Season predictions for 2008/09

Granted, I’ve given myself a couple of Football League games and a Premier League weekend to settle into my predictions, but I hope that just makes them a tad more informed.

Either way, I don’t think the season in its entirety has been even hinted at yet.

For the sceptics among you, I have been predicting a Chelsea title win since June - so no smartarse remarks, if you please.

Before it all kicks off, please note that I am aware that some of this will be disagreeable to some and downright offensive to others. I’ve simply based it on my opinion and limited knowledge, hunches, and a firm belief that nothing, good or bad, ever goes to plan. Football is full of surprises.

Here goes:

Premier League
I predict a Chelsea title win (told you so), with Manchester United a healthy handful of points behind. I’ll go for Liverpool in third and Arsenal in fourth.

Pourquoi? Well, Chelsea’s squad looks absolutely unreal, and United have what appears to be a transitional squad. Well, sort of. Arsenal’s losses in the transfer market, in particular Mathieu Flamini, could cost them dear. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s strike pairing of Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane looks deadly as sin.

For the drop, I’m going to plump for Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Hull City. Sorry folks.

The Championship
It’s the league which every team needs to win, but none ever seem to want to. I think Reading might spring a slight surprise in beating Birmingham City to the title. I’ll jot Wolves down as play-off winners, leaving behind an unsuccessful trio of Bristol City, Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United.

I’m condemning Barnsley, Plymouth Argyle and Burnley to relegation.

League One
Without a points deduction and with bitterness no doubt still coursing through t’veins, Leeds United have to be nailed-on favourites for the title and promotion back to the second tier. I predict they’ll be joined by surprise package Carlisle United and, from the play-offs, Peterborough. Money talks, you see. The failed three will be Franchise, Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town (no, really).

Four down from this level, and for that dubious honour I’ve gone for Hereford United, Bristol Rovers, Scunthorpe United and…erm…Stockport County. Sorry, too tough to call so I’ve guessed.

League Two
The League Two season has been ruined by points deductions for Bournemouth (17), Rotherham (17) and Luton Town (30). Being a bit of a doom and gloom merchant, I must say I think two of those three will drop out of the league and into serious trouble. Sadly, Luton and Bournemouth could well be those two.

At the top, I think we’ll all be shocked. Three up automatically here: Shrewsbury Town, Bury and, after 387 years in the fourth division, the mighty Rochdale. I think the play-offs will be won by Chesterfield, leaving surprise duo Aldershot and Exeter City, and Brentford, disappointed. I think Shots and Exeter will show that playing football at this level can work.

FA Cup
Winners: Manchester United
Finalists: Chelsea

Carling Cup
Winners: Aston Villa
Finalists: Manchester City

So there you have it. Feel free to leave your comments here, or wait until May to come back and impart my much-deserved abuse.