After the dissappointment of last season's relegation, Beauvais are expected to play their two new signings over the summer period. Bringing in midfielder M Terry during the close season and N Harley after just being relegated last season. With no injuries and a fully fit squad, Beauvais will be looking for the win in their first match against a reasonably weak Anger's side.
The manager has so far avoided commenting strongly on whether he believes Beauvais are good enough to go back up but the board must expect some sort of progress as it was just two seasons ago that Beauvais finished second and were promoted. However whilst promotion should be attainable, ASBO may find it a difficult task to win the division as they face strong competition from Bastia who were also relegated last season, whilst Saint Etienne should also be competitive with a good squad that dissappointed the fans last season but will be hoping to make it this time.
Many other teams will be hoping for promotion, not least Creteil who after losing their manager last season, slumped to the foot of the French Championnat and were also relegated with ASBO and Bastia. Their squad may lack some of the depth of the big teams like Bastia, but with a new season anything could happen. Its difficult to predict who else will join the promotiion battle before a ball has been kicked but we are sure to see some suprises this season.