Ilves Tampere

Ilves had a difficult 2022 and they finished only 9th. The Lynxes were scoring plenty of goals, but they were conceding way too many too and 11 defeats in 27 games was too much for them to hope for more. The after-effects of COVID have hit Ilves hard and the team’s finances are reported to be in a very bad shape. This explains why as many as 7 regulars from last season left the club already this winter. Those include the main goalkeeper Leislahti, the pair of starting centre-backs Almen and Manga, the crucial left-back Ollila, main playmaker Siira and the 2 top goalscorers Meriluoto and Ngueukam. With the money so tight Ilves are hardly able to replace all those and so far they have added only 5 new players to their ranks. Virtanen comes from KuPS and is expected to be the new main goalkeeper as all other options are inexperienced teenagers. Captain Miettunen will once again be key figure in defence. Ilves remain without a typical left-back on their books though. It seems at least for now Yakubu will be used in the role but he is more of a winger. In midfield all will revolve around Arifi and Pennanen as long as they stay fit. Both are injury-prone and both missed large chunks of last season. Up front all eyes will be on the Swedish striker Larsson and the Bermudian winger Parfitt- Williams. Ilves can ill-afford any injuries or suspensions as they currently have only 18 field players in their first team.