FC Winterthur

Season opener opponents FC Basel poached manager Alexander Frei from them pre-season, so he’s been replaced by Bruno Berner. They’ve lost a number of important players since getting promoted so they’ve had to make plenty of signings. Therefore, cohesion early in the campaign may be a problematic area for the newcomers. Berner is expected to improve their defending. Were promoted last season because of superb attacking, and that has been their focus on the recruitment front too. Ballet’s loan has been made permanent, Chiappetta has joined on loan from FC Basel, promising youngster Di Giusto joined from Vaduz and, most importantly of all, Kamberi arrived from St. Gallen. He’s not been at his best for a couple of years but could get the goals they’ll undoubtedly need if they’re to stay up. Will need CB Lekaj enormously if they’re to stand a chance because their defence is not really equipped to handle this level, especially not after losing goalkeeper Spiegel, who has been replaced by Fayulu, and defender Isik too. The big problem for Winterthur this season will be chance creation. The burden rested with Ramizi, Ltaief, and Alves last season but the latter duo have now moved on. Rodriguez was recruited to be one of the solutions but he’s unpredictable due to a weak mentality, although like all of the Rodriguez brothers he has astounding technique on his day and thus is worth a punt. May end up playing more directly than they’d like. Key players: Kamberi, Ramizi, Lekaj.