It’s never easy for small promoted clubs trying to compete in the rarefied atmosphere of La Liga's Primera Division and despite holding onto influential midfielder Crusat, Almeria are destined for a season of struggle.
Joaquin Caparros takes the coaching reigns and faces a tough task improving the fortunes of the Basque side who finished only one point away from relegation last term. Cuellar is a good signing from Gimnastic but further reinforcements will be necessary.
Atletico Madrid narrowly missed out on straight qualification for the UEFA Cup on goal difference and despite the sale of fan favourite
Fernando Torres, they can be confident for the new term with former Liverpool winger Luis Garcia and Villareal striker Diego Forlan adding to their attacking options.
Another world class striker may not have been top of the agenda for a Barcelona side intent on regaining their La Liga crown from Real Madrid but the availability of
Thierry Henry proved just too tempting for the Catalan giants. How he fits in with
Samuel Eto'o,
Ronaldinho and
Lionel Messi will dictate Barcelona's ultimate fortunes.
A lower mid table finish in 06/07 coupled with the loss of key “spine” players Jorge Andrade and Aldo Duscher, to Juventus and Racing Santander respectively, means new coach Miguel Angel Lotina has a tough job on his hands to pull Deportivo into European contention.
A spirited performance in defeat in the UEFA Cup Final may be the catalyst to propel Espanyol out of mid-table malaise into European contention and the signing of Valdo from Osasuna could prove to be the piece of business that clinches it.
Back to back UEFA Cup winners whose title aspirations fell by the wayside in the 2006/2007 run-in. Keeping coach Juande Ramos is the best deal they’ve done all summer and with him in charge they look all set for another title tilt in 2007/2008.
Bernd Schuster may have moved onto coaching pastures new at Real Madrid but his hungry young replacement isn’t lacking when it comes to top level football experience either. Michael Laudrup's speed at picking up the coaching reigns could be the factor that keeps Getafe in the Primera Division.
Only three points saved Levante last term and a slow summer in terms of new blood looks like condemning the club to a similar or worse fate in the coming season.
Maxi Lopez was a huge disappointment last season and his return to Barcelona after a season’s loan is unlikely to worry Mallorca fans too much. Bosko Jankovic's sale to Palermo may however be a little more troublesome. Mid table again.
Promoted clubs often struggle when things get rough but with on-loan Real Madrid midfielder Pablo Garcia always ready to put the boot in (legally or not!) where it hurts, Murcia might just surprise a few people.
A potentially potent new strikeforce of Javier Portillo and Walter Pandiani has the Osasuna fans licking their lips in eager anticipation of the new season but the twin losses of Roberto Soldado to back to Real Madrid and Raul Garcia to Atletico Madrid for €13m will be keenly felt.
Having poached coach Marcelinho from Recreativo Huelva and added experienced midfielder Aldo Duscher from Deportivo, Racing Santander can hope to improve on last season’s top ten finish but only if strikers Munitis and Zigic find themselves amongst the goals.
One point saved Betis from the slippery slide into the second division last year and former
Inter Milan coach Hector Cuper will have his work cut out trying to push them back to top ten respectability, regardless of how tough his reputation is.
Last season’s champions sacked coach Fabio Capello for being too boring and brought former Madrid legend Bernd Schuster in from Getafe to add some sparkle to Capello's successful steel. Losing Beckham will surprisingly be a big loss.
A strong promotion campaign brought them up to the Primera Division but a lack of quality signings will make it difficult to replicate that form at the top table this season.
Zaragoza have spent big and spent well bringing in established quality like Ayala, Pavon and Oliveira and can quite reasonably expect at least a top six finish – if all goes to plan that is.
Had a great season last time out finishing a more than respectable 8th but the loss of coach Marcelinho to Racing Santander and a few quality names in their lineup like Uche and Cazorla could mean trouble this time around.
David Villa stayed at the club and that was as good as a big money signing for coach Flores following widespread speculation that the goal hungry striker was Italy bound. Vicente’s return from injury is another huge internal boost to Valencia's chances.
A season revolving doors with good signings such as Jon Dahl Tomasson replacing established stars like striker Diego Forlan. An interesting season to see if the new blood can live up to the fifth place achieved last season.
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