The Astograthian Football League: Season 644 Preview
Astograthian football returns for its eleventh season, and things have never looked this exciting! Star signings, clever lineups and shock results await, so let's take a look at what the off-season produced...
Transfers
- Alotz Aiza from Draga Portamonense (Ocelot) to Ibarbe Polo Club
- Berasko Arechaga from Saint Urbain (Cotdelapoms) to Athletic Club Rumiatzi
- Hurko Atristain from Urbizania Wanderers to Red Star Severny (Polar Islandstates)
- Soin Azarola from Freedom FC to Veyracova (Cascratia)
- Danek Badjkev (Mytannion) from Sporting Iturributa to Urbizania Wanderers
- Munio Baranzano from Eastern Chase (Civil Citizenry) to Athletic Club Rumiatzi
- Zuzen Barta from Iturributa United to Northbrook Diamonds FK (Polar Islandstates)
- Meabe Bastida from Millikan (Churchma) to Garitzeta Racing Club
- Norman Carter (Civil Citizenry) from FC Sandside (CVC) to Iturributa United
- Eneko Dicharry from Worcester Hearts (Cotdelapoms) to Sporting Iturributa
- Remir Elgezabal from Vila Reial (Ocelot) to Royal Arexa
- Aberri Elizalde from Charlevoix (Cotdelapoms) to Blue Mountain Range
- Ellis Elmsvikur (Polar Islandstates) from Urbizania Wanderers to Iturributa United
- Uzuri Euleche from Saint Urbain (Cotdelapoms) Ituraitz Victory
- Sergei Frank (Polar Islandstates), at Ituraitz Victory, retired from football
- Formerio Iturralde from Iturributa United to Casuals Osteria (Krytenia)
- Odon Karrikart from Indica United (Southern Cynocephali) to Urbizania Wanderers
- Patrik Lindegaard (Polar Islandstates), at Iturributa Racing Club, retired from football
- Artizar Medrano from Cap Nordique (Cotdelapoms) to Iturributa Racing Club
- Lukar Mendikoa from Ituraitz FC to Emberton Reds (Krytenia)
- Salum Merec (Mytannion) from Iturributa United to Echegoyan FC
- Churio Muniya from Astria Yaburi (Erathore) to Astograth University
- Dima Petersen (Polar Islandstates) from Sporting Iturributa to Ituraitz FC
- Tilford Quirin (Civil Citizenry) signed by South Factory
- Gerard Royce (Civil Citizenry) from Dominion (Cotdelapoms) to Iturributa United
- Wolfgang Sandberg (Polar Islandstates) from Worcester Hearts (Cotdelapoms) to Urbizania Wanderers
- Ixaka Segura from Sporting Iturributa to Gurchar Mariners (Stachland)
- Timo Skye (Polar Islandstates) from Metropolis Alligators (Valladares) to Royal Rumiatzi
- Iosif Tarapkin (Chetkosk) from Cap Nordique (Cotdelapoms) to Echegoyan FC
- Kolya Tchailharovic (Kagdazka and Pazhujebu) from Royal Rumiatzi to Echegoyan FC
- Benat Uranga from Iturributa United to Raktaghav Hathi (Kagdazka and Pazhujebu)
- Cherran Zarranz from Sporting Iturributa to Pradera FC (Valladares)
A massive amount of players moved in, out and around the Astograthian league this off-season. To wit: eight men arrived from the defuncy Série A of Cotdelapoms, Formerio Iturralde and Lukar Mendikoa left to become the first Astograthians in the competitive Krytenian O-League, and Echegoyan FC revamped itself with a number of renowned players on the back of their remarkable Globe Cup run. Furthermore, it was Royal Rumiatzi who shocked everyone by signing none other than Timo Skye, far and away the Polarian national team's top scorer.
First Division
Royal Rumiatzi
Hometown: Rumiatzi
Ground: Knights' Stadium (70,000)
Colours: White shirt, dark blue shorts and socks
Honours: 4 Leagues, 1 Royal Cup
Manager: Garoa Larzondo
Lineup: Cheru Larretape (C); Urtzi Galard, Vladimir Beschastyn, Dion Jantot, Váradi Szemere; Kauldi Ayatsbehers, Ion Arreta, Bartosz Slusarski, Wilson Prieto; Vladimir Konovalov; Timo Skye
Shirt Sponsor: Torstebank (Blockhead bank)
Season 643: Champions
Notes: Expectations are high in the Rumiatzi camp, and why shouldn't they be? With a winning team rid of dead-weight forwards and midfielders, and world-class striker Timo Skye coming in, they have every reason to expect much this season.
Prediction: 1st
Iturributa United
Hometown: Iturributa
Ground: Old City Stadium (72,000)
Colours: White shirt with diagonal red stripe, red shorts, white socks
Honours: 2 Leagues, 2 Royal Cups, 2 Ides of March Cups
Manager: Mayorga Achaga
Lineup: Hérion Galonloth; Gerard Royce, Ongile Lezertua, Tartalo Maruri, Luk Merbilha; Norman Carter, Petter Bielsen (C), Lorenzo Gianluigi, Otz Lasuen; Itzaina Erreka, Ellis Elmsvikur
Shirt Sponsor: MariCorp (Erathi recreational drugs)
Season 643: 2nd
Notes: Letting the lead slip on the final matchday was a huge kick in the teeth for Iturributa United, and morale was at an all-time low. They've picked themselves up with a hopeful performance in the Globe Cup, and although they've let some crucial players go in Formerio Iturralde, Benat Uranga and Salum Merec, they've brought in Polarian starlet Ellis Elmsvikur, Echegoyan FC's star right-back Luk Merbilha and Citiz duo Gerard Royce and Norman Carter. Whether the team will meld is yet to be seen, though, and with Petter Bielsen slowed down by age it's difficult to see where the team is going. A more attacking, offensive style is what's expected, but the road to the title is long and arid.
Prediction: 2nd
Echegoyan FC
Hometown: Echegoyan
Ground: Ximun Orieta Sporting Ground (34,000)
Colours: White and green striped shirt, green shorts and socks
Honours: None
Manager: Gunutz Yaregi
Lineup: Echepare Larrea; Soter Borunda, Hori Zufiria (C), Abdoulaye Bocandé, Oihan Sarria; Ilixo Akutain, Iosif Tarapkin, Iban Bachiondo, Anixi Eturaspe; Salum Merec, Kolya Tchailharovic
Season 643: 3rd
Notes: Echegoyan have reinforced themselves remarkably, attracting international stars in Chetkosk's Iosif Tarapkin, Kagdazka and Pazhujebu's Kolya Tchailharovic and Mytannion's Salum Merec, along with domestic talents renowned domestic talents Ilixo Akutain and Oihan Sarria. It's a total revamp to form what is now a truly respectable side that can challenge for the top. It may be too premature to speak of a Big 5, but in light of their recent campaigns who knows what Echegoyan can do?
Prediction: 3rd
Ituraitz FC
Hometown: Ituraitz
Ground: Ituraitz Sporting Ground (63,000)
Colours: All red kit
Honours: 3 Leagues, 3 Royal Cups, 1 Ides of March Cup
Manager: Domeka Iriarte
Lineup: Astigar Barrueta; Atseden Echebarne, Milian Erburu (C), Maore Barturen, Dima Petersen; Soter Larreaga, Lester Sutton, Ikatz Alberro, Tartalo Achaga; Tomas Aer, Ikatz Ansotegi
Shirt Sponsor: ChocoMilk (Citiz dairy products)
Season 643: 4th
Notes: Having reached the final of the regional Copa de los Príncipes in astounding fashion, Ituraitz have left go of some big names, including their two central midfielders and national team right winger Lukar Mendikoa, and their replacements are more than a bit of a gamble. The untested Dima Petersen is expected to cover up for Kenny Lazr, while twenty year-olds Ikatz Alberro and Tartalo Achaga are tasked with keeping control of the midfield. Soter Larreaga, with a handful of caps under his belt, could prove an excellent signing as well, though he hasn't been at his best for a couple of years now.
Prediction: 5th
Sporting Iturributa
Hometown: Iturributa
Ground: Old City Stadium (72,000)
Colours: Dark red kit with gold chevron, dark red shorts and socks
Honours: 1 League, 2 Royal Cups
Manager: Egoi Azarola
Lineup: Irungarai Aztore; Andolin Ankia, Ixona Ertze, Sotil Burruchaga, Eneko Dorregaray; Artur Rochemback, Garin Alea, Eneko Dicharry, Lartaun Zomoza (C); Victor Brexio, Iker Malik
Season 643: 5th
Notes: Staying true to their tradition of continuity and youth academy players, Sporting Iturributa have made only one signing this time around, bringing former Iturributa United man Eneko Dicharry back from Cotdelapoms. His “winning experience” is sure to be a boost, having accumulated three domestic leagues and four cups throughout his career, and with several others returning from loan Sporting look set to improve upon last season.
Prediction: 4th
Astograth University
Hometown: Rumiatzi
Ground: Arritzola (11,000)
Colours: White and light blue halved shirt, light blue shorts and white socks
Honours: None
Manager: Xuban Barrutia
Lineup: Churio Muniya; Alatz Iturriza, Egor Helguson, Svennis Moller (C), Unax Lauzirika; Diagur Lizarraga, Urdaspal Treto, Yoseba Eskoubes, Egerdi Bordato; Xabat Aristegi, Lartaun Echaspe
Season 643: 6th
Notes: Astograth Unversity have turned living off the scraps of more profitable teams into an art form, and this time was no different. Snapping up veteran Yoseba Eskoubes, released from Royal Rumiatzi, and reinforcing their already formidable back line with Churio Muniya, returning from Seria-A's Astria Yaburi, University have another good shot at finishing up in mid-table against all logic.
Prediction: 8th
Ituraitz Victory
Hometown: Ituraitz
Ground: Ituraitz Sporting Ground (63,000)
Colours: Blue shirt, white shorts, blue socks
Honours: 1 Royal Cup
Manager: Iaki Urrutia
Lineup: Aurken Krestia; Apal Lekea, Uzuri Euleche, Gauargi Yurrieta, Aketza Zozaya; Bikendi Irungarai, Ametz Sarria, Uhaitz Bidart, Hanni Lekerika, Iratze Zarazua (C); Sammi Eisner
Season 643: 7th
Notes: A good chunk of Victory's team left or retired last season, but a few smart purchases, including experienced defender Uzuri Euleche, should keep them on track. They don't look ready to really challenge for anything, but staying afloat is well within their range so long as they have Eisner's goals and a strong central midfield to back them up.
Prediction: 7th
Urbizania Wanderers
Hometown: Urbizania
Ground: Cherketzo Arena (30,500)
Colours: All dark green kit
Honours: 1 Royal Cup
Manager: Edorta Urrustoy
Lineup: Yoritz Suastegi; Odon Karrikart, Petrigai Mendiroz (C), Sotil Echeberry, Erlantz Izagirre; Wolfgang Sandberg, Eusko Lachondo, Gito Pizan, Alexei Razov; Bayardo Urruzuno, Danek Badjkev
Shirt Sponsor: Farautoo (Polarian vehicle manufacture)
Season 643: 8th
Notes: Having won a tournament for the first time last season, Wanderers promptly fired the manager, brought in national team icon Edorta Urrustoy and traded promising youth for grizzled veterans; Ellis Elmsvikur, Hurko Atristain and Ikatz Alberro are all gone, in their places arriving Sporting Iturributa legend Bayardo Urruzuno, Mytanar striker Danek Badjkev, Erathi winger Gito Pizan, Polarian Wolfgang Sandberg and strong left-back Odon Karrikart. A formidable investment, but it still might not be enough to reach the Globe Cup.
Prediction: 6th
Blue Mountain Range
Hometown: Echegoyan
Ground: Ximun Orieta Sporting Ground (34,000)
Colours: All light blue kit
Honours: None
Manager: Bizi Boutayre
Lineup: Dei Zambrana; Efraín Vizcaíno, Erramu Labarde, Mogel Anies, Tipi Arregi; Aintza Goyenola (C); Yuaneizu Meiabe, Herauso Uriel, Aberri Elizalde, Iruinea Paei; Intza Basurto
Season 643: 9th
Notes: Blue Mountain Range remain much the same team as last year, minus 36 year-old captain Elorri Zaldibar and plus former Royal Rumiatzi midfielder Aberri Elizalde, brought in from Cotdelapoms' Charlevoix. Don't have much more going for them, though Intza Basurto is a decent enough striker to potentially make up for their defense-heavy formation.
Prediction: 9th
The Army Club
Hometown: Rumiatzi
Ground: 18th March Stadium (21,000)
Colours: Dark red shirt, blue shorts and dark red socks
Honours: None
Manager: Arnaitz Basagoitia
Lineup: Balesio Lanziego (C); Oroitz Garza, Petri Urdanibia, Oinaz Idiakez, Adon Echazarreta; Galeano, Eriz Larannaga, Zilar Sarasua; Orzaize Lizaran, Sendoa Irigiben, Yokin Achabal
Season 643: 10th
Notes: The Army Club retain their players and manager this season, and having just avoided relegation last season they don't look likely to repeat without some kind of overhaul. Going down, we reckon, despite boasting a very attractive style of play.
Prediction: 14th
South Factory
Hometown: Rumiatzi
Ground: The Foundry (35,000)
Colours: All yellow kit
Honours: None
Manager: Andoitz Arriaga
Lineup: Jaap Zuiverloon; Gorri Mendizko (C), Bayardo Laka, Baleren Aresti, Hitzeder Kareaga; Aurken Idoeta, Sein Zamarripa, Lore Echebarne, Marcel Sanderskye; Peruanton Ariztondo, Tilford Quirin
Shirt Sponsor: Poplaberg (Polarian construction)
Season 643: 11th
Notes: South Factory are something of a fallen giant, once coming close to the title and now dragging themselves just above the bottom. They've lost a valuable striker in Ximun Sese, but Citiz Tilford Quirin is an exciting prospect who will be deadly if properly paired with playmaker Sanderskye. The climb back to the top looks like a slow one nevertheless.
Prediction: 10th
Iturributa Racing Club
Hometown: Iturributa
Ground: The Hippodrome (16,000)
Colours: Orange shirt with black stripe, orange shorts and socks
Honours: None
Manager: Loitzun Orrigarai
Lineup: Urtzin Sagasti; Axixi Larriategi, Leheren Arrexe, Emaut Oidor (C), Artizar Medrano; Balesio Lasa, Froila Zabala, Hustaz Amas, Mendebal Zaldibia; Argi Lezertua, Kauldi Isasmendi
Season 643: 12th
Notes: Iturributa Racing Club have a solid striker in Kauldi Isasmendi and a true defender in Emaut Oidor, veteran of Ituraitz FC's best years, but Iturributa Racing Club should still have a tough time staying up. They're not going down without a fight, though, and if they do they'll make sure to take rivals Garitzeta Racing Club with them.
Prediction: 13th
Athletic Club Rumiatzi
Hometown: Rumiatzi
Ground: Gotorlekua (42,000)
Colours: Blue and white striped shirt, blue shorts and socks
Honours: None
Manager: Alar Martikorena
Lineup: Lartaun Echegorri; Bikendi Medrano, Axular Arana, Ixona Unamunzaga (C), Kelmen Dazarola; Eneko Maruri, Ametz Soraiz, Elston Piran-Osrick; Munio Baranzano, Berasko Arechaga, Gaur Arambilet
Season 643: 13th
Notes: Athletic Club Rumiatzi have made an impressive investment in completely renewing their offense, bringing in three big names in the Astograthian game: Munio Baranzano, a favourite of Powell Pieran and with a career spanning successful spells at Iturributa United and Citiz side Eastern Chase; Berasko Arechaga, long-time forward for Echegoyan FC before joining Saint Urbain of the Série A; and Gaur Arambilet, a 35 year-old with an impressive goal ratio for the national team and multiple titles won in Astograth and Erathore. Athletic will be Arambilet's fifth and probably last club, so he hopes to make it a worthwhile stay.
Prediction: 11th
Garitzeta Racing Club
Hometown: Garitzeta
Ground: Letatzadur Stadium (16,300)
Colours: Black and orange striped shirt, black shorts and socks
Honours: None
Manager: Egun Arbizu
Lineup: Artzeiz Treto; Lekuberi Erioste, Alaon Iturrioz, Anakoz Arbizu, Eneto Soreasu; Bladi Ytuarte (C), Osoitz Artechebarria, Urrai Gangoiti, Otsoko Egues; Berdaitz Ernaut, Meabe Bastida
Season 643: 1st in Second Division
Notes: Garitzeta Racing Club make their way back into the top tier and will be looking to cement their place at the expense of their classic rivals from Iturributa. Speaking of which, their big signing is former Iturributa Racing striker Meabe Bastida, so there'll be no love lost when the teams finally clash.
Prediction: 12th
Athletic Club Olarria
Hometown: Olarria
Ground: North Point Stadium (12,100)
Colours: Claret shirt with sky blue hoop, claret shorts and socks
Honours: None
Manager: Eate Orkiola
Lineup: Benat Eraso; Asier Irazu, Yulen Garikano, Dei Letemendia, Domeka Elaustigeta; Zilar Garabiya, Ageyo Uzkudun, Leizarraga Lukuix, Yoseba Mestraita; Xanti Olasagastia (C), Loren Dornaletze
Season 643: 2nd in Second Division
Notes: Keeping up the tradition of at least one team making their top tier debut each season, Athletic Club Olarria take their first steps on the big stage after ending up in fourth place three seasons in a row. It's this lack of “winning experience” that will probably be their weakest point, however, with no radical changes to the last season's team. Second Division just isn't the same as first, so we can't see them staying up.
Prediction: 16th
Royal Arexa
Hometown: Arexa
Ground: Goyaingerua Stadium (21,810)
Colours: All white kit
Honours: None
Manager: Altzibar Echenarro
Lineup: Arkaitz Arbizo; Iratze Ixuel, Egoitz Ermigarat, Bakar Laranaga, Enetz Lorza; Remir Elgezabal, Beremando Eskibel, Manu Arburua, Osasun Segura; Yelchu Urdangarin (C), Artzai Alberro
Season 643: 3rd in Second Division
Notes: Royal Arexa are back for their third season of top tier football, but again, the shift in pace and mentality looks to be too large. Tried-and-true defense, with a number of former U-21 national team players, but the midfield and offense won't cut it here.
Prediction: 15th