Thefirst90minutes' Spanish Correspondent Matt Allen gives you his predictions on what may occur during the remainder of the 08/09 season.
Predicted Spanish Player of the Season: Lionel Messi
Predicted Young Spanish Player of the Season: Gonzalo Higuain
| Games Played | Team Name | Predicted Points Total |
| 38 | Barcelona | 85-98 |
| 38 | Real Madrid | 70-76 |
| 38 | Valencia | 69-72 |
| 38 | Sevilla | 60-68 |
| Player Name | Predicted Goals |
| Samuel Eto’o | 25-35 |
| David Villa | 20-26 |
| Lionel Messi | 17-23 |
| Gonzalo Higuain | 16-20 |
Predicted Team of 2008/09 Season:
Eto'o Villa
Robben Xavi Renato Messi
Abidal Milito Puyol Dani Alves
Leo Franco
La Liga has reached its halfway point and it’s turning out to be a one horse race. Barcelona are running away with the title, 18 games have been played and they find themselves an incredible 12 points ahead of 2nd place Real Madrid. Although football is unpredictable, I cannot see Barcelona surrendering the title to Real Madrid, even if Real Madrid have a fantastic second half of the season. Juande Ramos has made a promising start as Real Madrid manager and the team are starting to show signs of consistency and this is why I predict them to comfortably secure 2nd place. The last two Champions League places are between 4 teams: Valencia, Sevilla, Athletico Madrid and Villareal. A revitalised Valencia (after last year’s disappointment) have the quality to secure a place and with the return of David Silva I tip them for 3rd spot. The last Champions League place is harder to predict because the three remaining teams are so evenly matched. In my opinion Sevilla have a slight edge, they have a quality team and are more experienced in this situation than the other teams. I believe Athletico have the attacking qualities but they struggle defensively, this poor defence is the reason for their inconsistency. Villareal finished 2nd place last season and I feel it would take a miracle for them to repeat that, however they currently lie in 6th place and they do not possess the strength of squad that teams above them possess. They should however be content with a UEFA cup place.
The “pachichi” is awarded to the player who has scored the most league goals in that season. This season I believe the award will be awarded to Samuel Eto’o, who has showed his quality with a fantastic comeback season. If he carries on at his current rate, he could reach the 30 goal mark comfortably. David Villa is always up there, and I believe this season shall be no different. From last season’s evidence, the form of Valencia does not seem to affect his goal scoring ability; however with the return of David Silva I expect Valencia and David Villa to achieve great things. Lionel Messi is my 3rd place prediction; he’s been in unbelievable form this season and is undoubtedly the best player in the world. As a winger, it would be a fantastic achievement to reach 20 league goals and if he stays injury free there is every chance that he could reach the 20 goal mark. 4th place will undoubtedly be a lot tighter. Forlan, Higuain and Aguero all have a good chance of clinching 4th place. If Real Madrid continue their good form Higuain should finish 4th, he is still young but since his inclusion in the 1st team he has showed tremendous maturity and mental strength...hopefully he will continue his good form and finish in 4th place.
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