La Liga lowdown

Guillem Balague is back for another season - and kicks off with his club-by-club guide to 2008-09.

From Almeria to Valencia, Guillem's club-by-club guide

La Liga is back live on Sky Sports this season - which means Guillem Balague is back on skysports.com. With the Euro 2008 triumph still fresh in the mind, Spanish football will be on a high and as usual, some of the biggest names in the game will be strutting their stuff. Can Real Madrid retain their title? Will Barcelona be a new force with new coach Pep Guardiola but without Deco and Ronaldinho? Will Sevilla and Villarreal remain a threat and can Valencia sort themselves after a disappointing campaign? And what of the new boys, Numancia, Malaga and Sporting Gijon? You can see the season unfold on Sky Sports and every week Guillem will be previewing our live offerings, giving you all the news from the clubs involved and as ever, answering YOUR questions. But first, he has got his crystal ball out and picks out the men to watch, the major signings and gives his predicitions in his club-by-club guide...

ALMERIA

Those who think that what happened to Almeria last season was pure chance (8th in the table, beat Sevilla twice, Valencia, Real Madrid) do not realise that the club is making the right strides to become a regular in the top 10. There is a good mixture of youth (Nieto, Piatti, Diego Alves, Negredo) with experience (Solari, Ortiz, Julio Alvarez) and a new manager, one of the top-rated among the new generation of Spanish young bosses, Gonzalo Arconada, who took Numancia up last season Top player: Alvaro Negredo - Followed by half a dozen of Premier League managers, they felt he needs another season at the top level to check if he was flower of a day, as we say. He isn't. And he will cost double next time they try to get him. A powerful intelligent centre forward Top surprise: Esteban Solari - The Argentinean striker is the kind of guy that gets petrol from any chance Top signing: Pablo Daniel Piatti - A support striker and player in the hole of explosive pace that will end up at a bigger club in the next season or two. Probable finish: 7th

ATHLETIC BILBAO

Finally Athletic Bilbao found some stability and a good generation of players that are improving the side (Fernando Amorebieta, Lertxundi Koikili, Javi Martinez, Markel Susaeta, Ferando Llorente). The manager started by getting the defensive system right and lately he freed some of the talent up front which this season should grow up and give the top six some rough times. Top player: Javi Martinez - He is unlike the other Spanish midfielders. Only 19, 1.90m tall, he is a big lad that can play box to box although he is used more often than not as defensive midfielder. If he is released from some of his defensive obligations he will be their star. Top surprise: Lertxundi Koikili - Asier del Horno is not in the club anymore and the former Sestao player needs to show his offensive potential from the left-back to become a reference in the team. Top signing: A sponsor - Athletic, for the first time in their history, are wearing a sponsor in their shirt. They had been backing institutional publicity, but Petronor, a private Basque company, will now sponsor the club Probable finish: 10th

ATLETICO MADRID

For what we have seen in pre-season, Atletico Madrid have got their usual problems. Lack of personality in big games, too much dependence on Kun Aguero and the goals of Diego Forlan. Not enough creativity in midfield and generally, another year where expectations exceed their finish? Top player: Kun Aguero - Has had a magnificent Olympic games and he is ready to jump to the next level. He could even be the best goalscorer in La Liga and one of the top players in Europe Top surprise: Igancio Camacho - The 18-year-old centre of midfield player was given chances last season. This year he could end up becoming a regular and he gives strength and personality to the midfield Top signing: Tomas Ujfalusi - At the moment any player next to Johnny Heitinga becomes poor, but after some settling and calming down, Ujfalusi should be a rock in the centre of defence Probable finish: 6th

BARCELONA

I believe in the Guardiola project. I have seen him train and the team seems switched on. That is the real difference between them winning or losing La Liga. They have the most talented squad in Spain and their new attitude and confidence will give them the title Top player: Xavi (with the permission of Messi) - He has transported his Euros form to the team. He plays as he started, closer to goal, closer to the strikers and with less defensive obligations. He now fancies himself as a goalscoring midfielder and has the confidence to lead the team now Deco and Ronnie are gone Top surprise: Samuel Eto'o - He was out of the club at the beginning of the summer, but was priced at €10milion, plus as wages. Finally he has stayed, and he seems a new Eto'o. I wouldn't expect him to the be striker of two years ago, but he will provide goals Top signing: Dani Alves - He already looks fantastic next to Messi, in what it can become the most dangerous right wing in the world. Too inconsistent yet, but will add the same surprise factor he gave Sevilla Probable finish: 1st

DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA

Miguel Angel Lotina has found a system that works for his players and they have added Omar Bravo and Mista, a couple of experienced players that should help when their form goes down. They lost Coliccini but still have enough to battle for European positions. Top player: Alberto Lopo - With the absence of Fabricio Coliccini, this team, mostly defensive with counter-attacking skills, will need a leader at the back and Lopo has threated to become just that since his days at Espanyol Top surprise: Juan Carlos Valeron - Very unlucky with injuries, he has been missing almost three season but looks revitalised and confident. He saw Spain play in Austria and Switzerland in the same style that he defends, and that many people predicted would be obsolete by now Top signing: Omar Bravo - Is quick, a good goalscorer and the man that will guarantee the dozen goals that will allow Depor to fight for European positions - and that will force Riki or Mista to improve their own records Probable finish: 9th

ESPANYOL

If Luis Garcia or Albert Riera go (and Riera has set his mind on leaving for Liverpool) Espanyol will have a year of transition to a new era and avoiding relegation will be the target. A new stadium in February/March will be something to look forward to Top player: Raul Tamudo - His body is telling him he is getting on, but all the good moments coincide with the good form of the striker and skipper who has scored more than 100 goals with Espanyol. Top surprise: Oscar Sielva - He is a 17-year-old, central midfield player of Madrid, Barcelona or Milan quality. He can defend, attack, pass, score. If he is given minutes he will start developing and will become a star before he reaches 20 Top signing: Roman Martínez - He is a typical Argentinean player, skilful, can see a pass and can become the ideal replacement to Ivan de la Peña in the short term. Probable finish: 11th

GETAFE

This time their strength wont come from players found in the lower sides of big teams, but in new youngsters that will strengthen a team that will miss Ruben De la Red, Pablo or Nobrega Braulio. New coach Victor Muñoz comes to a club that expects maybe even too much from their players after their recent successful season's. Top player: Esteban Granero - He stays at Getafe as Real Madrid did not think him mature enough to keep him. He is creative from the left and constant in his search for holes in the opposition's defence. Top surprise: Joffre Gerrón - The right winger is full of energy, a very powerful attacker - and he tracks back. Top signing: Roberto Soldado - He was not allowed to show his quality at Real Madrid and arrives at a team that needs - and expects - his goals. This has to be the year that confirms his status as an international striker. Probable finish: 12th

MALAGA

They have only one target, not to be relegated. They have lost their best player to Zaragoza, Antonio Hidalgo, but there wasn't much money to replace him so they will be using the most of the players of last season. Will be a huge success not to return to the Second Division. Top Player: Nabil Baha - He was key to them last year. A very mobile striker, aggressive, hard worker and good finisher. A bit inconsistent but has not reached his best level Top surprise: Jesus Gamez - A right-back who likes to go forward but who makes not many defensive mistakes. He lacks technique but has got the necessary stamina Top signing: Duda - Returns to Malaga after not being given a proper chance at Sevilla. If he gets given minutes, and he should be a regular, he will add goals and assists to a team that will struggle scoring Probable finish: 17th

NUMANCIA

A typical Second Division team that showed its superiority in the silver league, and that will try to apply the same commitment and aggression to stay up. The manager is experienced (Sergio Kresic) and some of the players are on their way up (Barkero, Dimas) but that might not be enough. Top Player: Javier del Pino - He was a pupil of Luis Aragones at Atletico Madrid and at Numancia he showed he can be a good right winger. If he improves on his goalscoring form he will catch the eye of many teams as there aren't many players with his characteristics. Top surprise: Antonio Guayre - The 'almost' man. He was special at Las Palmas, but never the special footballer he should have been at Villarreal or Celta. One more chance here. Top signing: José Javier Bakero - When he started playing regularly with Real Sociedad he looked like a very decent left winger. He has rediscovered his form and a goalscoring record (11 goals with Albacete) that will make him Numancia's key player Probable finish: 20th

OSASUNA

Two huge players missing (Javi García and Carlos Vela) and the replacements seem of inferior quality. They will want to suffer a bit less than last season but Sunny, Portillo or Santi Ezquerro (who preferred not to come to the Premier League) are the kind of players that only marginally make you better than most of the struggling teams Top Player: Kike Sola - He has only scored five goals in this two seasons in the first team but we have seen glimpses of the player he can become. Mobile, intelligent, cheeky, will try things. This could be his year. Top surprise: Sunny - A player with a great personal story of survival. As a player he has not developed yet into the solid centre of midfield player he can become. He is not Claude Makelele but has got similar (but inferior) qualities. Top signing: Santi Ezquerro - He preferred to stay at Barcelona collecting medals but mostly on the bench instead of challenging for a place in the Premier League. Bolton, Everton, Pompey have all looked at him. Probable finish: 16th

RACING SANTANDER

Almost impossible to reproduce last season where they even fought for a Champions League place. The importance of Marcelino, now coach of Zaragoza, will be tested. The players have stayed, with the exception of Aldo Duscher (now at Sevilla), but it probably won't be enough for a team that over-performed last season. Top Player: Pedro Munitis - Still the key of this team. Jorge Lopez, Oscar Serrano or Colsa will have to repeat their best season ever, but Munitis has maintained his level for many years Top surprise: Jonathan Pereira - He was one of the best players in the Second Division, he is on loan from Villarreal and can play in both wings as well as second striker or in the hole. Scored 11 goals last season. Top signing: Ze Antonio - Jose Antonio Do Santos da Silva, to give him his full name, will come in and improve what it is already one of the most solid defences in La Liga. Probable finish: 8th

REAL BETIS

It is the start of the post-Manuel Ruiz de Lopera era. He is still their main public man but he has agreed to give most of his shares to a new group. Lopera is almost like the religious leader of a club used to having him and his mood swings running it. The football foundations of this season were put last year but nothing smells of brilliant or successful Top player: Rafael Sobis - Finally he has decided to stay, or better still, he has not been allowed to leave. Lopera wanted him to lead the club next season and he should do that. Must improve though, to get the transfer he wants. Top surprise: Casto - A goalie from the lower ranks, took the place of the Portuguese Ricardo during last season and this could be the year of his confirmation. Top signing: Mehmet Aurelio - had a good European Championships playing in the centre of midfield. With his defensive characteristics, he could be the man that gives solidity to the team Probable finish: 14th

REAL MADRID

Robinho will probably leave and I am not sure why Chelsea want him so badly. He has been very inconsistent at Real and I cannot see him becoming much better. In any case, he offered something different to a team that will struggle to maintain the levels of last season. Rafael Van der Vaart is not the solution and only the arrival of David Villa (I don't particularly rate Huntelaar) can make their football lethal again. Top Player: Raul - The ideal player for any manager. Seven out of 10 in everything, now he has a spring in his step and as usual is willing to help the team. The problem is that he is getting a year older and they need to find him a substitute - on and off the pitch Top surprise: Ruben De la Red - Is going to stay unless there's a last-minute change of heart. He can play in different positions and Bernd Schuster needs to trust him. He can be a Diarra or a Guti, but needs to play regularly Top signing: Rafael Van der Vaart - After the injury to Schneijder, Real Madrid speeded up his signature. I have always found him inconsistent and much ado about nothing. He has added goals to his frustrating form at Hamburg, but let's see if he can make the jump. Probable finish: 3rd

REAL MALLORCA

What a difficult season for Mallorca. Players are leaving (Bassinas, Guiza, Navarro, Ibagaza, Jonas Gutierrez, Borja Valero) and not great names seem to be arriving. A new owner should be taking over soon (Paul Davidson) but Gregorio Manzano is unsettled as he sees this season as a year to avoid relegation. Top Player: Juan Arango - Their best player did not leave, but he should improve on a very irregular season. He has found his natural habitat near a striker Top surprise: Jose Manuel Jurado - It is a make-or-break season for him. He has always looked too light for La Liga but has enough quality for a special pass, to see a move. He was at some point at the same level as Cesc Fabregas, but that was some time ago. Top signing: Alhassane Keita - The striker comes from the Saudi Arabian league and I have been told he is quick and mobile, but never a regular goalscorer Probable finish: 18th

RECREATIVO HUELVA

Recre know how to suffer to keep their place in the top flight. Important players have left (Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Carlos Martins) but a couple of others have arrived that will add quality, specially Nayar. Top Player: Adrian Colunga - With the injury to Ersen Martin, he will have to continue performing at the level he showed with Las Palmas. He is mobile, will shoot from anywhere, the kind of striker defenders hate Top surprise: Javier Camuñas - His runs on the right-hand side were the bright spot in a difficult season for Recre. He scored three goals and provided four assists and he should double those figures this season. Top signing: Sebastian Nayar - A top-quality central midfield player, a Mascherano type that comes from Boca Juniors and those players tend to make an impact in Spain (lately, Gago or Benega have done it). Probable finish: 15th

SEVILLA

I agree with Andres Palop when he says it is the best Sevilla in recent history. On paper, even better of the side Juande Ramos had in his hands. Better defenders have arrived (Sebastien Squillaci, Abdoulay Konko,Fernando Navarro) and the midfielders are more solid (Ndri Romaric, Lautaro Acosta). They want a style less direct and with more pause, more passing. They have the players to overtake Madrid at the top. Top Player: Luis Fabiano - All the football of Sevilla will be solid. They will concede less, they are mentally ready to challenge again after the problems of last year. But they will not be able to do it without the goals of Fabiano. Top surprise: Lautaro Acosta - A young Argentinean striker, a new bet from Monchi, a genius with developing talent. He can play in different parts of the midfield and has always got an eye for goal. Loves to dribble and has quick feet. Top signing: Ndri Romaric - A very physical player that can use lots of space. He arrived overweight and when he recovers his form, should make the fans forget Keita. Probable finish: 2nd

SPORTING GIJON

Back into the First Division after 10 years in hell. It is a club that belongs in the top flight but their main weapons this season will be commonsense and humbleness. That is, they have no money. There is less need for money to succeed in Spain as there is in England, but it helps. They might not have enough to survive. Top Player: Kike Mateo - Is their star. Their best goalscorer and a leader on the pitch and off it, loved by fans. Elegant, skilful, better as a second striker than on the wings, but can play anywhere. Top surprise: Michel - A young player, a product of the lower ranks (where Villa and Luis Enrique came from). He playes central midfield, and defends and attacks with the same commitment Top signing: Francisco Maldonado - Was at Betis and Nastic before, can play in different positions in attack and has got dribbling skills and goals in him. Probable finish: 19th

VALENCIA

Despite all the problems at the top (the club changing hands, a new chairman in) Valencia have kept the same players as last season and they include European champions. David Silva stays and that is crucial and they can challenge for the top four again. That is if Villa doesn't end up going to Real Madrid. Top Player: David Villa - Real Madrid asked him to wait until next season to change clubs, but if Robinho leaves he will be a top priority for Madrid. Chelsea and Spurs wanted him, there were approaches from Manchester United, never from Liverpool, because he is the ultimate striker, one of the best. Top surprise: Ever Banega - If they let him stay, he can become the conductor of the orchestra this Valencia might become under coach Unai Emery. Top signing: Pablo Hernandez - Had a fantastic season at Getafe and now he is going to bring his brand of electric football to the Mestalla. Probable finish: 4th

REAL VALLADOLID

They can improve on next season despite the departures of Joseba Llorente, their main and almost only goalscorer, Sisi and Rafa Lopez. But they have signed well and they are keeping the same manager. A club with commonsense that plans to improve slowly, without rushing. Top Player: Fabian Canobbio - He is a player that can produce magic every now and again. He can score goals and that will be essential in a team that depended too much on Llorente. Top surprise. Jonathan Sesma - The perfect player for this team. They have been patient with him and they are getting the benefits of it now. It took him a while to improve but now he has goals, dribbling and more importantly confidence in his game. Top signing: Henok Goitom - He was going to be the main star at Murcia but he looked a bit out of place there. It was his first year in La Liga but now he knows the defenders are some of the best in Europe. He can be another John Carew. Probable finish: 13th

VILLARREAL

Very strange pre-season for them. They betrayed their style, and believed they could win matches not working hard. Diego Lopez said something similar after loosing 5-1 at home against Valladolid. A problem of believing their own hype? They will return to their best but they are involved in too many competitions for the squad they have. Top Player: Marcos Senna - He is the leader, who plays in a more advance position than with the national team. He is the one that makes the team tick, who decides when to go forward, when to slow things down. A jewel. Top surprise: Matias Fernandez - Time for him to perform. If he starts scoring, he will win the confidence to help him become one of the stars of La Liga. He has had a proper pre-season for the first time in four years, so no more excuses! Top signing:Joseba Llorente - Ariel Ibagaza has arrived too but Llorente, with 48 goals in the last four seasons, is the goalscorer Jon Dahl Tommasson or Guille Franco cannot be: you can always count on him. A typical striker, he will always have a chance or two, even in the bad games. Probable finish: 5th Got a question for Guillem? Then use the feedback form below or send it in HERE or mail to skysportsclub@bskyb.com, with Guillem Balague in the subject field... Also, check out Guillem's own website for more from Sky Sports' Spanish football expert at www.guillembalague.com...