Stuttgart

Last year's surprising league champions will find it hard to repeat. Although there's no denying the quality of this young squad, and management has strengthened the team with proven veterans in the off-season, they'll have to deal with the additional responsibilities of the Champions League -- and the heavy weight of expectations.

Commercial Manager Horst Heldt has admitted that, in contrast to last season, no one will be taking Stuttgart lightly this year. So much will depend on the performance of new signings Yildiray Bastürk, Ewerthon and Ciprian Marica. But there's one certainty -- Stuttgart will be playing to full houses at home. Season tickets sold out four weeks before the first match.

Asked about his team's chances, Coach Armin Veh said, "We won the league last year without formulating a season goal, and we'll try that again." The odds are against Stuttgart, but a top-five finish should be within their reach.

Coach: Armin Veh

Acquisitions: Raphael Schäfer (Nuremberg), Silvio Meißner (Kaiserslautern, returns from loan), Johannes Rahn (Koblenz), Gledson (Hansa Rostock), Elson (Cruzeiro, returns from loan), Yildiray Bastürk (Hertha Berlin), Georges Mandjeck (Kadji Sport Douala), Ewerthon (Real Saragozza)

Departures: Daniel Bierofka (1860 Munich), Timo Hildebrand (Valencia), Markus Babbel (retired), Dirk Heinen (retired), Heiko Gerber (Ingolstadt), Marco Streller (Basel)