I think Foster is generally pretty smart but his know it all attitude and complete disregard for the English game is cringe worthy. I agree with his thoughts that Australia should steer away from the English models for developing players and look at the Spanish or the Dutch but he seems to talk about it like it is Ben Buckley and Frank Lowy's fault even though this is a process that would take decades to see any result from.
As for my predictions;
England - Chelsea: I hate them but Man U weakened on paper and Chelsea will hang around all year, Liverpool also weakened. Would love to see Arsenal do it but I can't see them stringing together the consistency required.
Spain - Barcelona: They need to sign one more central midfielder because the loss of Yaya and Keita for the African Nations coupled with the World Club Cup will be too much weight on Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta's shoulders to carry them through those middle few months.
Italy - Juventus: I like the way they signed and I think they realistically have the team to kill Inter who have no creative players now that Ibra is gone.
France - Bordeaux: 1 Reason, Gourcuff the guy is an absolute gun of a player and Ancelotti was a complete retard to let him stay on after his loan spell, Leonardo will be ruing this decision all season.
Germany - Wolfsburg: They could do it again and with Martins coming in to add to Dzeko and Grafite I think they have the fire power to beat Bayern who will improve under Van Gaal, I do see Ribery having a poor year because I imagine he is unhappy at still being in Germany.
Holland - PSV: They beat Ajax the other day so that will do, plus I don't see AZ doing it again without Van Gaal.
Scotland - Celtic: On paper I think they have a better side and I still don't understand how they lost to Rangers last year.
Australia - Gold Coast: If Smeltz, Culina, Minniecon stay fit they will win their side is very good just not sure about depth. The Roar are a chance but need to get the balance between attack and defense right.