Red Bull Salzburg

Finished second last season, which was not good enough for the Red Bull project, especially given their plethora of talented players. Subsequently brought in a change of manager in Lijnders. He's brought in some players but not as many as usual so the squad should be of a similar level to last season, which is enough to all but guarantee a top two finish. They've trialled a 4-3-3 under Lijnders but are yet to look any more comfortable. There's something of an unrest at the club with faces yet to both come and go. Those likely to be heading out of the door for various reasons are Pavlovic, Dedic, Simic, Sucic, and Solet. All of them can be replaced (Dedic would be the hardest to replace though) but nothing seems to be happening until players leave. They're likely to start the season slowly. New manager, new formation, key playmaker Gloukh could miss the first few rounds due to the Olympics, still GK troubles with Schlager injured and new signing Blaswich injured (although could be back for the season opener). Have lost Fernando to a bad injury again, and likely new midfielder Kawamura too so it may take some time to get going. Despite their complications and somewhat limited transfer activity, do not underestimate them. The conveyer belt that is Red Bull has about four players per position waiting in the wings should anybody leave so this team will compete for the title, one way or another. As is becoming more and more common, this team's biggest problem is mentality; they don't play like winners. Their style of football is not that of a team that dominates. Individuals carry them through games; the team generally doesn't impress as a group. They want the title but it may elude them unless Lijnders can galvanise the group.