Football: ...And here are the headlines for 1999

The year ahead: Chelsea for the title; England to win the World Cup? Independent writers play the prediction game

HAVING BEEN the final champions of the 19th century, and the first of this, Aston Villa hope to achieve a remarkable treble in May with the closing title of the millennium. Resilient with a touch of flair and overwhelmingly English, the modern Villa would be worthy winners, but they face far more exotic competition than their illustrious predecessors.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea (known in 1900 as Newton Heath, Woolwich Arsenal or, in Chelsea's case, yet to be formed) are the main challengers, with Chelsea, in particular, having just a smattering of Englishmen. But they have already disproved the old xenophobic cliches about foreign players fading in winter and causing disruption in the dressing- room and, with Manchester United distracted by Europe - probably in vain again - and Arsenal short of goals, this could be Chelsea's year.

Much may depend on how quickly, and how well, Gustavo Poyet, a prospective footballer of the year, recovers from injury but Chelsea have already shown they have strength in depth. Lazio, however, may deny them a European Cup-Winners' Cup double.

The usual contenders will be in the frame for the FA Cup, with Liverpool and Tottenham joining the aforementioned quartet. Middlesbrough, West Ham and Leeds are prospective dark horses. Spurs, blending the cup-fighting traditions of both club and manager, may emerge the winners.

In the Worthington Cup, it would be nice to see Joe Kinnear finally earn reward for his efforts at Wimbledon. Spurs bar the way in the semi-final, Sunderland or Leicester in the final.

Sunderland would be amply compensated with the First Division championship, Birmingham should go up with them while an East Anglian derby would make a fitting play-off final.

The promoted trio's task is likely to be underlined by the rapid return of Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic, with Coventry or Southampton going down with them. North of the border, Rangers should hold off Kilmarnock's brave challenge.