World Cup Group Preview - Groups C & D

Group C

The Team – Colombia

The Squad - Goalkeepers: David Ospina (Nice), Faryd Mondragon (Deportivo Cali), Camilo Vargas (Independiente Santa Fe). Defenders: Mario Yepes (AC Milan), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Pablo Armero (West Ham, on loan from Napoli), Camilo Zuniga (Napoli), Santiago Arias (PSV Eindhoven), Eder Alvarez Balanta (River Plate), Carlos Valdes (San Lorenzo). Midfielders: Fredy Guarin (Inter Milan), Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), James Rodriguez (Monaco), Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Juan Fernando Quintero (Porto), Carlos Sanchez (Elche), Carlos Carbonero (River Plate), Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional). Forwards: Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari), Jackson Martinez (Porto), Carlos Bacca (Sevilla), Adrian Ramos (Hertha Berlin), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate).

The Manager – Jose Pekerman – Argentine Pekermen is best known for his spell in charge of Argentina in which he took them to the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup. In terms of individual honours Pekermen has twice been named South American Coach of the Year.

The Preparation – Colombia’s build up to the World Cup has been disrupted by Falcao’s race to be fit for Brazil, which he ultimately failed. They have faced Senegal and Jordan in warm up matches, drawing 2-2 with the Senegalese and defeating Jordan 2-0. River Plate’s Carlos Carbonero has been called up to replace the injured Aldo Ramirez, while Edwin Valencia and Luis Perea have also been ruled out due to injury.

Falcao will be missed 

The Definitive Opinion – Despite the injuries that have ravaged Colombia’s squad, they still possess players that can make a huge impact at the World Cup. A back four of Zuniga, Zapata, Yepes and Armero still remain good enough for them to compete with the rest of Group C. The brilliance of the Colombian midfield was vital in seeing them qualify for their first World Cup since France 1998, players such as Inter’s Freddy Guarin, Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado and Monaco’s James Rodriguez are top draw and they’ll have many clubs watching their progress in Brazil. As much as Los Cafeteros will miss Falcao, they do have the quality to replace him, particularly in the form of Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca who scored 14 goals last season and was named by Spanish paper ‘Marca’ as the best signing of the 2013/2014 La Liga season. Colombia should certainly make it out of the group, whether the loss of Falcao will hinder any further progress, only time will tell.

The Team – Ivory Coast

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Sylvain Gbohouo (Sewe Sport), Sayouba Sande (Stabaek). Defenders: Kolo Toure (Liverpool), Sol Bamba (Trabzonspor), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), Serge Aurier (Toulouse), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Ousmane Viera Diarrassouba (Caykur Rizespor), Constant Djakpa (Frankfurt), Jean-Daniel Akpa-Akpro (Toulouse). Midfielders: Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Serey Die (Basel), Max Gradel (Saint Etienne), Diomande Ismael (Saint Etienne), Didier Ya Konan (Hannover), Mathis Bolly (Dusseldorf). Forwards: Gervinho (Roma), Didier Drogba (Galatasaray), Salomon Kalou (Lille), Wilfried Bony (Swansea), Giovanni Sio (Basel).

The Manager – Sabri Lamouchi – The appointment of the former France international Lamouchi was something of a surprise, as he had no previous managerial experience. He immediately came to blows with Didier Drogba dropping him from the squad, only to reinstate him a few months later. With only days before the tournament Lamouchi has warned the Galatasaray forward that he may not be in the starting line-up.

The Preparation – An Edin Dzeko double downed the Elephants in a 2-1 defeat to Bosnia in their first warm up game, this was followed by a 2-1 win over minnows El Salvador. Despite Lamouchi telling Drogba he may not be in the starting line-up, the former Chelsea star is in form having scored in both warm up games.

Drogba on target against El Salvador

The Definitive Opinion – The core basis of the Ivorian squad is made up of players that underachieved at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. They are easily Africa’s most talented squad and yet never seem to perform on the main stage.  If the likes of Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Tiote, Gervinho and Drogba can emulate what they do for their club sides on the international stage, then they will have a chance of going far in Brazil. It will be interesting to see if Swansea’s Wilfreid Bony starts in Brazil, if he does I would mark him down as a dark horse for the golden boot.

The Team – Greece

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Orestis Karnezis (Granada), Panagiotis Glykos (PAOK), Stefanos Kapino (Panathinaikos). Defenders: Kostas Manolas, Giannis Maniatis, Jose Holebas (all Olympiakos), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), Giorgios Tzavellas (PAOK), Loukas Vyntra (Levante), Vasilis Torosidis (Roma), Vangelis Moras (Verona). Midfielders: Alexandros Tziolis (Kayserispor), Andreas Samaris (Olympiakos), Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Giorgos Karagounis (Fulham), Panagiotis Tachtsidis (Torino), Ioannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Bologna), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna). Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Giorgios Samaras (Celtic), Konstantinos Mitroglou (Fulham), Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor).

The Manager – Fernando Santos – Prior to taking charge of Greece, Santos had managed some of the best club sides in both Portugal and Greece including FC Porto and AEK Athens. The Greeks hold him in some esteem, naming him as the best coach of the decade in 2010. At Euro 2012 he took Greece to the quarter-finals, where they were beaten 4-1 by an impressive Germany.

The Preparation – In standard Greek fashion they held both Portugal and Nigeria to 0-0 draws in their opening warm up games. Sensing blood against a weaker opponent in Bolivia, they managed to get out of their own half and defeated the South Americans 2-1, thanks to goals from Kone and Katsouranis.

Mitroglu kost Fulham a lot of money 

The Definitive Opinion – The feeling I sense with Greece is that they don’t believe they can ever match or even come close to their showing at Euro 2004. Winning the Euros with a squad of players that had no right to do so, should have worked as a catalyst for future Greek teams, however ten years on, Greece are in no stronger a position. Young starlets Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Sotiris Ninis are both noticeable absentees from the squad, with Santos again relying on the likes of Karagounis, Gekas, Salpingidis and Katsouranis to fire the team to glory. There is some hope in the form of Genoa playmaker Ioannis Fetfatzidis, however this all seems far too similar a squad in comparison to previous tournaments, and with this in mind I can’t envisage Greece progressing out of their group.

The Team – Japan

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege), Shusaku Nishikawa (Urawa Reds), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo). Defenders: Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Masahiko Inoha (Jubilo Iwata), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04), Hiroki Sakai (Hannover 96), Gotoku Sakai (VfB Stuttgart). Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Keisuke Honda (AC Milan), Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United), Makoto Hasebe (FC Nuremberg), Hiroshi Kiyotake (FC Nuremberg), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Toshihiro Aoyama (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Manabu Saito (Yokohama F Marinos). Forwards: Shinji Okazaki (Mainz), Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka), Yuya Osako (TSV Munich 1860), Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale).

The Manager – Alberto Zaccheroni – The veteran Italian has spent the majority of his career managing some of the best Italian club sides, including Udinese, A.C. Milan, Inter Milan, Lazio and Torino. With a win percentage of nearly 60% and having won the 2011 Asian Cup, Zaccheroni has so far been a success.

The Preparation – The Japanese have impressed in their warm up games, with wins over Cyprus, Costa Rica and Zambia. Star men Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda have been amongst the goals, and their form will be pivotal to Japan’s success in Brazil.

Shinji Kagawa

The Definitive Opinion – Every time I’ve watched Japan, I have been surprised at their level of technical ability and their passing. The aforementioned Kagawa and Honda are a big part of this, with Kagawa looking a different player in comparison to his performances in a Manchester United shirt. For Japan he is allowed the freedom he once had at Dortmund and he flourishes in this free role. They have also tightened up defensively, with Schalke’s Uchida and Inter’s Nagatomo offering both defensive stability and attacking potency. Japan will undoubtedly be competing with Ivory Coast for second place in the group.

Group D

The Team – Uruguay

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Martin Silva (Vasco da Gama), Rodrigo Munoz (Libertad). Defenders: Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Bromwich Albion), Diego Godin, Jose Maria Gimenez (both Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Coates (Liverpool), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Jorge Fucile (Porto). Midfielders: Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio), Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo), Walter Gargano (Parma), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Diego Perez (Bologna), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Gaston Ramirez (Southampton), Nicolas Lodeiro (Botafogo). Forwards: Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Edinson Cavani (Paris St-Germain), Abel Hernandez (Palermo), Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Christian Stuani (Espanyol).

The Manager – Oscar Tabarez – Tabarez has been the most successful Uruguayan manager since the World Cup winning managers of 1930 and 1950. He led La Celeste to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup where they were defeated by the Netherlands, and then the following year they defeated Paraguay to win the 2011 Copa America.   

The Preparation – The fitness of Luis Suarez has been a major concern for Uruguay throughout their preparation for Brazil, but thankfully for them (and not for England) he looks likely to be fit. Two clean sheets and two wins make for a perfect pair of warm up games for Uruguay. They initially beat Northern Ireland 1-0 thanks to a Cristhian Stuani strike, and then defeated Slovenia following goals from Stuani and Cavani.

Luis Suarez

The Definitive Opinion – Four years on from their superb showing in South Africa and the likes of Suarez, Cavani and Godin have matured into world class players. However the same can’t be said for Captain Diego Lugano, whose performances last season for West Brom did not inspire confidence. The focal point of Uruguay’s squad is undoubtedly Luis Suarez, but they will need creative midfielders Gaston Ramirez and Cristian Rodriguez to be at their best to supply the Liverpool forward. What Uruguay should be worried about is the spine of their team, forgetting the forwards momentarily, the keeper Muslera does have a mistake in him and is not a fan of coming for crosses. I’ve already mentioned Lugano’s limitations in defence and the same restrictions can be found in the centre of midfield, where they lack a player on the same level as Steven Gerrard or Andrea Pirlo. With all that said, I believe this is the tightest group in the tournament and Uruguay have a decent chance of getting out of the group.

The Team – Costa Rica

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense) Daniel Cambronero (Herediano). Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Bruges), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05), Christian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (New York Red Bulls). Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK), Christian Bolanos (Copenhagen), Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano). Forwards: Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven, on loan from Fulham), Joel Campbell (Olympiakos, on loan from Arsenal), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (FC Kuban Krasnodar).

The Manager – Jorge Luis Pinto – Having won League titles in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and Costa Rica it is fair to say Pinto has some pedigree in South American football. As a native of Colombia and having managed them between 2007 and 2008, he must have his sights set of a meeting with them in the second round.

The Preparation – The Costa Ricans lost their first warm up game 3-1 to Japan, succumbing to a late Shinji Kagawa goal when it looked like they had earned a draw. This was followed by a morale boosting 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland, having played the second half with ten men.

Bryan Ruiz in action against Ireland 

The Definitive Opinion – Bestowed upon the Costa Ricans is an unenviably task that they’ve already been written off from completing. What works in their favour is that all the pressure will be on Uruguay, Italy and England, so they should be able to relax and play their football. They do possess a couple of potential match winners in the form of Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell, who along with Cristian Bolanos have Champions League experience. Nothing is expected of the Costa Ricans, but I can see at least one potential shock on the cards, hopefully not against England.

The Team – Italy

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St-Germain), Mattia Perin (Genoa). Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorigo Chiellini (all Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio (both AC Milan), Matteo Darmian (Torino). Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti (both Paris St-Germain), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Marco Parolo (Parma), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina). Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli).

The Manager – Cesare Prandelli – The former Fiorentina boss worked miracles at Euro 2012, taking an unfancied Italy side to the final. He’ll have a similar job on his hands in Brazil, with Italy struggling for form in recent games. He was given a boost in March of this year, when he signed a two year contract extension.

The Preparation – The Italians have suffered an uncharacteristic drop in confidence following a winless streak that stretches back to October 2013, and encompasses seven games. The most embarrassing of those results was the 1-1 draw to lowly Luxembourg, who had been beaten 5-1 by Belgium the week before. They did pick up a win in a hybrid friendly against Brazilian outfit Fluminense, with Ciro Immobile scoring a hat-trick.

Super Mario

The Definitive Opinion – The Italians do love coming into a tournament in disarray, only to turn it on and have an amazing run to the final. They did it in 2006 and 2012, but the feeling around the Azzurri at the moment, is comparable to their group stage exit in South Africa four years ago. Whether Italy decide to turn up or not, there are some brilliant footballers in their squad such as Pirlo, Balotelli, Buffon, Marchisio and Chiellini. A player that has come out of nowhere to challenge Balotelli for a starting spot is Torino’s Ciro Immobile, the former Juventus youngster scored 22 goals in 33 games for Torino last season and will sign for German giants Borussia Dortmund after the World Cup. It is fair to say that the Italians are not what the once were, however they still possess world class individuals, who they hope will inspire those around them to perform at the World Cup. For me Italy will make it out of the group.

The Team – England

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City). Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United). Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson (both Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal). Forwards: Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Manchester United).

The Manager – Roy Hodgson – This is the moment Hodgson’s career has been building to, taking his country to a World Cup. You’d be hard-pressed to find a prouder Englishman right now, and yet it could have been so different, had he not been given the chance by West Brom to redeem himself following his unsuccessful spell in charge of Liverpool. Hodgson earned many plaudits for taking a mismatch England squad to within a penalty shoot-out of the semi-finals of Euro 2012, and he’ll feel he can do better with his own squad in Brazil.

The Preparation – A knee injury to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but a dampener on England’s preparations, however he should be back in time for the group game with Uruguay. England defeated Peru 3-0 at Wembley and then drew with both Ecuador and Honduras in Miami.

#DareToWazza

The Definitive Opinion – For once no-one is expecting that much from England in Brazil, obviously that could all change after the first game against Italy, but as it stands the England players should be able to go and play their football without risk of being ridiculed (My Thoughts here are subject to change into loud expletives if we don’t make it out of the group). We do possess one truly world class footballer that everyone loves to hate, Wayne Rooney. If Rooney can perform to the level that he regularly does for Manchester United, we might just have a chance of progressing further in the tournament than is expected. My main worry is the back four, no-one is disputing Glen Johnson’s attacking prowess however his defensive positioning leaves a lot to be desired. I’m still yet to be convinced with the partnership of Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka, they both lack a yard of pace and can be awfully slow at distributing the ball. Despite these frailties, there is cause for optimism in the form of youngsters Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling. We should have enough to get out of the group.

World Cup Group Preview - Group B

The Team – Spain

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United). Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona). Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich). Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid).

The Manager – Vicente Del Bosque – His role in Spain’s period of international dominance gets somewhat overlooked, for me it cannot be ignored. The Spanish have had promising squads in previous eras, but they’ve lacked the cohesion and mental strength to go on and win trophies. This lack of cohesion and mental strength was initially amended by Luis Aragones, but Del Bosque has shown his quality as a manager to carry this on, and you will now not find a tighter group of players than the Spanish.

The Preparation – Spain faced Bolivia and El Salvador in their warm games, defeating both by a 2-0 score line. David Villa came off the bench against El Salvador to bag a brace and put pressure on his former Atletico Madrid team mate Diego Costa, as competition for places in the starting eleven heats up.

David Villa at the double

The Definitive Opinion – To rule out the Spanish from making it back to back World Cup victories would be foolish, they have the squad, the experience and what some people are calling into question, the desire. Despite what Jose and Carlo may think, Iker Casillas is still a world class goalkeeper. Often the villain, Sergio Ramos appears to have added maturity to his game and is now the complete centre half, add to this his recurring trait of scoring vital goals and I don’t think there is a better pound for pound centre half out there. I’ve not seen a better selection of midfielders in any squad be that club or international, the problem Del Bosque faces is who to select, as you could argue a case for all of them in different formations and combinations. Two players that I expect to light up the World Cup are the Atleti duo of Koke and Diego Costa, these two have progressed over a number of years at the Vicente Calderon and are now much sought after by Europe’s elite. I’m certain Spain will progress to the latter stages of the competition and it will be at that stage where their experience should make the difference, if I had to stick my neck out and pick a winner it would be La Roja.

The Team – The Netherlands

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michel Vorm (Swansea). Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman (both Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, (all Feyenoord), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa). Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven). Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).

The Manager - Forget Manchester United for the time being, Louis Van Gaal has some unfinished business with the Oranje. His first spell in charge of the Dutch was a major disappointment, failing to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, the first time a Dutch squad had failed to do so since 1986. There are interesting parallels between then and now, following his sacking in early 2002, rumours were rife that he was to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as United manager, according to Van Gaal Ferguson decided against retiring and the deal fell through. That sub-standard period in charge of the Dutch was followed by failure to secure the United job, now however he has been appointed United manager and perhaps this will work as a positive omen as he takes his squad to Brazil.

The Preparation - Defeating Northern Ireland 6-0 prior to Euro 2012 proved a false dawn as the Netherlands exited the tournament at the group stage, in preparation for the World Cup they’ve drawn with Ecuador and beaten Ghana and Wales. Whilst they haven’t been as free scoring as we’ve come to expect from them over the years, a more meticulous Netherlands has emerged in time for Brazil. Rather than overly relying on their forwards to win them games, Van Gaal has taken the pressure off Van Persie and Robben by introducing a new system during these warm up matches, one that uses five at the back. Whether he sticks with this at the World Cup remains to be seen.

See you in Manchester boss

The Definitive Opinion – The Dutch were a decent centre half partnership away from beating the Spanish in the final four years ago, I’m doubtful as to whether they’ve been able to correct these defensive frailties in time for Brazil. As I previously mentioned Van Gaal has experimented with five in defence, perhaps to compensate for a lack of quality defenders. Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar is almost a certainty to start and this alone should worry Dutch fans with Vlaar being part of one of the Premier Leagues’ worst defences last season. There are also many unknown quantities like the Feyenoord quartet of Janmaat, Kongolo, Martins Indi and De Vrij who have only ever played in the Eredivisie. For the likes of De Jong, Robben, Sneijder and Van Persie this World Cup could well be there last, this may work in the Dutch’s favour as Van Persie and co look to bow out in style. This is potentially one of the weakest squads the Netherlands have taken to a World Cup; they may even struggle to make it out of the group.

The Team – Chile

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica). Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Mauricio Isla (Juventus). Midfielders: Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo). Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo) Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Fabian Orellana (Celta)

The Manager – Jorge Sampaoli – An experienced manager who has coached in Peru, Chile and Ecuador. His success with Universidad de Chile in which he won three league titles and the Copa Sudamericana, caught the attention of the Chile FA who appointed him as national team manager.

The Preparation – A spirited performance against Egypt saw the Chileans come from 2-0 down to win 3-2, thanks to a brace from forward Eduardo Vargas. Another Vargas goal saw them defeat Northern Ireland 2-0. Midfielder Arturo Vidal looks likely to miss the opening game against Australia with a knee injury.

Vargas and Vidal

The Definitive Opinion – There hasn’t been much talk about the Chileans chances of getting out of Group B, but they are not to be underestimated. From back to front that have quality individuals, starting with ever present Real Sociedad keeper Claudio Bravo who represented Sociedad in the Champions League last season. Full backs Gonzalo Jara and Jean Beausejour have Premier League experience with West Brom and Wigan, as does defensive midfielder Gary Medel, who will be on a lot of clubs wish list following Cardiff City’s relegation. The stars of this Chilean squad are the Juventus duo Mauricio Isla and Arturo Vidal, and Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez. Vidal, who is a ball playing central midfielder, earned rave reviews for his performances in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen and subsequently in Italy following his move to Juventus. Although he is much maligned in Spain, Alexis Sanchez is adored by the Chilean fans and with a record of one goal in every three internationals from the wing it’s not hard to see why. Having watched the South American La Roja beat England at Wembley last November, I see no reason why they can’t finish above the Dutch and get out of the group.  

The Team – Australia

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund), Mat Ryan (Club Brugge). Defenders: Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo), Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng Taishan), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Bailey Wright (Preston North End). Midfielders: Oliver Bozanic (Luzern), Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa), James Holland (Austria Vienna), Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace), Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town), Matthew McKay (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Tommy Oar (Utrecht), James Troisi (Melbourne Victory), Dario Vidosic (Sion). Forwards: Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls), Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt 1899), Adam Taggart (Newcastle Jets).

The Manager – Ange Postecoglou – A Greek born Australian, Postecoglou’s managed the Australian Under 20’s for seven years between 2000 and 2007 before being replaced after failing to qualify for the 2007 Under 20 World Cup. He overcame this disappointment by leading Brisbane Roar to the A League title in his debut season as manager. After three years with the Roar, he managed Melbourne Victory for a season before taking the national team job in October 2013.

The Preparation – The Socceroos have warmed up for Brazil with a 1-1 draw with South Africa and a tight 1-0 loss to Croatia. The man that carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders Tim Cahill, scored the equaliser against the Bafana Bafana.

Tim Cahill

The Definitive Opinion – I’m going to be extremely blunt, Australia will not get a single point or goal in Brazil. Their squad is up there with the worst to ever grace a World Cup, the days of Viduka and Kewell are long gone. They have dispensed with veterans Mark Schwarzer and Lucas Neill, whose experience could have been vital with the task that lies ahead. Centre half Bailey Wright of League One Preston was a late call up which smacked of desperation, if he couldn’t cope with Rotherham’s forwards in the Play-offs what chance has he got against Van Persie, Sanchez and Costa. Then there is the Aussies’ poster boy Tim Cahill who so much is expected of, well having watched him struggle to compete in the MLS for New York Red Bulls, I’m not sure he’s got much left in his legs. Apologies Australia but you could well break the record for the worst goal difference in a World Cup group stage. 

World Cup Group Preview - Group A

The Team – Brazil

The Squad – Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC, on loan from QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro). Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma), Maxwell, Thiago Silva (both Paris St-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli). Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires, Willian, Oscar (all Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City). Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg).

The Manager – Luiz Felipe Scolari – ‘Big Phil’ is one of the most experienced International managers in the game, having won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and managed Portugal at three major tournaments. He will be assisted by the 1994 World Cup winning manager Carlos Alberto Parreira.

The Preparation – Having played many high profile friendlies over the past two years, Brazil’s warm up games have had something of a low key feel to them. They beat Panama 4-0 with the highlight being a superb free kick from Neymar, they then laboured to a 1-0 win over Serbia. Despite a momentary scare when Neymar went down with a knock in training, Brazil have a clean bill of health going into the opener on the 12^th.

Neymar will be vital for Brazil

The Definitive Opinion - Ask any player, pundit or fan about the Brazilian squad and the name that will continuously come up is Neymar. The 22 year old has the weight of a nation on his shoulders, but following an indifferent debut season in La Liga with Barcelona, he will need the other stars in the squad to be at the peak of their powers. In terms of ability, potential and general hype surrounding him, Hulk is the next ‘best’ forward in the squad, both he and Neymar will hope to prove themselves on the main stage this summer. It is very easy to argue that the assortment of midfielders is as weak a group that has ever graced a World Cup, the likes of Oscar, Paulinho, Ramires, Fernandinho, Hernanes and Luis Gustavo are nowhere near the level of players such as Socrates, Zico, Dunga, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho or Kaka. In defence however it’s a different story, a starting back four of Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Dante and Marcelo would rival defences from any era. This Brazilian squad has several world class players, but they are perhaps lacking the quality in defensive midfield and crucially in attack that is needed as they progress deeper into the tournament. That’s not to undermine the job Fred and Jo do for the team, but against the world’s best, their individual limitations could count against Brazil. For me it’s the semi-finals at best.  

The Team – Croatia

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Oliver Zelenika (Dinamo Zagreb). Defenders: Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gordon Schildenfeld (Panathinaikos), Danijel Pranjic (Panathinaikos), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa). Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivan Mocinic (Rijeka), Sammir (Getafe). Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina)

The Manager – Niko Kovac – Kovac is a legendary figure in Croatian football having captained his country for many years, and most significantly at the 2006 World Cup. A classy defensive midfielder in his day, Kovac will want his team to mirror his style of play in Brazil.

The Preparation – Wolfsburg’s Ivan Perisic staked his claim for a place in Croatia’s starting eleven with a brace in the win over Mali. A much changed eleven went onto defeat Australia through a single Nikica Jelavic strike. Like Brazil, Croatia have yet to pick up any major injuries prior to the tournament.

Perisic on target against Mali

The Definitive Opinion – Despite their infancy as a nation, Croatia have built a reputation over past tournaments and are not to be underestimated. They have a very talented squad of players with the key individuals being Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Sevilla’s Ivan Rakitic. The latter is something of an unknown quantity in this country, whereas in Spain he is highly valued, with both Madrid teams and Barcelona interested in securing his signature. They have an experienced keeper in Stipe Pletikosa (formerly of Spurs), with even more experience in the form of captain and marauding right back Darijo Srna who can also deliver a deadly set piece. The likes of Corluka, Lovren, Pranjic, Vukojevic, Perisic, Olic and Eduardo are well known, with each having Champions League experience, which at this level is extremely valuable.  Mario Mandzukic is the man the Croatians will turn to for goals, and the two time Croatian footballer of the year has been in rampant form since joining Bayern in 2012. Questions have been raised about his technical ability and the fact he’s only scored 13 goals in 50 games for Croatia, however his record at club level speaks for itself and he has scored goals at every level. At the age of 28, a World Cup in Brazil could be the stage for Mandzukic to cement his place as one of the world’s best strikers. The Croatian’s should at the very least get out of the group and I wouldn’t be surprised if they upset the hosts on opening night. If they proceed through the group, they have the talent to go as far as they want, perhaps even a repeat of the 1998 semi-final appearance. 

The Team – Mexico

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Jose de Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca). Defenders: Miguel Layun (America), Carlos Salcido (Tigres), Paul Aguilar (America), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (America), Diego Reyes (Porto), Rafael Marquez (Leon). Midfielders: Miguel Angel Ponce (Toluca), Jose Juan Vazquez (Leon), Luis Montes (Leon), Hector Herrera (Porto), Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Carlos Pena (Leon). Forwards: Oribe Peralta (Santos), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United), Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal), Raul Jimenez (America), Alan Pulido (Tigres).

The Manager – Miguel Herrera – Herrera’s managerial career has a somewhat underwhelming tone to it, having failed to win anything at two of Mexico’s biggest club sides, Atlante and Monterrey. However, having been appointed Club America manager in 2011, he led Las Águilas to a league title in 2013. The only competitive fixtures he has overseen as manager of Mexico, were both legs of the 9-3 play-off victory over New Zealand, consequently his capabilities as an international manager have yet to be tested.

The Preparation – Mexico can count themselves unlucky to have lost both their warm up games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal respectively. The Mexicans went down to a Izet Hajrovic goal just before half time against the Bosnians, then having seemingly secured a respectable draw against Portugal, Bruno Alves struck in the 93^rd minute to leave Herrera’s side winless going into the World Cup.

Will Hernandez find his form in time for Brazil? 

The Definitive Opinion – Having appointed three different managers in the month before Herrera took the job and qualifying through a play-off, many Mexicans will just be happy to be at the World Cup this summer. It is easy to forget that many of this squad were part of the side that won Gold at the 2012 Olympic Games, defeating a Brazil team that included Thiago Silva, Hulk and Neymar. The man that fired the Mexicans to glory that day, Oribe Peralta, is joined in the squad by Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez and former Spurs and current Villarreal playmaker Giovanni Dos Santos. The latter has had a superb season in La Liga, earning rave reviews and helping Villarreal to sixth place in their first season back at that level. The squad also includes two vastly experienced centre halves in Rafael Marquez and Francisco Rodriguez formerly of Barcelona and Stuttgart respectively, despite both being in the latter stages of their careers they have vital roles to play in Mexico’s 5-3-2 system, most significantly in terms of organisation. The Mexican’s will be vying with Croatia and Cameroon for second place in the group, anything more would be an unprecedented success. Due to the amount of players plying their trade in the Mexican League and Javier Hernandez not looking anything like the player that burst onto the international scene at the 2010 World Cup, I can’t foresee El Tri getting out of the group; they may even struggle to get a point. 

Team – Cameroon

The Squad - Goalkeepers: Loic Feudjou (Coton Sport), Charles Itandje (Konyaspor), Sammy Ndjock (Fethiyespor). Defenders: Benoit Assou-Ekotto (QPR, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Henri Bedimo (Lyon), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Cedric Djeugou (Coton Sport), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille), Dany Nounkeu (Besiktas), Allan Nyom (Granada). Midfielders: Enoh Eyong (Antalyaspor), Jean Makoun (Rennes), Joel Matip (Schalke), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla, on loan from QPR), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux), Edgar Salli (Lens), Alex Song (Barcelona). Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient), Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting (Mainz), Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea), Fabrice Olinga (Malaga), Achille Webo (Fenerbahce).

The Manager – For a man that has spent the majority of his managerial career at Freiburg in Germany, it was something of a surprise that Volker Finke decided to delve into International management at the age of 65 and even more suprising that it was with Cameroon. His 16 years with Freiburg will stand him in good stead having used more African players than any German team during his reign. He doesn’t have the support of one of Cameroon’s greatest ever players however, with Roger Milla wanting Finke replaced by a local manager. 

The Preparation – A draw against a strong German side will have given the Indomitable Lions considerable hope for a strong campaign in Brazil, this was followed up by a tight 1-0 win over Moldova. A pay dispute had disrupted their preparation, but with this now resolved Finke’s men can concentrate on their opener with Mexico.

Eto'o finds the net against Germany

The Definitive Opinion – The Indomitable Lions will once again be led by one of the torchbearers of African football, Samuel Eto’o. At 33 he perhaps hasn’t got many years left at the top of the game, but he showed glimpses of his unerring talent at Chelsea this season and it could be argued that a year in the Premier League is the perfect warm up for a World Cup campaign. What this squad does contain is an array of strong central defenders and central midfielders, including Nicolas N’Koulou and Alex Song. They usually line up in a defensive 4-3-3 system with N’Koulou and Schalke’s Joel Matip at centre half with the defensive trio of Stephane M’Bia, Eyong Enoh and Alex Song in midfield. This defensive base should take pressure off the likes of Eto’o and prevent another poor showing at a World Cup, having lost all of their group games in South Africa four years ago. I’m positive that Cameroon will improve on the disappointment of 2010, whether they’ll have enough to take second place I’m not so convinced. 

     

The Return of the Football Season Part 2 - SkyBet League 1 Preview

The football season is back, and to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Football League I will again be previewing all 92 league clubs, predicting their fortunes for the upcoming season. 

2011/2012 League One Champions Doncaster Rovers

Nahki Wells

Team - Bradford City 

Manager - Phil Parkinson 

Finish Last Season - Promoted from League 2

Pre-season Activity - So far the Bantams have been able to hold onto striker Nahki Wells who bagged 22 goals in 42 league games last season, whether he will still be there come the end of the transfer window remains to be seen. Parkinson has added experienced Rochdale midfielder Jason Kennedy to the squad, he will link up with former team mate Gary Jones in the centre of midfield. Other acquisitions are Watford's Mark Yeates, Swindon's Raffaele De Vita and centre half Matt Taylor from Charlton. Parkinson has also removed some of the fringe players from last year, including Zavon Hines and Will Atkinson. Pre-season saw four wins on the bounce against, Guiseley, Athlone Town, Bohemians and Grimsby.  

Key Player - Nahki Wells - Who else, Wells showed last season his natural goal scoring ability and if they hang onto him successive promotions are a possibility 

My Prediction - 7th - Momentum is a huge thing in football and Bradford have it in abundance, if Wells and Hanson continue their form on a push for the play-offs is on the cards

Team - Brentford

Manager -  Uwe Rosler 

Finish Last Season - 3rd

Javi Venta

Pre-season Activity - Uwe Rosler has again done great business in the transfer market, the stand out signing being Walsall's top scorer from last season Will Grigg. The thought of him and Donaldson in attack will scare many a League 1 defender. The Bees also managed to sign veteran Spanish full back Javi Venta from Villareal, however at the age of 37, what he has left to offer remains to be seen. Another international signing is that of Martin Fillo from Plzen in the Czech Republic. Youngster Harry Forrester turned down a contract to move to Championship new boys Doncaster Rovers. Pre-season saw the Bees beat Millwall and Cardiff City, only losing once to Celtic. 

Key Player - .Richard Lee - With the ever present Simon Moore moving to Cardiff, Lee looks likely to be first choice this term. The 30 year old has Premier league experience with Watford on his CV.

My Prediction - 5th - Play-offs are a certainty for the Bees 

JET and Wagstaff

Team - Bristol City

Manager - Sean O'Driscoll

Finish Last Season - Relegated from the Championship

Pre-season Activity - SOD really has dismantled the majority of the squad following relegation last season with no more than 12 first teamers moving on, including Jon Stead, Brian Howard and Matthew Bates. Coming in a tricky wide men Scott Wagstaff and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, with the latter yet to produce on a consistent basis having promised so much. A win over Reading was the highlight in a mixed pre-season for The Robins.

Key Player - .Jay Emmanuel-Thomas - An enigma of a player, has all the ingredients to be a top player, just needs to focus on his football.

My Prediction - 2nd - SOD gets his teams playing great football and with smart signings, promotion is well within reach

Team - Carlisle

Manager - Greg Abbott

Finish Last Season - 17th

Lee Miller

Pre-season Activity - Only one permanent signing so far for the Cumbrians, that being former Liverpool youngster David Amoo. However most Carlisle fans will say keeping centre forward Lee Miller is vital for their season. They lost 4-1 to Burnley in pre-season as well as drawing with Kilmarnock. 

Key Player - Lee Miller - The Scottish forward has scored 24 goals in 60 games for Abbott's men, and will again be relied on for goals

My Prediction - 21st - A relegation battle beckons as Abbott continues to work with a very restricted budget.

Sanchez Watt

Team - Colchester United

Manager -  Joe Dunne

Finish Last Season -  20th

Pre-season Activity - Arsenal duo Craig Eastmond and Sanchez Watt have joined on permanent deals following loan spells with the U's last season. Watt is an interesting player who is surely better than this division but has yet to consistently perform for any of his loan clubs. On the way out is veteran centre half Matt Heath and midfielder John-Joe O'Toole. A hard fought 0-0 draw against a full strength Spurs side raised United's fans hopes for the new season.

Key Player - Sanchez Watt - Like Emmanuel-Thomas he has real ability, hence coming through at Arsenal. He needs to show more this season.

My Prediction - 23rd - Stayed up more by luck then judgement last term in a division ridden with average teams, this year its a lot more competitive and in my opinion this season looks bleak for Dunne's men.

Tim 'Fat Fuck' Fisher

Team - Coventry City

Manager - Steven Pressley

Finish Last Season - 15th

Pre-season Activity - N/A

Key Player - .N/A

My Prediction - 24th - We've just gone into liquidation, I'm too numb to comment 

Team - Crawley Town

Manager - Richie Barker

Nicky Adams

Finish Last Season - 10th

Pre-season Activity - Former Ipswich midfielder Andy Drury is the only signing of note as Barker contemplates beginning a season with one of the smallest squads in the division. Full backs Muzzy Dumbuya and David Hunt have departed alongside midfielder Matt Sparrow

Key Player - .Nicky Adams - Scored some cracking goals last season and the former Leicester youngster finally appears to have settled down at a club.

My Prediction - 16th - Mid-table is a good as it gets for the Reds as injuries and suspensions will harm this squad more than most.

Team - Crewe

Manager - Steve Davis 

Finish Last Season - 13th

Steve Davis

Pre-season Activity - They lost Nick Powell this time last season and once again have lost another influential player as skipper Luke Murphy has joined Leeds. No doubt they will role another superstar off the production line this season, they have signed a player with some pedigree in Accrington's Lee Molyneux. A tight 1-0 defeat to Blackburn and a draw with Chester were part of an underwhelming pre-season for the Alex.

Key Player - Max Clayton - The youngster could be the next out the door at Crewe, with many clubs monitoring his progress. Whilst he remains at Crewe they will continue to reap the benefits.

My Prediction - 13th - More of the same for Crewe, they do play some lovely football under Davis but do not necessarily possess the squad to get into the play-offs.

Mad Dog

Team - Gillingham

Manager - Martin Allen

Finish Last Season - Promoted from League 2

Pre-season Activity - Forwards Deon Burton and Adam Birchall have been replaced with Bayo Akinfenwa and Cody McDonald. Allen declared that Cody McDonald could easily get over 20 goals this season, well as a Coventry fan we were of this opinion last season and it didn't quite pan out. Young central midfielder Jack Payne has joined Peterborough. Pre-season ended with four straight defeats to Ipswich, Millwall, Palace and Woking. 

Key Player - Danny Kedwell - Bagged 16 goals last season as the Gills won League 2, the powerful front man will again be the main forward this year at Preistfield.

My Prediction - 18th - Who knows what you will get with Martin Allen to be quite honest, in my opinion they will stay up but aspirations of the play-offs are perhaps a little too ambitious.

Team - Leyton Orient

Manager - Russell Slade

Finish Last Season - 7th

Russell Slade

Pre-season Activity - Signings include Wolves youngster Johnny Gorman, Burnley's Marvin Bartley and Millwall's Shaun Batt. Long serving midfielder Jimmy Smith has joined Stevenage and the O's have so far managed to hang onto tricky wide man Dean Cox who impressed many last season. A 2-1 victory over the New York Cosmos was the most notable result during pre-season. 

Key Player - .Kevin Lisbie - A natural goal scorer at this level and I expect him to be amongst the goals again this season.

My Prediction - 9th - Russell Slade has a tight knit group of players at Brisbane Road and they will again finish comfortably in mid table. 

Stephen Gleeson

Team - MK Dons

Manager - Karl Robinson

Finish Last Season - 8th

Pre-season Activity - The big signing of the summer has been Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford on a season long loan as once again the Dons will rely on same bulk of players that have been with them for the last few seasons. Promising full back Adam Chicksen has left for Brighton. Pre-season culminated with a 4-1 win over Barnet.

Key Player - Stephen Gleeson - The central midfielder is a vital cog in the Dons machine, he is one of the best passers in League 1 .

My Prediction - 8th - The lack of depth in their squad will again hinder their play-off hopes.

Team - Notts County

Manager - Chris Kiwomya 

Finish Last Season - 12th

Chris Kiwomya

Pre-season Activity - A great bit of business by Kiwomya came in the form of former Ipswich and Charlton forward Danny Haynes, a player with bags of ability is hoping to flourish under his former academy coach. Sick note David Bell has joined from Coventry. Last season's star midfielder Alan Judge left the Meadow Lane to return to Blackburn. A narrow defeat to Turkish giants Galatasaray and a creditable draw with Rayo Vallecano were followed by a 3-3 draw with Ipswich in an entertaining pre-season.

Key Player - Danny Haynes - Could destroy this league if given the right service.

My Prediction - 11th - A push for the play-offs is achievable, but maybe too much to ask for in Kiwomya's first full season as gaffer.

Team - Oldham

Manager - Lee Johnson

Finish Last Season - 19th

Jose Baxter

Pre-season Activity - Two experienced forwards have joined the Latics in Charlie MacDonald and Adam Rooney. Johnson has lost powerful centre half Jean-Yves M'Voto and the squad does have a very young look to it alongside the league's youngest manager. Pre-season kicked off with a 2-2 draw with Dinamo Bucharest and finished with a win over Huddersfield. 

Key Player - Jose Baxter - A clever player who will surely play higher at some point in his career.

My Prediction - 15th - Mid-table mediocrity once again 

Tommy Rowe

Team - Peterborough United

Manager - Darren Ferguson

Finish Last Season - Relegated from the Championship

Pre-season Activity - There were mixed emotions at London Road when star striker Dwight Gayle left for Premier League new boys Crystal Palace, they did get a reported 4.5 million for former Daggers forward. Part of this fee went on record signing Britt Assombalonga from Watford. Mark Little has also agreed a new contract with The Posh. 

Key Player - Tommy Rowe - The skipper is a talented wide man who has been courted by several championship clubs, will provide both goals and assists this season.

My Prediction - 3rd - Ferguson knows how to get out of this league, however I think the play-offs rather than automatic promotion, as they don't possess the fire power in attack they did last time they were in League 1.

Team - Port Vale 

Manager - Micky Adams

Finish Last Season - Promoted from League 2

Tom Pope

Pre-season Activity - Adams has bought well so far as he recovers from the losses of Ashley Vincent and Sam Morsy. Coming in are experienced forwards Kaid Mohamed and Gavin Tomlin, centre half Chris Robertson and the midfield duo of former Vale man Anthony Griffith and Chris Lines. They have also signed Carl Dickinson from Watford, having watched him last season for Coventry I have nothing positive to offer Vale fans. Vale scored an impressive 35 goals in pre-season with their best result being a 5-1 win over IPL side Bray Wanderers.

Key Player - Tom Pope - The anti-footballer scored goals for fun last season and Vale fans hope that he continues in the same form this season.

My Prediction - 17th - Mid-table is a certainty

Big Kev

Team - Preston North End

Manager - Simon Grayson

Finish Last Season - 14th

Pre-season Activity - After disposing of Graham Westley North End fans will go into this season with a strong sense of optimism. Signings have included Bolton's Kevin Davies, talented Norwich keeper Declan Rudd, pacy wide man Chris Humphrey and Tom Clarke from Grayson's former employer Huddersfield. A few dodgy Westley signings have departed as Grayson prepares his squad for a promotion push. 4-0 defeats to Liverpool and Fleetwood were followed by a promising draw against Blackburn.

Key Player - Nicky Wroe - A classic ball playing midfielder who was wasted under Westley last term and will look to boss North End's midfield this season

My Prediction - 6th - Under Grayson the play-offs look a great bet.

Team - Rotherham United

Manager - Steve Evans

Finish Last Season - Promoted from League 2

Matt Tubbs and Steve Evans

Pre-season Activity - The Millers have signed two forwards with a lot of potential in Matt Tubbs and Danny Hyllton, Tubbs could get back to his prolific best under the stewardship of Evans once again. Tricky Bury midfielder David Worrall has joined also joined. A win over Bolton was the highlight of a productive pre-season. 

Key Player - Craig Morgan - A powerful centre half capped by Wales, he has been linked with a move away from the New York stadium. He is a rock in the MIllers back four 

My Prediction - 10th - A club with big ambitions, a season of progress beckons under Evans.

The New gaffer

Team - Sheffield United 

Manager - David Weir

Finish Last Season - 5th

Pre-season Activity - Stepping into his first job in management the Scot has made some shrewd signings in the form of Wasall's Febian Brandy and Falkirk's Lyle Taylor. Another great signing is Liverpool youngster Conor Coady who should progress into Liverpool's first team at some point. Old timers Barry Robson, Richard Cresswell and Dave Kitson have left Bramall Lane. United went through pre-season undefeated. 

Key Player - Jamie Murphy - Was lauded in Scotland throughout his Motherwell days, it is a big season for the left winger.

My Prediction - 4th - Play-offs are expected by all in Sheffield as they hope third times the charm in the League 1 play-offs.

Team - Shrewsbury Town 

Manager - Graham Turner

Finish Last Season - 16th

Jon Taylor

Pre-season Activity - A new centre back pairing looks in the offing at the new meadow as Turner has brought in former Millwall player Tamika Mkandawire and Wycombe centre half Dave Winfield. Mkandawire has also been handed the captaincy. Right back Jermaine Grandison hasn't signed a new contract as yet following a long term injury. The stand out result of pre-season for Town was a 4-2 win over Birmingham City. 

Key Player - Jon Taylor - The pacy wide man is being watched by many League 1 and Championship clubs.

My Prediction - 22nd - Relegation is by no means nailed on, however in my opinion they have lost experience and have one of the weakest squads in the league.

Graham 'Nutter' Westley

Team - Stevenage

Manager - Graham Westley

Finish Last Season - 18th

Pre-season Activity - Westley and Stevenage just go together, Gary Smith tried and failed to play football last term with the Boro and so Westley's brand of 'kick and rush' has returned to Broadhall Way. The stand out signing is that of Orient's Jimmy Smith. Westley has lost his influential skipper Mark Roberts who has joined Fleetwood. 

Key Player - James Dunne - A talented midfielder who probably won't flourish under Westley.

My Prediction - 14th - They will bully their way to a comfortable mid table finish.

Ryan Harley

Team - Swindon Town

Manager - Mark Cooper (Caretaker)

Finish Last Season - 6th

Pre-season Activity - Manager Kevin McDonald is the most notorious departure at the County Ground alongside numerous first team players from last season's play-off side. These include James Collins, Aden Flint, Alan McCormack, Gary Roberts, Joe Devera and Simon Ferry. Brighton's Ryan Harley is a quality signing at this level of football. They have also signed half of Spurs's youth team.

Key Player - Miles Storey - Is a bright youngster who following the various departures will look to establish himself in the first team.

My Prediction - 20th - A thread bare squad with no manager screams relegation battle.

Jason Koumas

Team - Tranmere Rovers

Manager - Ronnie Moore

Finish Last Season - 11th

Pre-season Activity - Two veteran players in the form of Ryan Lowe and Jason Koumas have got Rovers fans excited for the new season. Left back Zoumana Bakayogo is the only player of note to leave Prenton Park, joining Leicester City. Losses to Burnley and Wrexham put a downer on an otherwise good pre-season. 

Key Player - Jason Koumas - A class act at West Brom, Cardiff and Wigan and at 33 he can surely still do it in League 1

My Prediction - 12th - After falling away badly last season a challenge for the play offs is expected, however the quality of the league this year may well see them finish in mid table.

Team - Walsall

Manager - Dean Smith

Finish Last Season - 9th

Craig Westcarr

Pre-season Activity - Losing their three best players from last year in Will Grigg, Febian Brandy and Jamie Paterson doesn't bode well for the 'Pride of the Midlands'. These moves take away the majority of goals and assists that propelled them to ninth last season. Chelsea winger Milan Lalkovic has joined on loan. 

Key Player - Craig Westcarr - Not a prolific striker but will be relied upon for goals this term.

My Prediction - 19th - You can't lose your best three players and expect to perform in the same vain as last season, a relegation battle is on the horizon.

Leigh Griffiths

Team - Wolves

Manager - Kenny Jackett

Finish Last Season - Relegated from the Championship

Pre-season Activity - Kenny Jackett has so far done well in his quest to remove the deadwood from last season's pathetic squad. He has signed versatile Bolton defender Sam Ricketts and welcomes Leigh Griffiths back from Hibs. In Griffiths and Cassidy he has two of the hottest properties in League 1.  

Key Player - David Edwards - A solid hard working midfielder who should replace the outgoing Karl Henry in the engine room of the midfield

My Prediction - 1st - A manager who knows how to get a club out of league 1 and with several 'championship' players making up the first team alongside Griffiths and Cassidy, finally Wolves fans have something to shout about.