The 2022-23 European soccer season will soon begin, with teams still fine-tuning their squads during an exciting transfer window. From the two-horse race in the Premier League, a new attacking rivalry in El Clasico to the French champions, Paris Saint-Germain, looking for European glory, our insiders share their picks and predictions across Europe's Big Five leagues.
Which player will win the Golden Boot? Which team will be crowned champions of Europe? Who will rack up the most yellow cards?
ESPN FC writers Rob Dawson, Gab Marcotti, Constantin Eckner, Julien Laurens and Alex Kirkland make their forecasts.
Top four
Barcelona's summer transfer window has been ominously successful, strengthening the team in every key area. Xavi's first season as coach was promising, and now he has the tools at his disposal to take Barca back to the top. Real Madrid won't be far away, but a repeat of last year's near-perfect season feels unrealistic. Atletico Madrid should be more consistent this time around — especially if Antoine Griezmann finds his form — and Villarreal have enough quality to take fourth, without the distraction of Champions League football this time.
1st place: Barcelona 2nd place: Real Madrid 3rd place: Atletico Madrid 4th place: Villarreal
Top scorer
Robert Lewandowski. At last, some serious competition for Karim Benzema! Real Madrid's captain top scored in LaLiga last year with 27 goals, nine more than closest rival Iago Aspas, but that's a league tally Lewandowski has topped in six of his last seven seasons at Bayern Munich. Benzema won't give up his crown without a fight, and their rivalry will be a lot of fun to watch: not quite vintage Messi vs. Ronaldo level, but not far off.
Relegation
Cadiz, Real Valladolid,
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