Fantasy Football Management

Home

Site Information
FAQ
Special Thanks
Contact Us

PFM RESERVE LEAGUE PREPARES TO KICK OFF

Excitement builds as groups are announced

by Mike Jones for PFM News

The PFM board announced the groups which will participate in the PFM's first ever reserve league yesterday, after the draw took place at PFM House on Monday evening.

With four groups of 8 teams competing for a place in the end of season tournament, the reserve league is bound to throw up some classic matches as clubs battle for the end of season prize money.

The draw at PFM House has thrown up some intriguing matches as teams from different PFM divisions have been pitted against each other. Arguabily the most intriguing clash in group A will see season one division 1 champions face season one PFM cup winners, as Liverpool clash with Manchester City.

Although the two season 1 trophy winners will not have the monopoly on group A as they will have North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in their group, not to mention season one Division 4 runners up Birmingham City, who will fancy their chances against the big boys.

Middlesbrough, who also had a fine season during season one are expected to announce their new manager within the next few days, and with the right man at the helm they could also prove a threat.

Group B is equally as intriguing as season one Division 3 winners Bradford City are pitted against bitter Teeside rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland. Newcastle will be many peoples bet to win the group after narrowly missing out on the Division one title during season 1, especially with new manager Alex Walker at the helm. although Bradford City are a match for most teams on their day and Marcus Larsson will fancy his chances.

Wolves and Leicester may also throw a spanner in the works after both enjoying limited success during season 1. Barnsley manager Damien Rix will also relish facing his old club Derby County after being sacked during season one.

Pick of the bunch in Group C will see season one Division 2 and Super Cup winners Everton face Ani Palat's expensively assembled Manchester United side. After a dismal first season by United's standards, Ani Palat will be keen to have his side firing on all cylinders before the start of season 2, but with Mark Viduka in red hot form Aussie Jones will be keen to experiment with his midfielders in order to continue to supply the Australian with chances.

Arguabily the biggest threat away from these two will be newly promoted Aston Villa, who narrowly pipped Middlesbrough to promotion last season. Whilst Leeds United will expect big things from highly respected new manager James Boothby.

Many people will see Group D as the weakest of the four, as surprisingly there are no first division clubs present. Although this may also prove to be the toughest of the 4 groups to qualify from as no team really stands out above the rest.

Sheffield Wednesday may fancy there chances after winning promotion to the 2nd division last season, whilst Blackburn Rovers will be on a high after announcing much respected Pat McEvoy as their new manager last week.

It will also be interesting to see how PFM's newest team Burnley fair against stronger opposition. Whilst Charlton Athletic and Southampton will be keen to prepare well for season 2 after relatively poor first seasons.

Group D is certainly the group where anyone could win it.

With the reserve league due to kick off next weekend, many will have their ideas on who will emerge as favourites for the top two places in each group, but this is reserve team football and we may see a few shocks as managers try out new tactics, formations and personnel. What is certain is that we can expect some highly entertaining matches as many players bid to impress their managers before season 2 kicks off.

Here at PFM news we have compiled who we think will qualify from the Group stages at the end of the reserve season from last seasons form. Although we have also taken into account new signings and new managers.

Group A - Champions - Liverpool, Runners-Up - Manchester City (With Tottenham as our outside chance).

Group B - Champions - Newcastle United, Runners-Up - Bradford City (With Sunderland and Leicester City as possible outsiders).

Group C - Champions - Manchester United, Runners-Up - Everton (With Leeds United and Aston Villa as outsiders).

Group D - Champions - Sheffield Wednesday, Runners Up Blackburn Rovers (Although we think anyone can win this group).