Monaco the clear leaders, who can chase them down?

Monaco don’t have as big a lead over the opposition than Arsenal or Barcelona do in D2/D1

CSKA are a point or so behind, although Monaco can argue that they are the only team in D3 without an obvious weakness, which mainly are in defence or goalkeeper throughout the division.

CSKA have a better keeper and midfield than Monaco , many would argue those are key are to stiffle possession and to shield the defence.

Man Utd and Newcastle are tied for 3rd spot but Man Utd lack any kind of depth and as I know to my cost 1 or 2 injuries will make them a different team for all the wrong reasons.  Lille are close behind them and despite a poor start , a slight weakness in defence is all that is holding them back.

It looks like you should aim for 219.6 for promotion so any team down to Lazio could push for an automatic place.  Udinese and Newcastle would seem to have good prospects in the cup competitions.

Last year there was solid agreement on the relegation teams, less than 218.2 and the trap door was already open. This year there are 5 teams in that zone.

Celta have a strong midfield but a weak keeper they will need to protect and little depth. Dynamo Kiev have a decent keeper but perhaps not enough elsewhere. Celtic have a decent attack but are going to ship a lot of goals.  Lokomotiv look in worse shape without a strong attacking option, with Shaktar pretty much in the same boat.

Division 3 is substantially weaker than last season by 0.8 of a point.  Have we really reached the point of Premiership , Championship and the rest ? Time will tell.