will hassle and fight for every ball, not giving anyone an inch of space to stop or think. It is this that could see them finally win a World Cup match outside of Asia. #

Weaknesses

Goals are not a frequent event within the Japan side, but they managed to get three against England (although two were in the wrong net). In ten of their 14 qualifying games they managed just one goal, with the struggle for goals highlighted by the fact Okada has used 21 forwards during his time as coach.

Key Man - Shunsuke Nakamura

A player that can be deployed on either flank, it is his tremendous left foot that stands him out from the pack. His crossing ability cannot be questioned, while his guile from free kicks is equally as effective as Manchester United know only too well. After making his mark at Celtic where he won three league titles he left for Espanyol, but after an unsuccessful spell in La Liga he left for his homeland and to Yokohama Marinos.

One to Watch - Takayuki Morimoto

A different style of striker than what you'd expect from a Japanesse side, he offers a tall and physical threat to the attack. 'The Japanesse Ronaldo' is both the youngest player and youngest goal scorer in J-League history, and now resides in Italy where he plays for Catania.

Manager - Takeshi Okada

Okada is in his second spell as Japan manager, after taking the team to the World Cup in France in 1998. After leaving he had two management stints in the J-League where he was twice names best manager, before returning as national coach three years ago. The unpopular coach likes to make hopeful predictions, and saying that Japan will reach the semi-final seems like just that.

Odds - 250/1

Prediction - Not enough quality in the side and will fall at the first hurdle.

Holland - World Ranking 4

Similarly to England, Holland are one of the world's great underachievers. Some of the world best are contained within this Dutch squad, Arjen Robben was one of the Champions League's stellar performers similarly to Wesley Sneijder while Arsenal's seasons fell apart following Robin Van Persie's injury.

Their recent World Cup record doesn't make pretty reading, and this time out all who follow this side are trying to keep a lid on expectations. This is in contrast to Germany 2006, when after breezing through the group of death, they disappointingly fell in the second round.

Preparation and warm up games have been going very well so far, but the injury to Arjen Robben could ultimately cost them.

Strengths

A well drilled unit throughout the side, Holland boast some of the finest attacking talent that will be on show in South Africa. Robin Van Persie and Dirk Kuyt are often on target as strikers, while attacking midfielders Robben (should he make it), Sneijder and Rafael Van Der Vaart are equally adept as finding the net.

In addition they posses good strength in depth as well as having a good mix of youth and experience. This has to be one of the main features of a World Cup winning squad, this can only work in their favour.

Weaknesses

As always they could turn out to be their own worst enemy, another thing there bare in resemblance to England. Although they are trying to keep a lid on expectations this time round, a good start could see that go out of the window. And if that happens, a similar situation to 2006 could ensue.

Key Man - Wesley Sneijder

Sneijder has shown Europe in this seasons Champions League what he is capable of, and he could be a main player for his nation if he can take that form to the World Cup. He should certainly be full of confidence, after winning a treble with Inter Milan this season under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho. Possessing both the ability to pass and shoot in equal measure, Sneijder will no doubt be key to Hollands progression.

One to Watch - Eljero Elia

With the injury to Robben, Eljero Elia could see his appearance tally in South Africa rise as a result. Either a winger or striker, it is also this versatility that could see his stock rise. Several Premier League clubs have already been linked and it looks inevitable that he will end up on our shores, so this could be your first chance to see him in competitive action.

Manager - Bert Van Marwijk

In appointing Bert Van Marwijk Holland have the gone against the previous regimes of Marco Van Basten, Ronald Koeman. These were big names that have fallen on the home straight, Marwijk is the opposite of this. He is a manager with big club experience at Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund, although he has never won the Eredivisie.

Odds - 12/1

Prediction - A quarter-final place should be the least that is expected, although they could struggle to get further than that.

Next Time

Tomorrow I will be previewing current World Champions Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia

Let's get ready to rumble

So, at it's new Saturday evening slot, the battle of the Bernabeu will take place.

Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan V Louis Van Gaal's Bayern Munich, with both sides looking to claim an unprecedented treble.

Both have had troubled times in their respective leagues this season, but have crucially come through to take the ultimate prize.

Domestic cup competitions have also fell the way of this years two premier Champions League teams, meaning this evening could be one of the most exciting European finals for many a year.

You would expect a fully attacking match, although, you could be majorly disappointed.

In this years competition Mourinho has been criticised for sitting on leads, and doing just enough to get over the line.

But never going out to score as many goals as possible, however you couldn't bet against the Portuguese to come up trumps once again.

And if he does so he could soon be bidding a, not so fond, farewell to Italy.

It is not a secret that the Italians and Mourinho don't enjoy the best of relationships, and a treble win could be his legacy in Serie A.

Bayern on the other hand have always gone out to score this season, and as a result have been left short at the back on occasion.

This is exactly the type of thing that will not have gone unnoticed by the Milan side, and if this situation crops up tonight it will be fully exploited.

Wesley Sneijder's passing could unlock most defences, and with men short at the back it wouldn't be hard to pick out the pacey Samuel Eto'o.

Although the German's aren't short of attacking talent themselves, however they will be without main man Franck Ribery who is suspended.

That means Arjen Robben will have to step into the breach and be the creative force for his side, which we have already seen him do this season.

His wonder striker at both Fiorentina and Manchester United rescued his team, whereas Mourinho's side have often looked comfortable.

Even at Stamford Bridge and the Nou Camp where one goal would've knocked them out, they didn't look like conceding (although they come close in the latter, when a goal was disallowed for a dubious hand ball).

One thing is for certain though, someone will win a treble tonight and become a legend at their respective club, and I wouldn't bet against Mourinho adding another chapter to an already amazing story.