This season's favorites for glory

LONDON, England (CNN) -- We all like to make predictions and many of us like to believe that we are good at them. But let's face it, if we could really tell the future, then we wouldn't need a day job, would we?

Still, since we are at the beginning of 2008, I though I would look into my crystal ball and forecast the winners of the year's top football. And why not do this in chronological order?

African Cup of Nations -- Ivory Coast
Considering host nations have won the last two editions of the tournament, I could be tempted to go for Ghana, who will have the advantage of playing in front of their adoring fans.

However, although the Black Stars are one of the contenders with Michael Essien leading the way, I believe the Ivory Coast will come out on top. The Elephants made the final two years ago, losing to Egypt in Cairo in a penalty shoot-out, and that experience has made them stronger for the 2008 competition.

I could go on about Didier Drogba and how important he is to this team, but we all know that, so consider some of the other names that will be lining up next to him: Didier Zokora, Kolo Toure, Arouna Kone, Yaya Toure... These are all players who are playing in Europe's top leagues with top clubs.

My prediction is that Ivory Coast will beat Nigeria in the final. Ghana will be third.

Spanish League -- Real Madrid
Real Madrid have built a seven point lead over rivals Barcelona at the top of the standings, and I see them having enough quality to hang onto first place until the end of the season.

On paper, Barcelona actually have more talent in their squad, but Ronaldinho's inconsistent form, coupled with the constant injury problems of Leo Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o, mean the Catalans will have to be happy with second place again.

I expect them to make a good run at the title, but they will come up short when all is said and done. Ruud Van Nistelrooy's goals and Iker Casilla's saves will tilt the scales in Real's favor.

English League -- Manchester United
At the beginning of the season, I really thought this could be Liverpool's year. Considering the quality signings made by Rafa Benitez, I seriously considered the Reds would make their strongest title challenge since the Premier League started in 1992.

Well, I don't need to tell you that I was wrong.

It is Manchester United's title to lose. Arsenal could stay close until the final weeks of the season, but the Red Devils just have too many weapons in their "arsenal." Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player on the planet, and Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez complete a deadly three-pronged attack that Premier League teams will not be able to stop this season.

Italian League - Roma
Let's make it interesting. I could choose Inter Milan, since the Nerazzuri have been dominating the Italian scene for over two years. But that would be boring.

I believe Roma will storm to the championship, overtaking their northern rivals in the final matches of the season. Luciano Spalletti's side has more hunger, and since I believe Inter will prioritize the Champions League, the Reds will prevail in the Serie A.

Inspired by Francesco Totti, Mancini and Daniele De Rossi, they will win the title for the first time since 2001.

Champions League -- Manchester United
This is the one Sir Alex Ferguson really wants. Sure, he would like to win the Premier League, but the European Cup has escaped him since that magical 1999 season.

Last season they came close, losing to eventual champions AC Milan in the semifinals; this time they will make it to Moscow and beat Inter in the final. You heard it here first.

Euro 2008
My heart is with Portugal, my head is with Germany.

The Euro 2004 runners-up will be making a strong challenge, but they lack the leadership to win the title. Cristiano Ronaldo is still too young to be the talisman Portugal needs him to be. If only Luis Figo would make another comeback. So I think the Iberians will make the final, and lose to Germany.

The tournament is practically at home for Jorg Lowe's side and they have the perfect mix of experience and youth in the squad which normally is the X-factor.

Miroslav Klose is one of the deadliest strikers in Europe, Michael Ballack is still a magical maestro, and their defense will be hard to break down. Germany it is.

So there you have it. Those are my bets for the coming year. Let's see how many I get right in seven months' time. E-mail to a friend