Source: allezlesgones.blog-center.com

It's the winter break in all European leagues save for the loons in England who prefer to go on wearing players down on frozen pitches than go shopping on Europe's tres chic boulevards. So, who does the break find in top positions in the main European leagues?

	1st (points)	2nd (points)	3rd (points)	4th (points)
England	Chelsea (52)	Manchester United (41)	Liverpool (37)	Spurs (34)
Italy	Juventus (46)	Inter Milan (38)	AC Milan (37)	Fiorentina (36)
Germany	Bayern Munich (44)	Hamburg (38)	Werder Bremen (36)	Schalke 04 (31)
Spain	Barcelona (40)	Osasuna (38)	Valencia (32)	Villarreal (30)
France	Lyon (44)	Lens (32)	Bordeaux (32)	Auxerre (32)

Mostly the usual suspects, though in some leagues the margins are much closer, such as the French Ligue 1, where only goal difference separates the 2-4 positions. In England, Chelsea have stretched their lead, particularly with Manchester United failing to take the opportunity to put pressure on the leaders. Liverpool, with two games in hand, are on a torrid streak and could be the ones Mourinho's men are really looking over their shoulders at, particularly as Benitez largely has Chelsea's number in big games.

In the other leagues, Barcelona have failed to pull away from surprises Osasuna despite stellar play. Villarreal have shown last year's performance by the Yellow Submarine was no fluke. Notably missing is Real Madrid, who, along with Deportivo, sit one point below the top 4. In France, Lyon continue to dominate, presumably on auto-pilot under Gerard Houllier's reign. Italy is also a compilation of usual suspects, with Juventus staying far out in front.

This season's surprises so far?

• That it took other teams so long to get Chelsea's number.
  
• Liverpool's recent strength given a squad not much improved over last year.
• Osasuna's continued success.
• Villareal's success without Reina.
• Real Madrid's shocking collapse of morale.

Any potential game-changing transfers?

• Joaquin to Liverpool.
• Kuyt to Liverpool.
• Henry to Barcelona (won't happen during the season).
• Ballack to Manchester United.
• Kuyt to Spurs.
• Vidic to Manchester United.

Your comments? I am sure we have left something major out - it's late!