Some interesting title races around Europe with possibility of first time winners or champs for the first time in a long time
- There will almost certainly be a new champion in Turkey, the 'big three' Istanbul clubs are all awful this season (partly due to financial problems). Basaksehir who choked the title away last season have a four point lead over Trabzonspor. IB never won the Turkish league before, Trabzonspor are banned from Europe so even if they win the title no Champions League for them.
- Still six rounds to go in Switzerland but the surprise leaders are St. Gallen, who won the Swiss title twice, almost centuries apart (1904 and 2000). They have a one point lead over Young Boys who have won back to back titles. Basel, who recently dominated the league look like they won't win the title for the third season running but kept their slim hopes alive beating YB today
- In Slovenia we could see a first time champion, Celje are one point behind Olimpija Ljubljana with three rounds to go. Olimpija are the new force in Slovenia with the backing of Milan Mandaric (former chairman of Pompey, Leicester and Sheffield Wed) but have been inconsistent this season and firing coaches left and right. Celje are certainly a major surprise, mostly a mid-table club in their history and winning only 3 matches out of 12 (not counting Intertoto Cup) in their Euro history. Their one trophy since the breakup of Yugoslavia was a cup in the mid-2000s, in the 60s they won the 'Slovenian Republic League' which was essentially the 3rd division in the old Yugo football pyramid