A new season at Creag Dhubh for the Lochies has started with the signing of a new defender Mariusz Matyla for 9 million econs who slots into an already solid defense. The teams have now been announced for the season and seem to fall into 2 separate groups in the division -
Teams fighting against relegation:
GG Hate Crew are an average young squad who have bounced around divisions 5 and 6 for the last 10 years, could surprise but should also survive. Eintracht Krankfurt won ML in the last 10 years but have now plummeted down through the divisions, Krankfurt could be very good in a few seasons but this is probably too soon for a promotion push. RJ Cillindri have the classic setup of a youth squad laced with a couple of experienced players but the lack of any midfield will be a huge problem as they will not supply enough chances for star striker Gedos to convert. VFB Marburg 1905 our old rivals have the same setup as Cillindri and with the same problems of lack of depth behind a few experienced players including the leagues best defender Puma who will need to be on his game all season for VFB to challenge
Teams fighting for promotion:
DASP FC have a very solid squad with the best midfield in the division and excellent defensive and attacking units, DASP will be considered favorites all season. Onningeby City have the best striker in the league spearheading a good squad who are a bit light if there's injuries or suspensions, still good enough to compete. Kingpin FC another solid squad who will be in the mix all season, have spent most of the last decade in higher divisions. Espanca is a very good keeper but he may need the decent midfield to cover the gaps at the back and upfront.
North Lochs FC have bounced between D4 and D5 for the last 17 seasons but this may be the best squad in that time to play for the Red and Black. Gk Moretti is now playing behind possibly the best defensive unit in the division and with an average age of 26, they will be the heart of the Lochies for the next 4-5 seasons. The midfield is a strong experienced unit who will not be outfought by any other midfield and with Mendes and Hewitt upfront, this may be the season that the Creag Dhubh side climb back into D4.
After 1 game NL destroyed Krankfurt 4-0 in a dominating team effort, DASP lived up to pre-season billing by cuffing Onningeby 5-0, Kingpin survived a scare drawing 1-1 at RJ Cilindri but the shock on opening day was VF Marburg defeated the Hate Crew 4-1 easily, maybe Teilekind will surprise us all yet. Next up for the Lochies is the presumably easy home 2nd leg of the cup against Div 6 The Fortune Breakers where NL are already up 5-1 and then on Friday is the visit of RJ Cilindri in the league.