The Tikariotian Premier League is the top level of the football league pyramid of Tikariot with 24 teams. It will be going into its 100th season and promises to be as gripping as ever, both in the contention for the title and the relegation battle that will once more see four teams make the grim march into the second division. The pyramid actually has seen some restructuring for this season, realigning divisions and now has a 20-team second division, a two-tiered third and fourth division with 14 teams each. The Tikariotian Football Federation also is instating a domestic cup competition for the first time in its history, which will also be open to non-league teams.
For the first 50 years the TPL had been a closed competition, with 20 teams at first, then adding four teams, three still are in the top flight. Since then there has been a steady 24-team set-up with four teams relegated and promoted each season and 47 teams have so far participated in the league, with only six having participated in each and every single season.
Paladon has been the most successful province so far with 20 championships, followed by the Emerald Coast with 14 and Dhaencunor with 13. In turn Dhaencunor has so far provided the most teams for the TPL with 10, then Paladon had seven, Acrassia and the Emerald Coast six, overall each province has had at least one team in the Tikariotian Premier League at one point.
Eleven out of fourteen provinces are currently participating in the TPL, six from Dhaencunor, five from Paladon, three from Acrassia, two each from Balkash, the Emerald Coast and Rhovannyr and finally one each from Frahaul, Khazagh, Saburnia, Taeria and Viljamark, leaving only the Bashperian Darklands, Soharr and Xark with a current representative.
The shortest distances between teams are:
Parakleion – Miruan 15 km (9.4 mi)
Port Tacassam – Ysgrann Bay 47 km (29.4 mi)
Port Tacassam – Anhedron 77 km (48.2 mi)
Tikariot City – Kyethas 92 km (57.5 mi)
Zhelmagor – Nagoush 93 km (58.2 mi)
The longest distances are:
Fort Viljan – Ysgrann Bay 2075 km (1297 mi)
Fort Viljan – Pyathora 2060 km (1287.5 mi)
Fort Viljan – Port Tacassam 2032 km (1270 mi)
Fort Viljan – Anhedron 1992 km (1245 mi)
Fort Viljan – Baraldhur 1874 km (1171.3 mi)
If you take Fort Viljan out of the equation, the biggest distance is between Ysgrann Bay and Miruan at 1514 km or 946.3 miles.
There is a couple of intense rivalries that have built throughout the years and decades and here are the fiercest:
Oriannor Mountaineers vs. Bul Khungur Miners
Parakleion Firebirds vs. Miruan City
Pyathora Mariners vs. Port Tacassam FC
Baraldhur AFC vs. Morannon Athletic
Tikariot City FC vs. Kyethas Rivermen
Guillarim Blades vs. Fort Viljan Northern FC
The Zhelmagor Society vs. Nagoush FC
Carathyr Emeralds vs. Fort Rhovanyon AFC
But enough with the cheap talk, here is the season prediction for the 100th season of the Tikariotian Premier League!
Ancarea FC
Home colours: Light blue/dark blue stripes – black – dark blue
Away colours: White with light blue – light blue – light blue
Stadium: Old Church Road (46,000)
Nickname: Boars
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 3 (3 in a row)
Best position achieved: 17th
Position in all-time table: 42nd
Manager: Graeme Skulland (52)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Ahlgren – Ferrar, Norwood, McCulloch, Diggins – Svoboda, Alder, Drechsler, Bagshaw – Holasoff, Grieves.
Rest of Squad: Mitchell – Haas, Sworoff, Hardin – Delaney, Patterson, Adams – Hodges, Lang, Talbot.
Ancarea FC is one of the latest newcomers in the Tikariotian Premier League, with only three seasons under their belt so far. Having come in 18th, 19th and 17th clearly paints them into the relegation battle, also since they are going against far more experienced clubs in the process. Hailing from the south of Dhaencunor, not far from the borders with Paladon and the Emerald Coast, they are one of the smaller fishes in the Dhaencunorian pond with Kyethas, Bul Khungur and Veriasod dominating the provincial scene in recent years. Coach Graeme Skulland, who had led the Boars into the TPL, is a wily tactitian that puts the emphasis on a very balanced approach.
Season prediction: 21st
Anhedron Wanderers FC
Home colours: Red – orange - white
Away colours: White and orange – red - white
Stadium: Pineridge Park (44,000)
Nickname: Dragons
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 26 (9 in a row)
Best position achieved: 6th
Position in all-time table: 32nd
Manager: Raphael Secours (66)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Feron – Hillock-Smith, Thomas, Monks, Mhor – Ingham, Manning, Hackett, Baines – Morrisson, Mosnyk.
Rest of Squad: Owens – Alston, May, Wilkinson – Dawson, King, Hayes – Jenkins, Spencer, Reynolds.
After countless promotions and relegations the Dragons finally have gained a solid foothold in the TPL with nine seasons and counting. And they have not found themselves anywhere close to the relegation zone either, rather setting their sights towards the upper echelons of the table, giving the Balkashian city on the border to Acrassia something to look forward to. Coach Raphael Secours is one of the oldest in the league, but he is a very no-nonsense coach that will not tolerate any lapse of professionalism or discipline, so the Wanderers are one of the toughest units in the league.
Season prediction: 8th
Avanaroch White Wings FC
Home colours: White – white - white
Away colours: Black – white - black
Stadium: Paladon Park (78,000)
Nickname: Angels
Championships: 1 (Season 19)
Years in TPL: 69 (2 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 19th
Manager: Raymond Cartwright (32)
Starting XI: 4-5-1. Litman – Martins, Milko, Sullivan, Bassett – Glover, Rogers, Tomkins, Usher, Hartney – Corkhill.
Rest of Squad: Moran – Jepson, Marsh, Austin – Burke, Burns, Wright – Lockingwood, Edwards, Bailey.
The White Wings from Paladon's capital Avanaroch have had a bit of a rough spell of late, having seen extensive spells in the second division. The one-time champion just returned to the TPL two seasons ago and both times they barely scraped by and avoided relegation. With a young and exciting new team they are trying to once more gain a foothold in the top flight, also with new coach Raymond Cartwright, who is on his first coaching stint, hoping to benefit from his dynamic new ideas. Biggest hopeful is 20-year-old central midfielder Paul Tomkins, who has committed to at least one more season with the Angels despite several offers from the other Paladonian teams Parakleion and Miruan. Everything has to go right, though, for them to be able to stave off yet another drop.
Season prediction: 19th
Baraldhur AFC
Home colours: Yellow – night blue - yellow
Away colours: Dark blue – white – dark blue
Stadium: Creighton Park (61,000)
Nickname: Nightninjas
Championships: 7 (Seasons 82, 85, 88, 90, 91, 93, 95)
Years in TPL: 74 (42 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 15th
Manager: Shane Goldman (44)
Starting XI: 4-3-3. Chatelet – McIlroy, Rooney, Stephenson, Brogan – Vaughan, Dixon, Carlin – D. Hardcastle, Iribarren, Nighthorse.
Rest of Squad: Crossley – Bell, Gray, Palmer – McLennan, Wishart, Beckles – Lafayette, Sheppard, Lewis.
The team from the Balkashian capital is one of the most successful teams of the last 20 seasons, with seven championships. Despite a dip in the last few years including two 14th place finishes, Baraldhur is still considered one of the prime addresses in the TPL when it comes to challenges for the top three positions at least. Shane Goldman (coming from the Oriannor Mountaineers) is replacing Jeremiah Hopscott as coach for this season, with the club brass hoping for some renewed energy. This is aided by the acquisition of Jonathan Carlin from Oriannor, one of the most coveted young midfielders, and forward Morris Nighthorse, who has been tearing up the second division as member of the Toroyra FC during the past two seasons, facilitating Goldman's switch to a proactive 4-3-3 system.
Season prediction: 4th
Bul Khungur Miners FC
Home colours: Red with dark blue accents – dark blue - red
Away colours: White with dark blue accents – white – dark blue
Stadium: Temple of the Crow (26,000)
Nickname: Dwarves
Championships: 4 (Seasons 3, 43, 46, 57)
Years in TPL: 99 (99 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 2nd
Manager: Jeremiah Hopscott (49)
Starting XI: 4-3-3. Simonson – Hernandez, S. Hardcastle, Tasker, Holtby – Goulan, Marr, Jowlit – Lambert, Yarbrough, Conway.
Rest of Squad: Small – Coker, Sellers, Cousins – Bingham, Busk, Waller – Hammond, Baughan, Boyce
The Bul Khungur Miners, located in a remote area of Dhaencunor between Frahaul and Khazagh, is one of the historic top teams of the TPL, sitting in second place in the all-time table, less 100 points adrift of the Oriannor Mountaineers. Now their last championship is 42 years past and they have been steady tenants in the lower half of the league for almost ten years now, sparking some worries about them being the next of the original members biting the dust. In an attempt to reclaim lost territory, they signed coach Jeremiah Hopscott, who had just lost his job in Baraldhur due to sketchy results, so it is a bit of a gamble. However they are considered one of the league's most offensively gifted teams, sporting three members of the IFC1 tournament with Damian Hernandez, Nick Goulan and Michael Yarbrough, so the fans of this tight-knit team hope that the Temple of the Crow will once more become a stronghold.
Season prediction: 15th
Carathyr Emeralds FC
Home colours: Green/grey – grey - green
Away colours: White with green – white - green
Stadium: Jewel of the Coast (72,000)
Nickname: Merchants
Championships: 7 (Seasons 21, 50, 67, 68, 69, 73, 74)
Years in TPL: 99 (99 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 3rd
Manager: Jean-Francois Daoust (38)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Ferretti – Harvey, Buckley, Dixon, Naismith – Collins, Fletcher, Drury, Sloane – Nancarrow, Tomlinson.
Rest of Squad: Halamaki – Barnett, Summat, Bristow – Arnor, Vickery, Strevens – Jewell, Sherwood, Holloway.
Another one of the TPL's most decorated teams fallen on somewhat dire times are the Carathyr Emeralds, hailing from the capital of the Emerald Coast. Having held the trophy seven times, they are 23 years removed from the top five, with the last season being their worst, having finished 18th. With new coach Jean-Francois Daoust, pried away from newly promoted Morannon Athletic, they are trying to build up a new team around national striker Tristan Nancarrow with talent from within the province and their own academy. They are one of only six remaining original teams and desperate to hold on to that status in the light of a surprising big number of relative newcomers establishing themselves as top teams in the league.
Season prediction: 14th
Eivora Athletic FC
Home colours: Dark blue – red – dark blue
Away colours: White with dark blue – red - white
Stadium: Melnock House (43,000)
Nickname: Hawks
Championships: 7 (Seasons 61, 62, 64, 66, 79, 81, 87)
Years in TPL: 77 (77 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 9th
Manager: Carl Halvorson (57)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Andrews – Farnham, Sullivan, Chelmsford, Docherty – Hancock, Gaffigan, Malikyan, Salvara – Guinness, Berrymore.
Rest of Squad: Crossfield – Brown, Donohue, Malone – Dipper, Hughes, Allen – Todd, Dadomo, Sheckleford.
Eivora Athletic is one of two teams that made their way into the TPL during the first expansion period that has never been relegated (the Kyethas Rivermen being the other). They have been one of the most consistent top teams for decades now, having just passed the Fort Viljan Northern FC in the all-time table. The balanced tactic of Carl Halvorson has made him the longest-standing coach in the TPL right now, having been at the helm of the Eastern Emerald Coast outfit for 19 years now. One of their biggest strengths is a very good academy that in the past four years brought up goalie Kilian Andrews, midfield duo Michael Gaffigan and Clive Salvara as well as striker hopeful Angus Guinness, helping them keep a strong, young core together that does not require big overhauls over the seasons.
Season prediction: 9th
Fort Viljan Northern FC
Home colours: Yellow/dark blue with purple accents – dark blue - yellow
Away colours: Dark blue and yellow – yellow – dark blue
Stadium: Citadel of the North (40,000)
Nickname: Warriors
Championships: 6 (Seasons 22, 27, 30, 39, 40, 41)
Years in TPL: 88 (1st back in Premier League)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 10th
Manager: Damian Haikkanen (37)
Starting XI: 4-3-3. Olson – Stenmark, Fanark, Christensen, Koldingsgaard – Nielsen, Sandstrom, Lundbergh – Lagermar, Liljestrand, Lundin.
Rest of Squad: Spooner – Rismark, Lofgren, Peterson – Opdal, Gustavsson, Larsen – Tornquist, Lindskog, O'Malley.
One of only three teams in the 99-year history of the Tikariotian Premier League to win three championships in a row (together with the Carathyr Emeralds and Viathyn Park AFC that is languishing in lowly third division by now), the Fort Viljan Northern FC is one of these stories of a club having failed to see the writing on the wall. After their highly successful era they missed plenty of opportunities to refresh the team and continuously build, but instead tried to regain lost ground by bringing on expensive veterans that either were past their prime or just were not feasible to keep on record. So after their last relegation management finally gave in and instituted a complete reinvention of the team, putting the emphasis on local grown talent and young, hungry players. Coach Damian Haikkanen is the architect of the revival of the league's most northwestern club (the closest team to Fort Viljan are the Veriasod Lakers, a whopping 678 km away, with no less than five teams in the league over 1800 km from the Citadel of the North) and he hopes that the new approach will also reap some rewards in the TPL.
Season prediction: 20th
Gamsk County FC
Home colours: Dark teal with yellow – dark teal – dark teal
Away colours: White with teal – white - white
Stadium: Lorland County Stadium (30,000)
Nickname: Sharks
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 28 (24 in a row)
Best position achieved: 7th
Position in all-time table: 28th
Manager: Gunther Strongfoot (61)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Paulsen – Dickens, Carr, McKinley, Spielman – Mattheiss, Reddington, McFarlane, Fuller – Fondy, Herrera.
Rest of Squad: Hurst – Bamford, Oakes, Blew – Greaves, Griffiths, Davies – Rellingwood, Onariase, Robinson.
Despite their teal and yellow colours, Gamsk County is the proverbial grey mouse of the TPL. Having been in the league for 24 years in a row now, they managed to get into the top ten a meagre three times and their fairly unspectacular style of play has not really endeared many fans outside of the Gamsk region, sitting about halfway between Tikariot City and Port Rhovanyon in Western Dhaencunor. Led by veteran coach Gunther Strongfoot, who has been at the Gamsk helm for 15 years now, they are efficient, if not anything else, and somehow manage to ride the line of mediocrity remarkably well, even though a few years back they came dangerously close to rupturing their streak of continuous TPL presence. Them flying under the radar of many pundits and opponents has enabled them to stay fairly safe most of the times, but especially this season with Fort Viljan and Morannon returning to the top flight, things could get a little dicy for the Sharks.
Season prediction: 18th
Guillarim Blades FC
Home colours: Dark green – yellow – dark green
Away colours: Yellow – yellow - yellow
Stadium: Frahaul National Stadium (31,250)
Nickname: Defenders
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 91 (3 in a row)
Best position achieved: 2nd
Position in all-time table: 14th
Manager: Helion Gauran (50)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Klingbeil – Abidor, Attacora, Bowen, Irwin – Pasquali, Ferrell, Nagel, Argandiwal – Kalhor, Ward.
Rest of Squad: Hagan – Deering, Quigley, Oakley – Graham, Gowans, Trout – Marshall, Fernandez, Barrowcliff.
One of the original TPL teams, the Guillarim Blades are the best positioned team in the all-time table to never have claimed the championship of Tikariot. The only team ever from the small, mountainous province of Frahaul to even reach the professional leagues overall, the Blades have had eight relegations and eight promotions within twenty seasons before finally catching a very precarious foothold in the top league three seasons ago, but every time teetering dangerously close to the drop zone. Driven by a very dedicated fanbase, as sports fans don't really have any other team to cheer for to begin with), they prefer a very defensive style that might be utilitarian, but has not been yielding any success either, if one does not count continuous re-promotions.
Season prediction: 23rd
Kyethas Rivermen FC
Home colours: Black with white sleeves – black - black
Away colours: White with black sleeves – black - white
Stadium: Scorross Park (39,000)
Nickname: Wisemen
Championships: 2 (Seasons 63, 77)
Years in TPL: 77 (77 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 12th
Manager: Julius Akwanyama (39)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. O'Hennessy – Juncay, A. Sullivan, Abrahams, Bonacieux – C. Usher, Milner, Chalbaud, Markham – Wilton, Lucero.
Rest of Squad: Vinson – Vincelot, Smythe, Effiong – Julian, Gittings, Beevor – Westley, Fairclough, Cornwell.
Hailing from the second largest city in Dhaencunor, the Kyethas Rivermen are the other expansion team next to Eivora to have never been relegated. The Black and White took 26 years to reach the top ten for the first time, but once they got there they made themselves very comfortable, raking in two championships in the process. Under the tutelage of Julius Akwanyama they are trying to regain their previous constant spot in the top tens, a status that they had been struggling with a little of late, but bringing in new blood with Travis Chalbaud, Serge Bonacieux and Peter Fairclough they hope to rekindle the fire of the recent past. Akwanyama is not known for any radical approaches, but management is hoping that his calm authority will steer the ship in calm waters and right the course.
Season prediction: 7th
Miruan City FC
Home colours: Teal and white – teal - white
Away colours: White – teal - white
Stadium: Mary A. Sharad Park (33,000)
Nickname: Lions
Championships: 3 (Seasons 1, 72, 75)
Years in TPL: 94 (17 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 7th
Manager: Wilmer Cabrera (42)
Starting XI: 3-4-3. Heinrich – Chitwick, Hardin, Kendall – Dodson, van Haar, Thornton, Abbott – McLoughlin, Baxter, Wagstaff.
Rest of Squad: Higgins – Greenwood, Sarll, Allinson – Maguire, Ashton, Taverner – Carragher, Wallace, Sampson.
The first champion in TPL history have been relegated twice overall, but have been one of the few teams that have managed to bounce back both times, even going on to win two championships during their second stint. Known for their traditionally attack-minded style of play, the Lions have been trying to step out of the shadow of their local rivals Vantanoch FC (five-time champions relegated to an elevator team with 16 relegations overall) and the Parakleion Firebirds, which are ten-times champions, but if there is one thing Miruan never did was give up and it still shows with the ardent fan base that will travel with the team all across Tikariot. They have been able to keep the core of the team together, with some targeted transfers to strengthen the squad. This season they were able to pry away Finbar McLoughlin from Parakleion of all teams, due to his concerns about playing time in a one-forward system.
Season prediction: 5th
Morannon Athletic FC
Home colours: Light blue/black – black – light blue
Away colours: Black and white – white - black
Stadium: The Granary (59,000)
Nickname: Grasshoppers
Championships: 11 (Seasons 28, 32, 34, 35, 45, 54, 56, 58, 70, 71, 78)
Years in TPL: 96 (1st back in Premier League)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 5th
Manager: Walker Talbot (57)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Fisher – Jovanovski, Baker, Mill, Maddox – Heskey, Klein, Mackie, Poole – Bentley, Jacobs.
Rest of Squad: Robbins – Fowler, Whittingham, Bettamer – Kinsella, Shields, Pendleton – Wiggins-Clark, Finney, Tierney.
The Tikariotian record champions with eleven titles had a swift falling from grace going from title contender to second division team in a matter of mere years and just came back to the TPL for the second time. With Walker Talbot as new coach they hope to avoid the direct relegation they suffered two years ago and begin to establish themselves in the to flight once more. At one point one of Tikariot's offensive powerhouses, Talbot has tuned that down for a more stable defensive foundation at the far fiercer competition in the TPL. Relying on a young, talented team with veteran defenders Aaron Jovanovski and Brad Mill as anchors, they will attempt to take it slow and not make the second step before the first.
Season prediction: 17th
Nagoush FC
Home colours: Dark grey with orange – dark grey - orange
Away colours: Orange – dark grey - orange
Stadium: Copperhead Road (42,500)
Nickname: Knights
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 33 (1st back in Premier League)
Best position achieved: 4th
Position in all-time table: 27th
Manager: Lester Manning (47)
Starting XI: 5-4-1. Pope – Simms, Acosta, Bonner, Daniels, Vaniere – Rodriguez, Wilcox, Ho, Hood – Huffman.
Rest of Squad: Barrett – Lester, Wendison, Mandeville – Denton, Buchanan, Grey – Molyneux, Altrincham, Baggett.
The only Taerian team in the TPL has had two fairly sizable stints in the TPL before crashing out two seasons ago. They rebounded immediately and are now trying for a third run at the upper echelons, thanks to the new system Lester Manning instilled into the team, going into with a defence-first minded 5-4-1. It is a departure from their previous tactics, but they've been conceding far too many goals in the last few seasons in the top flight, so a change of approach was needed. Goalkeeper James Hope and midfielder Jean-Jacques Vaniere come from the bench of Miruan City and the Kyethas Rivermen respectively and are hoping to have what it takes to keep the team in the Premier League once more.
Season prediction: 22nd
Oriannor Mountaineers FC
Home colours: Dark blue with orange trim – dark blue - orange
Away colours: Orange – white - orange
Stadium: Mountain Fortress (54,000)
Nickname: Yetis
Championships: 7 (Seasons 26, 29, 47, 51, 55, 59, 65)
Years in TPL: 99 (99 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 1st
Manager: Damon McWard (54)
Starting XI: 4-5-1. Harding – Rowley, Knox, Short, Waltham – Hill, Monaghan, Cartwright, Christie, Lyons – Sweeney.
Rest of Squad: Howell – Asanta, Smith, Thomas-Clarke – Eastham, Towell, Andrade – Whitehead, Grimmell, Clements.
The leader of the all-time table and one of two Khazagh-based teams to ever play in the TPL has found itself stuck in the middle of the pack for the last 25 years with only few deviations to either side. The fans have been clamouring for a new attack on the title, but despite a fifth-place finish last season the Mountaineers have not had a very good off-season. Coach Shane Goldman moved on to the Baraldhur AFC, taking much touted midfield starlet Jonathan Carlin with him, and also a frustrated Parramore Haigh switching allegiances to Tikariot City after a season spent mostly on the bench and the outlook of more time out of the starting eleven due to Damon McWard's defensive tactical preference, leave the Yetis with more questions than answers and a lot of unknowns frustrating fans and pundits alike. At this point the seven-time champions' future could literally go either way.
Season prediction: 11th
Parakleion Firebirds FC
Home colours: Red with yellow trim – red - red
Away colours: Yellow and white – yellow - yellow
Stadium: Tech Park (40,000)
Nickname: Phoenix
Championships: 10 (Seasons 2, 7, 33, 36, 42, 48, 52, 60, 98, 99)
Years in TPL: 99 (99 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 6th
Manager: Leland Cramortie (29)
Starting XI: 5-4-1. Whelan – Stewart, Vance, Pate, Keylick, Morley – Whittle, Britton, Maxwell, Gray – Arrowsmith.
Rest of Squad: Mosley – Hall, Azaz, Long – Milton, Addai, Duffy – Ironside, Gallagher, McConnaugh.
To call the Parakleion Firebirds the team of the moment would be an understatement, having won two back-to-back championships. Led by the league's youngest coach in 29-year old Leland Cramortie, the Phoenix has truly risen from the ashes of mediocrity, playing out of a very compact defence, but despite the 5-4-1 orientation the wing backs can act very offensively, creating the man-advantage when needed even though Cramortie rather sees a 1-0 win than a 5-4, much to the chagrin of many of the Paladonians' fans. But it is hard to argue with success and driven by it no starting team members have left the team, instead bolstering the bench in an attempt to make it a three-peat and rising into the illustrious club of teams winning the title three times in a row (right now consisting of Fort Viljan, Viathyn Park and Carathyr).
Season prediction: 3rd
Port Rhovanyon AFC
Home colours: Dark blue – white - white
Away colours: White with dark blue – dark blue - white
Stadium: Oceanview Stadium (63,000)
Nickname: Kraken
Championships: 2 (Seasons 92, 97)
Years in TPL: 99 (99 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 8th
Manager: Arthur Wolseley (59)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. Merson – Kovalchuk, Dunlap, O'Connor, Salt – Thorniley, Irvine, Welch, Wikens – Haney, Connolly.
Rest of Squad: Harper – Turnbull, Artell, Dale – Wintle, Lowery, Ng – Pickering, Ainley, Sang-Jefferies.
It took the Kraken 92 years to finally hoist the champions' trophy, but since then they have not finished worse than fourth, including a second championship three years ago. A lot of this is founded in the unique playing style of coach, who has perfected a 4-4-2 that in the blink of an eye can shift into a 5-4-1. a 4-3-3 or whatever else the game requires at the time, making Port Rhovanyon one of the most difficult teams to play against. This incredible versatility and tactical discipline has both resulted in praise and criticism by players, some of which complain about the expectations being unreasonably high. However neither Wolseley nor upper management are willing to compromise the winning formula, which has led to a lot of evolution, but not revolution, of the squad, carefully hand-picking players that fit both the system and the club character.
Season prediction: 2nd
Port Tacassam FC
Home colours: Purple with white – white - purple
Away colours: White – purple - white
Stadium: Dragonscrest Stadium (79,000)
Nickname: Rams
Championships: 5 (Seasons 6, 12, 49, 53, 76)
Years in TPL: 99 (99 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 4th
Manager: Hassan Al Jumaily (44)
Starting XI: 3-5-2. Gonzalez – Coronello, Elliott, Faizullah – Al Hak, Abn Faar, Welch, Dolan, Stubbs – del Rosso, Grimaud.
Rest of Squad: Wainwright – McNulty, Wootton, Harding – McCormack, Randley, Cooper – Moore, Harriman, Harridan.
Finishing outside of the top ten only three times in the last 53 years, Port Tacassam FC is the epitome of continued success in the Tikariotian Premier League, even though they only have five championships (three of which during the aforementioned streak) to show for. Under the aegis of Hassan Al Jumaily, who had come up through the academy both as player and then coach, so if there is someone in the organization that embodies the Port Tacassam philosophy, then it is him and it shows. From the first steps as juniors, Rams players are brought up in the same 3-5-2 system with two defensive midfielders, one central conductor and two offensive midfielders that can push forward to create a sudden majority in the opposing team's defensive territory.
Season prediction: 1st
Pyathora Mariners FC
Home colours: Blue – blue - white
Away colours: White – white - white
Stadium: Southside Docks (49,500)
Nickname: Scourge of the Seas
Championships: 6 (Seasons 80, 83, 84, 86, 94, 96)
Years in TPL: 32 (25 in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 24th
Manager: Ray Socorro (46)
Starting XI: 5-4-1. Hynes – Battle, Cisneros, Grimes, Herrera, Myers – Vacarese, Roth, Conrad, Bowden – Sheffield.
Rest of Squad: Jensen – Marshall, McWilliams, Lowe – Vahlidal, Hoskins, Atangana – Smerdon, Dodd, Hartridge.
The Mariners are one of the most successful “younger” teams, racking up six championships in just 32 seasons (with the first seven spent in constant relegation risks). Tied closely to the Tikariotian Navy that has its biggest base in Pyathora, the Scourge of the Seas has been named one of the most difficult stadiums to play in. As could be expected from a team associated with a military branch, discipline is very high and the defence is the Pyathoran showpiece and coach Ray Socorro's “offence wins games, defence wins championships” motto obviously has borne fruit more than once. With two national team players in their ranks with offensive midfielder Giovanni Vacarese and striker extraordinaire Graydon Sheffield they still possess enough firepower to overcome frustrated opponents that fail to penetrate their defensive fortress.
Season prediction: 10th
Tikariot City FC
Home colours: Purple and gold – purple - gold
Away colours: Gold and purple – gold - purple
Stadium: Dhaencunor Arena (84,000)
Nickname: Snowy Owls
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 68 (6 in a row)
Best position achieved: 2nd
Position in all-time table: 17th
Manager: Clayton Venantius (34)
Starting XI: 4-3-2-1. Garner – Burgess, Floyd, Cowan, Watts – Rushdon, Waller, Dillard – Langley, Haigh – Hendersley.
Rest of Squad: Haworth – Jillson, Maxted, Randall – Reader, Kellow, Curtis – Bastin, Giles, Banks.
With 68 years in the TPL and no championships to their name, Tikariot City FC is third in the list behind Guillarim and Xanark when it comes to longest streaks without any tangible success. After a lengthy absence from the top flight, the Snowy Owls finally seem to have somewhat established themselves and are putting themselves in position to jockey for a shot at one-digit finishes. Clayton Venantius, who took over two years ago after a few very successful campaigns with non-league Obsidian Crown FC, also from Tikariot City, was a big risk given his complete lack of even league coaching experience, but his fresh style is taking not just the biggest city of Tikariot by storm. Operating under a tight budget he has proved that he has been able to scout in the second division and filter out players that have shown that they are capable of being competitive in the TPL as well. Best examples is the axis of Sebastian Garner, Donovan Floyd, Duncan Waller and Silas Hendersley, who all came through the second division, now strengthened by Parramore Haigh, coming over from Oriannor. It's sink or swim for the Owls this season, where are they headed?
Season prediction: 12th
Valnohar Rovers FC
Home colours: Forest green – black – forest green
Away colours: White with forest green – white – forest green
Stadium: Weston Road (40,500)
Nickname: Chameleons
Championships: 1 (Season 89)
Years in TPL: 35 (20 years in a row)
Best position achieved: 1st
Position in all-time table: 2nd
Manager: Jimmy Hormaz (71)
Starting XI: 4-4-2. McHugh – Mitchell, Sharples, Clements, Hough – Snow, Marriott, McCray, Howett – Ekpetita, Carson.
Rest of Squad: Sparrow – Nemane, Birkenshaw, Koszela – Andrews, Wynter, Whitfield – Cavagnari, Coulson, Pears.
After a very Topsy-turvey start to their TPL career, the Valnohar Rovers have established themselves as a true powerhouse, which has led them to one championship so far. Jimmy Hormaz is the oldest coach in the league and while some people have accused him from playing an antiquated form of football in a 4-4-2 formation, but the team still manages to score high with the fans, who have been relentless in their support for the Chameleons. With one of the most solid centre back duos in Richdon Sharples and Pascal Clements and national team hopeful Nathan Ekpetita upfront the Rovers want to mount another title challenge this year, even though they have not brought on any new first-team players. Pundits have mentioned the old adage “slow and steady” several times with Valnohar and even if they are not on the right path right away, they will continue down their path.
Season prediction: 6th
Veriasod Lakers FC
Home colours: Light blue with white – white – light blue
Away colours: Dark blue – white – dark blue
Stadium: Lakeside Stadium (49,000)
Nickname: Twisters
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 31 (29 in a row)
Best position achieved: 4th
Position in all-time table: 25th
Manager: Dominic Girard (40)
Starting XI: 5-4-1. Arrondo – Liniack, Person, Tomlinson, Redman, Cumbernauld – Garrison, Tran, Swift, Burnett – Beaumont.
Rest of Squad: Hopgood – Coyne, Warnock, Fry – Plough, Malley, McPhee – N. Tavernier, Browne, Warnell.
Part of a pack of teams that is slowly creeping up the all-time table (such as Pyathora, Valnohar, Nagoush and Gamsk) the Veriasod Lakers have been nicknamed the “Wall of Dhaencunor” before due to their uncompromising defensive work that has allowed less than a goal per game over the years. The 5-4-1 set-up of Dominic Girard plays right into this philosophy, but he would likely not have achieved the success he has without also knowing how to quickly shift forward, especially with national right back Vincent Liniack and budding star Lloyd Cumbernauld being able to turn the 5-4-1 into a 3-4-3 in a heartbeat. Kieran Beaumont, nominally only actual striker in the starting eleven, now has the difficult task to succeed now retired Elmore Carbridge, who has hung up his professional boots and has turned towards some non-league play in the autumn of his career.
Season prediction: 13th
Ysgrann Bay Eagles FC
Home colours: Grey with yellow – yellow - grey
Away colours: Yellow – grey - yellow
Stadium: Bay Area Park (31,000)
Nickname: Eagles
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 1 (1st back in Premier League)
Best position achieved: 23rd
Position in all-time table: 47th
Manager: Nolan Carpenter (54)
Starting XI: 4-2-3-1. Andalay – Cortez, McGuire, Harris, Chadwick – Bishop, Carver – McTierney, Fitzsimmons, Aspinall – Devine.
Rest of Squad: Weaver – Brackedge, Thrower, Moseley – Coyne, Woodgate, Percovich – Arrandale, Kenyon, McKinstry.
The by and far least experienced TPL team are the Ysgrann Bay Eagles, back only for their second year ever. Their first endeavour three years ago ended in a disappointing 23rd position and are hoping for a better result this time around. With new coach Nolan Carpenter, coming from the Bul Khungur Miners, the Eagles appear intend to roll over the opposition with a very offensive 4-2-3-1 system, which is the exact opposite of Parakleion's approach, which should be a fan favourite all around. Mostly leaning on the team that won the promotion, the only two new faces in the first team are forwards Iain Aspinall and Jenson McTierney, who Ysgrann Bay managed to pry away from second division hotshots Toroyra FC and Khalgarh Valley respectively, who were both in the top five goalscorers of last season.
Season prediction: 24th
The Zhelmagor Society FC
Home colours: Black with dark purple – dark purple - black
Away colours: White with dark purple – white – dark purple
Stadium: Zhelma Keep (24,000)
Nickname: The Society
Championships: 0
Years in TPL: 7 (3 in a row)
Best position achieved: 16th
Position in all-time table: 41st
Manager: Lochlan Blackstone (41)
Starting XI: 4-2-4. Nair – Buckwall, Doan, Dunne, Mansell – Correa, Fitzpatrick – Andrews, Sheppard, Cunningham, Melton.
Rest of Squad: Povey – Galloway, Edmondson, Cresswell – McCoulsky, Cowley, Moore-Taylor – Chamberlain, Kitchener, Winchester.
The Zhelmagor Society is one of the most mysterious entities to enter the TPL not just in recent years. Ownership is cloaked in shadows and operates as a foundation of the same name, the stadium resembles a fort more than a sporting venue and the colours of black and dark purple are equally foreboding. Their few appearances in the TPL have been comparatively unremarkable, plateauing at 16th position three times out of seven, but their fans are a sight to behold, especially abroad. Dressed in all black they form an impenetrable cloud of darkness that will fervently rally behind their team when they have the ball and then fall deathly silent when they do not, creating a quite intimidating atmosphere that has taken opposing players by surprise countless times. Coach Lochlan Blackstone has been appointed by the Society without any credentials or background on where he may (or may not) have coached before, but he apparently prefers a rare 4-2-4 formation, which could make for interesting matches.
Season prediction: 16th
Second Division
Vantanoch FC
Xanark City FC
Meriador FC
Toroyra FC
Dhalhora Heartland FC
Ranarrh Boulders FC
Grahel Islanders FC
Fiurach Phantoms FC
Alcassar FC
Esmora Cove Rangers FC
Cape Shetma Falcons FC
Samreach Dragons FC
Vilharady Owls FC
Khalgarh Valley FC
Emerald Coast Raiders FC
Ulmiash City FC
Alcassar United FC
Kiz'Aldain AFC
Imyalore Arrows FC
Scafarr FC
Third Division A
Nar Morghir United FC
Tovaca Thunder FC
Saevaroy Town FC
Feyrane Town FC
Wyvernwood Wanderers FC
Doganval Daggers FC
Couseir Steelers FC
Yvenheim Pelicans FC
Sablecrest FC
Peycarh City FC
Viathyn Park AFC
Carhan Knights FC
First FC of Avanaroch
Meshdoy Aviators FC
Third Division B
Leriagog Blackhearts FC
Jevanacan United FC
Mhasar Gate FC
Chevilloy Beach FC
Port Saburn Town FC
Vna-Chuhul Ravens FC
Port Balkash Thunder FC
Olan-Araa Bay FC
Istafyr Raiders FC
Port Taras 1876 FC
Samakar Chiefs FC
Vltava FC
Sanford Haven Reapers FC
Carringham Cobras FC
Fourth Division A
Navaylar Gold Star FC
Ameyghun Aces FC
Larbrough City FC
Shamanagyr Athletic FC
Solcor River Moths FC
Cahithebris Claymores FC
Vharamah Bucks FC
Haramo United FC
Beldaza FC
Dawnwood Phoenix FC
Al'Nuur AFC
Mothran Monks FC
Obsidian Crown FC Tikariot City
Baraldhur Blues FC
Fourth Division B
Quarion City Sailors FC
Hagrian Springs Eclipse FC
Crystalwood City FC
Ghivli Town FC
Chayula Raptors FC
Everdale Druids FC
Port Rhovanyon Crusaders FC
Bhaslia AFC
Blackacre Wasps FC
Xanth Strikers FC
Sothross Legion FC
Velenion Eagles FC
Port Tacassam Alliance FC
Tikariot City Wyverns FC
