Top cat: Harmen's Andy Okin 

Having held on to virtually all their players over the summer, Southgate Harmen A start the campaign as strong favourites.

Relegation last season hit everyone at the club hard but striker Alex Bourne, who is engaged to Pop singer Rachel Stevens, is expected to terrorise rival defences.

Lloyd Becker and Paul Stein will give new boss Dan Uzan a selection headache as to which striker to play alongside his main man. Ben Nassim has re-signed from London Maccabi Lions while the experience of keeper Andrew Okin and captain Jonathan Hirshler will be key.

Temple Fortune, who are 40 this year, will be led by Andrew Souber after Garry Simpson moved into Maccabi Masters football. QPR fan Souber, who will be assisted by Lee Fegan, has signed John Fisher and Paul Walker in a team that takes on a younger look with several promising players joining the ranks. Newcomers include Adam and Ben Glekin, Mike Maxwell, Gideon Wetrin, for his second spell, and David Selby. They join a competitive squad together with Ollie Buckley, Jonathan Cohen, Richard Cooper, leading goal-scorer Ben Isaacs, Rob Jay, Gav Levy and Ollie Squires.

"We are optimistic of being competitive this season," said Souber. "We have virtually a new team after the older players, who have served us so well over many seasons, have moved on to Masters football."
Fegan added: "With a steady friendly campaign under its belt, the team are really starting to gel and can't wait for the big kick off. We certainly are not here to make up the numbers."

London Maccabi Lions C will be led by Frank Steinberg and Paul Buxton. The dynamic duo have taken over from Laurence Swerner and are aiming to establish themselves in the division.

Ed Zneimer has rejoined and has formed a very effective partnership in central midfield with Craig Henry.
Jonathan Green, Guy Marks and James Stanley have impressed in pre-season and, together with a few others, have come to the attention of the A and B team managers.

Steinberg said: "The strength of the team is based on the blend of exciting youngsters with the experience and discipline of the more senior players."

North London Raiders B hope the loss of Adam Posner to their A team will not hamper their chances.

North West Neasden C have also lost a couple of influential figures after Paul Andrews and Richard Haring joined pastures new.

Red Sea hope to challenge for the title. Manager Dan Wynne believes his squad is "of a very high standard". Ilan Shaki, Gideon Gold and the Benfredj brothers are their main men.

FC Heath, Holy Mount Zion, Rapid Banta and Southgate Harmen B complete the division.