Division One Preview

[Nocky]

Manchester City

Last Season: 6th
Key Signings: Tijjani Reijnders, Joao Felix
Star Men: Gabriel Grando, Pedro Porro, Reijnders, Felix

Comments:
City performed very well last season finishing in the top half but, being nine points off fifth place they were very much "the best of the rest". A squad with stars in each position they have the best GK in the game with Gabriel Grando and Porro, Rejnders and Felix are top performers in their positions within the rankings. The concern over the side is their depth with those players backed up by far lower rated players. They will have to start a 21r in defence if playing a back four and their reserve FW is a 21r which may limit the formations they can play at times. The midfield is the strongest area and the addition of Coutinho helps that and they will probably have to use them a lot to dominate the middle of the park. We could even see them playing 3-5-2 or some sort of similar tactic regularly. It is this depth that could potentially stop them from breaking that top five but they should be safely in mid table once again

In the dugout: Todd Fortune
Todd has been around for a long time but can dip in and out of ESMS - losing focus on occasion. He has proved many times that he is capable of challenging with the very best and, as long as he keeps focused, this Man City side are more than capable of springing a few surprises and getting into those top spots. Todd has built a quad of superstars and is resolute in hanging onto them - I can only wonder what he has turned down for Alexis MacAllister over the seasons. You have to admire his resolve in those transfer negotiations and again, on his day, an opponent that nobody will want to come up against.

Prediction: 7th

Another one that I am seeing do similar to last year, if they can get that first team out they may get higher but a few injuries and supensions will rally cost them. I still see them doing ok and am only seeing them drop down a place with Will in charge at Brighton - if he goes i'd have them in the same spot as last year. The squad are in good shape but breaking - and staying - into that top five is starting look a daunting task for any manager and I don't think Man City are there just yet

[Nocky]

West Ham United

Last Season: 1st (Division 2)
Key Signings: Maxim De Cuyper, Mohammed Kudus
Star Men: Maxim De Cuyper, Leny Yoro, Enzo Robsie, Mohammed Kudus, Joshua Zirkzee

Comments:
The champions of the second tier last season are back in the big time to test themselves once again. Continuing to run a massive squad they have made two key additions this off season with de Cuyper strengthening the backline and Kudus brought in to add goals. The strike force the latter will form with Zirkzee could be a key factor if they are to stay up this year. This is another squad where the starting XI is more than a match for anybody but the depth behind that will be of a concern with 21rs starting in midfield and backing up in other areas. The Hammers were the top scorers in div 2 last year and are clearly set to continue their attacking philosophies with the loaded attack and even all their best midfielders are attack minded. It worked in the second tier so why not in div 1 and there is certainly a case for it although they will be coming up against better defences this time around. It'll be an interesting season as there is plenty in there to get teams guessing but also not much more to suggest anything other than a bottom half finish

In the dugout: Mike Mcleod
Macca has been around ESMS for a long time and knows the game very well. He has been more active in doing transfers for his sides in this pre-season which has been great to see and he's taken charge as caretaker of Fulham as well. Another manager who tends to do ok with a weaker squad and has over achieved on numerous occasions. But there is always a limit to that and it will be interesting to see if he can thrive and survive in the highly competitive division he finds his team in this season.

Prediction: 9th

I'm going to suggest that he can - just - as I am predicting the Hammers to be the ones to beat the drop this year. I think the front two are absolutely key and, if they stay fit and available it'll be enough to get them over the line. I can't see them doing anything else other than a relegation scrap this season but, for a promoted side, one above the bottom three is always a successful season and I think there are enough goals in this team to make that spot their own

[Nocky]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Last Season: 2nd (Division 2)
Key Signings: Max Weiss, Mathys Tel
Star Men: Mathys Tel

Comments:
Promoted from the Championship as runners up but then it has been all change for Wolves with caretaker manager Alex Nock departing to be replaced by new to FMFA Ian McNamara. The squad still has the feel of a Nocky based side with plenty of depth and secondaries at maybe the expense of some main stats but the new manager has put his mark on it with some higher raters coming in with Dan Ballard, Granit Xhaka and Roberts all brought in through a deal with Nock when he was looking after Sunderland. This all means they have more depth compared to other sides although absolutely key to survival will be players such as Weiss, Ribeiro and Tierney rating up quickly. By bringing in Tel through the auction they have a striker capable of scoring the goals to keep them competitive and he will be well backed up by new captain Simeone. Like all promoted sides staying up will be a challenge but Wolves are in far better shape to do so than the last time they were at this level.

In the dugout: Ian McNamara
New to FMFA but experienced in ESMS Ian is a man who likes to build a squad around top youngsters and bring them through so the fantastic Wolves U23 side will be a key driver in him taking this role. He's also very active and so will be able to take advantage of all shop items available to maximise those youth products. I think he recognises the challenge he has to keep this Wolves side up but he will approach it with 100% commitment and, if the worst does happen, i'm sure he'll still be there to help them bounce straight back

Prediction: 10th

Sadly for my former team I think it will be them that takes the final relegation spot. When the season progresses and injury and suspensions start to kick in their depth will help them but the starting lineup isn't as strong as some others, I think they will give it a really good go and cause some upsets but ultimately I see them coming up just short

[Nocky]

So we're done. In summary - the predicted final table:

1. Bournemouth
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2. Liverpool
3. Aston Villa
4. Arsenal
5. Everton
6. Brighton and Hove Albion
7. Manchester City
8. Derby County
9. West Ham United
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10. Wolverhampton Wanderers
11. Brentford
12. Leeds United

That's my thoughts but it's all basically guesswork at this stage. I'm sure some managers and their teams will prove me wrong in either a good way or a bad way. But it should be fun finding out - bring on the season.

[Ian McNamara]

Thanks Alex, fab read mate, hopefully I can prove you wrong, as you say someone has to be religated, just hope it's not us lol.