The season has become exciting once again after the partly beautiful and partly ugly Carling Cup final. By winning the competition, Jose Mourinho has increased the pressure on his fellow managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

There is one thing that defines Chelsea - and that is mental strength and spirit. They showed it again after going a goal down early in the first half, Didier Drogba, John Terry and Petr Cech demonstrating the spirit in the club. Even the most die-hard Arsenal fan would agree that their kids blew it.

It is time Wenger won a few trophies for Arsenal, otherwise there will be pressure on his youngsters to perform. He should also stop the habit of moaning after a drab draw or a loss on the basis that Arsenal have played superior football. The target should be to win games playing good football - but if others are not allowing you to play football, then adapt to the needs and start winning ugly.

The next few days will determine Arsenal's season. The worst set of results could be losing to Blackburn and PSV, and knowing their mental frailty, also losing out on the Champions League spot at the end of the season (which looks frighteningly possible). My prediction is a barren cupboard for Arsenal this season.

The Carling Cup win also reignites Chelsea's dream of a quadruple. As long as Cristiano Ronaldo is at his best, Jose Mourinho's men have a very slim chance of retaining their Premiership title. The Champions League and FA Cup may go their way - the only teams that can threaten them in Europe are Liverpool, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona.

Liverpool, after their Cup defeats at the hands of Arsenal, have come good, not least because of the decongestion of fixtures. They are in pole position to reach the quarters by defeating Barcelona. In Rafael Benitez , they also have a wily tactician who can outwit Mourinho. The Anfield team are also more suited to the continental type of football that pays dividends in the Champions League. They have a good chance of being European champions again this season.

Manchester United look dangerous in the Premiership but are a shadow of their usual selves in Europe, and that may have to do with their flowing brand of football. They may also miss the guile of Henrik Larsson in the latter stages of the season. Wayne Rooney's form will be really valuable if they are to preserve their lead over Chelsea. In the FA Cup they look a bit vulnerable and may lose out. So my prediction for them is the Premiership.

Who will win what? Send your predictions to Sportingo.