Ten sporting predictions for 2012 (From The Northern Echo)

Ten sporting predictions for 2012

9:01am Friday 30th December 2011 in Scott Wilson By Scott Wilson

OUT with the old, in with the new. A fresh sporting year begins on Sunday, with a mouthwatering array of action lined up for the next 12 months. Here are the column's ten predictions for 2012.

1. Man City to win the Premier League and Barcelona to win the Champions League (7-2 double)

There are all kinds of theories when it comes to predicting the outcome of sporting events, but one simple maxim invariably rings true. Normally, the best team wins, and that's why Manchester City and Barcelona should be both be celebrating come May.

City have proved themselves the best side in England over the first half of the season, and while Manchester United have displayed commendable tenacity to remain in touch at the top of the table, there is no reason why Roberto Mancini's side should fade in the second half of the campaign.

Similarly, while Real Madrid have mounted a ferocious pursuit of Barcelona, the reigning European champions undoubtedly have what it takes to retain their Champions League crown.

2. England to fail to get out of their group at Euro 2012 (9-4)

I know what you're going to say – this is not very patriotic. Okay, it isn't, but then I don't see what's patriotic about raising unrealistic hopes, only to have them dashed spectacularly come June.

This is not a good England side even when Wayne Rooney is playing – take him out, as Fabio Capello will have to for the opening two group games in Ukraine, and it's hard to see how they are going to win matches.

On paper, the draw looks reasonably kind. But France beat England last time out, Sweden have a superb record against us in major tournaments and Ukraine will be roared on by a fervent home support. Sadly, an early exit beckons.

3. David Beckham to captain the Great Britain football team (Evens)

It's been one of the worst-kept secrets for a while now, but both the FA and BOA would love to have David Beckham spearheading Team GB in next year's Olympics in order to ensure the football tournament is not a damp squib.

Stuart Pearce insists form will be his primary concern when he selects his three over-aged players, but provided Beckham's fitness holds, he looks certain to be wearing the captain's armband as Team GB kick tackle their opening group game.

4. Great Britain to win more medals in London than they claimed in Beijing (5-4)

A tough task given the success achieved across a range of sports in Beijing four years ago, but an achievable one given the advantage of performing in front of a home crowd and the strength of British performances in some of the key Olympic sports in the last couple of seasons.

Rowing and cycling, traditionally two of Britain's strongest suits, will once again form the bedrock of Team GB's medal haul, but also expect particularly strong showings in boxing, canoeing and martial arts.

5. Yohan Blake to beat Usain Bolt and claim the Olympic 100m crown (5-2)

In the eyes of many, Yohan Blake stole the World Championship title this year after Usain Bolt false started in Daegu, but over the course of the season, it is hard to deny the less celebrated of the two Jamaican sprinters was the more consistent performer.

All eyes will be on Bolt in London, and while the reigning Olympic champion is hardly someone who shuns the limelight, his attempt to win four gold medals will turn up the pressure as never before. He looks most vulnerable in the 100m, and Blake is more than good enough to take advantage.

6. England's cricket team to top the Test rankings throughout 2012 (7-4)

Having got themselves to the head of the world rankings this year, the challenge facing England's cricketers in 2012 is to remain at the top of the pile.

Australia, India and South Africa are all close enough to overhaul Andrew Strauss' side, but a reasonably friendly fixture list should prevent them doing so. England start the year with winnable series against Pakistan (in the United Arab Emirates) and Sri Lanka, and should not be troubled when they entertain West Indies and South Africa in the summer.

7. Wales to win the Six Nations title (3-1)

The recent Rugby World Cup proved there is not a lot to choose between the northern hemisphere sides, but having impressed before losing to France in the semi-finals, an emerging Wales look capable of maintaining their progress when Six Nations rivalries resume in the spring.

France's run to the World Cup final hid a multitude of sins, while England must rebuild from scratch under new coach Stuart Lancaster. Ireland and Scotland had their limitations exposed in New Zealand, so the Six Nations is surely Wales' for the taking.

8. Luke Donald to win one of golf's Majors (11-2)

You don't get to be number one on both sides of the Atlantic unless you're a truly top-class player, and while Luke Donald is still to seriously compete in the closing stages of a Major, this will surely be the year when his drought ends.

The US Masters could provide his best chance of a maiden title – despite a relatively poor record at Augusta – but the strength of Donald's all-round game means he should be challenging at the top of the leaderboard in all four of this year's Majors. If he is, the law of probability suggests he'll win at least one of them.

9. Andy Murray not to win a Grand Slam (6-4)

If only the same could be said of Andy Murray. 'The best player not to win a Grand Slam' will be hoping to throw off that tag in 2012, but despite making the semi-finals of all four Majors in 2011, the Scot has shown nothing in the last 12 months to suggest he possesses the mental strength required to break his duck.

With Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal likely to be as strong as ever, Murray will have to improve considerably to win a big one in 2012. And you can include the Olympic tennis title in that as well.

10. Hurricane Fly and Big Buck's to retain their hurdling crowns at Cheltenham (9-2 double)

The main horse-racing story of 2012 will be the battle between Kauto Star and Long Run for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. It will be an occasion to savour, but the race looks too close to call.

From a punting perspective, two other champions stand out. Despite recent injury concerns, Hurricane Fly looks head and shoulders above his rivals in the Champion Hurdle, while the incredible Big Buck's surely only has to get to the start line in one piece to retain his World Hurdle crown.

* The odds for the ten-event accumulator are 226,450-1