McInally's PL picks

McInally: Continuity asset for Fergie's men

Also see

• Jeff Stelling's picks
• Paul Merson's picks
• Charlie Nicholas's picks
• Phil Thompson's picks
• Matt Le Tissier's picks
• Chris Kamara's picks
• Tony Cottee's picks
• 2008-09 preview

It's a dangerous game, making pre-season predictions. But with just days to go before the big kick-off in the Premier League, the Soccer Saturday gang have gallantly agreed to put their necks - and their credibility - on the line.

Former Scotland, Celtic and Aston Villa striker Alan McInally takes up the challenge...

Champions

I think Manchester United should still be the favourites. Ronaldo is staying, defensively they're still fine and now Fergie is trying to bring in another striker. I expect that to be Berbatov and if they get him, I think they will be unstoppable. I know Chelsea have spent money and I think Deco is capable of unlocking anybody but with the new manager and new ideas, it might take them a bit more time to settle. Fergie has continuity in his side and I think that's why they'll win it.

Champions League spots

I'd hope that Liverpool will be better this year because really they've been miles away from challenging. I do think that Arsenal might finish a bit closer this time. They fell away quite tamely last year but Adebayor staying is a big boost. I think Wenger has to spend money on another defender - he might play Song in there - and although they've lost Hleb and Flamini, I expect them to play good football again. Manchester United and Chelsea will be the two main protagonists though, so I'm tipping Chelsea as runners-up, followed by Arsenal and then Liverpool.

Fit for fifth

Tottenham Hotspur. Of all the teams I've seen so far this pre-season - and I know sometimes you can't draw too much but it gives you some kind of idea - Tottenham are my favourites for fifth spot. Maybe, just maybe, if they can keep Berbatov, it could be higher but as I've already said, I don't think he'll stay. Spurs were excellent in the Feyernoord Jubilee Tournament in Rotterdam and Darren Bent's looking good. I think Ramos needs to bring in a defender but he's bought some real quality football players and if anyone's going to break that top four this time, it might be Tottenham. I think it will be a really tough season for Everton - I don't see them finishing as high up this time - but big things will be expected at Manchester City. They've spent some money and Mark Hughes has managed to keep key players like Richard Dunne.

Surprise package

I think Luka Modric is really special, a very, very good football player. I think he could be the difference between Tottenham finishing eighth, or fourth or fifth as I tipped them earlier. He is a Deco-type player - small, with good balance, good feet, and an ability to unlock defences with a pass. I think he'll be someone that people want to pay money to watch play.

Going down

There's no doubt it will be really difficult for the new boys Stoke, Hull and West Brom. It's Hull's first time in the top flight and Stoke have been there before but haven't spent an awful lot of money. I think both will go back down. But I fancy West Brom to have a decent season. They play good football, it'll all depend on how many goals they can score and not concede at the other end - obviously that sounds simple but they'll have to be watertight. But I think it will also be a tough season for Blackburn and Bolton so it'll be between Blackburn, Bolton and West Brom for that other relegation spot.

Golden boot

Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo taking penalties, taking free kicks, and generally just being Ronaldo, makes it difficult to see past him. He's an exceptional player. Adebayor and Drogba will be there or thereabouts and I think Torres might have an even better season than last time but I still fancy Ronaldo to come out on top. As for how he'll be received after the Real Madrid saga, well, fans are fickle but they can be equally forgiving - as long as you're doing the business.

Best buy

I don't want to harp on too much about Tottenham but this could be Darren Bent's year. Spurs spent a lot of money spend on him last year and he didn't really manage to cope with that pressure but this year, if Berbatov goes, and with no Keane, I reckon he could turn out to be a belated 'best buy'. I'm tipping him to get between 18 and 20 goals.

Barking buy

Not so much a player for this one, more of an approach, and it's Paul Ince's at Blackburn. I think he's looking around the lower leagues to find a gem, which is what Lawrie Sanchez tried to do at Fulham without success. It might not be Paul's fault - he might not have a lot to spend and have had to alter his targets accordingly - but he could struggle with some of the players he's brought in.

Soccer Saturday summer slacker

I would have normally have said Le Tiss but because he's just got married, I expect him to have been put on a diet by his wife! Charlie Nicholas has definitely been burning the candle at both ends, however. I'm expecting him to come back at least a stone overweight...