The League Of Death

by Paul Price, Chief Football Reporter, SPFA

So, onto another new season, season 9, and the premier competition in the Lineker game world just seems to get harder and tighter as the seasons go on. You only have to look at the members to see how much quality there is in the league. Four of the five top teams in the world and only four teams out of the top 100.

It's hard to predict winners and losers but for the title you can't really look beyond Emerson Park fc, The Tangerine Candyfloss, Atletico Beer Barrel and Tensixty. All four teams will be right up there challenging for the title but the current favourites have to be champions Emerson Park. With possibly the best strike partnership around in Pato and Noorlander, they have the ability of terrorising any defence. Unlike Emerson Park, The Candyfloss have strengthened their side with three new signings, including fullback Jerome Boateng - a £1.2m signing from Fulham fc. Tensixty have so far decided against any real changes - although the season is still a couple of days away - with the philosophy of "if it aint broke, don't fix it." Talk of "Atletico Agers" has been laughed of by manager Dan Taylor. The squad still posses speed throughout and as long as Jovetic is supplied the ball, he will supply the net. Add to that the new signing of Ismail Aissati for £1.5m and you've got one excellent attacking force.

Moving to the other end of the league, it is again hard to predict. Some say Paul Price doesn't have the tactical know-how to keep his Groove Machine in the top division and it looks like it will be a long hard season for them, even after the £1.6m signing of goalscorer Jozy Altidore. The tactical assistant all clubs receive once the season starts cannot come quick enough. Other favourites for the drop are The Wheatsheaf fc and newly promoted Anfield Rovers who have the youngest manager in the league at just 13. Jac will be hoping his two new signings N'Gossan and Dialiba will produce the goods to keep them above the bottom six.

Another side worth noting is FC Ballaghkeen. Manager Michael O’Connor has recruited no fewer than five new players, spending just over £2m in the hope of breaking into that top 7. Looking around it is difficult to find any major changes in personnel, with many deciding to stick with what they already have. Mark Benson deserves a note though with his £1.4m signing of goalkeeper Rene Adler. With an already quality and well disciplined side, they could well emerge as dark horses in the title race.

It's going to be hard to better last season's last day heroics at both ends of the table, but it will be an exciting year where every lost point could cost a team dearly.

Let battle commence!