TM Ireland - Trophymanager Ireland

So here we are in season 22 and 4 Irish teams are getting set for another season of taking on Europe's best. This time it's LOI champions Athletico Teabag and Pirate Ninja Dinosaurs United who will enter the Champions Cup while our UETA Cup representatives are cup champions Askeaton and Le sharks.

 

A Ball Goes in to a Net Somewhere

Irish teams haven't always done too well in the tough environment that is European football. Last season though was a respectable showing by our guys. Le sharks defeated defending champions slehms on their way to the last 16, while Askeaton also made the knockout stage having beaten the 2 eventual finalists in their group.

After that fine performance, a lot will be expected of them this season. But what chances do they have? Here is an analysis of all 4 teams...

 

Athletico Teabag

The LOI champions start with a home game on Tuesday against Greek side FC PROHOMA. Has a tricky group that also includes Bulgarians, Bushon and Parsalona of Scotland. Would give them a decent chance of going through.The Scots look to be a decent, experienced team, but still the weakest of the 4. They won't be far behind but the other 3 seem to have more quality. Those 3 are very close in terms of quality in their squads and should have a very tight, hard-fought battle for the 2 spots. Would tip the Greeks and Teabag for 1st and 2nd though.

Kalin

Key Player: Drago Kalin is a top class striker who is well able to score. Always a valuable asset to the Teabag cause.

 

Pirate Ninja Dinosaurs United

Will be in Poland on Tuesday for an opening game against SFC Wejherowo. Has a very difficult group which contains Season 16 runners-up Fc Klodian of Sloakia and Russian champions J.F. PND has, of course, an excellent squad, but these teams are all full of world class players and PND will find it very tough against these guys. Klodian has to be favourite and I think JF will come in 2nd. PND though has every chance and I hope he proves me wrong!

Key Player: Wayne "Aramis" Tully. Another superb striker who also has great experience. Like Kalin, he will score goals and also his massive routine could prove vital.

 

Askeaton

Their campaign begins Tuesday week in Bosnia where they have a clash with Gazija. Askeaton has got a relatively kind draw and I would expect them to progress. Their main rivals are probably SK Tirana of Albania who have a similar squad to Askeaton and should push them close. The other 2 teams are twister of Turkey and Macedonian side macedonia88, both of whom I think Askeaton will beat. My prediction is that Askeaton will finish first ahead of Tirana.

Key Player: Andy glynn of course!! :)

 

Le Sharks

pancu

LES welcomes Norwegians, sk Granvin to Galtymore for the opening game on Tuesday night. They've been given a good draw and will be clear favourites to top the group. That opening game should be the most difficult one on paper and a good result would put LES in pole position. The other 3 teams are Team Joker of Austria,F.C. Shadwell Town from the North and the Andorrans, Sporting la Vella. In theory, Le sharks should be able to get through but it won't be that easy in reality. Would certainly back him for top spot though with Granvin and Joker battling for 2nd.

Key Player: Star MC Ioan Pancu is an unstoppable force in the middle of the park and should guide the Sharks into the knockout stages.