The CM Cup is coming, and everybody’s jumping. The tournament gets underway on Sunday 6th November so here’s KOTR to give you a rundown of the groups

Current holder Dave Mathieson will be hoping the luck of the Irish helps him become the first winner to retain the cup. The Irish have 1 player in the top 100 CM9798 players (Roy Keane) and 3 in the top 1,000. Of their top 22 players, their average is 136.

Next up its Blog Squad member Zak, hoping for a Turnip for the books with the Swedes. Sweden have no players in the top 100, but they do have 20 in the top 1,000. The average ability of their top 22 players is 154.

Former champion FPLHints will be hoping the Super Eagles can take it to the limit rather than take it easy. With no players in the top 100, and 12 in the top 1,000, Nigeria have an average ability of 148 for their top 22 players.

Rounding up the group is Tom and his Dutch total footballers. The Dutch have 11 players in the top 100, and they have 78 in the top 1,000. Their top 22 players have an average ability of 170. Will they make it through or famously implode on the big day?

Tony (representing FMTPod) will be hoping managing this England side doesn’t drive them to therapy! England, as you’d expect, have 7 players in the top 100. They do however, have 48 in the top 1,000 including Wimbledon’s Chris Perry…let’s hope he’s selected! For CM9798 enthusiasts, Peter Beardsley just misses out on the top 1,000 (1,002). The average ability of their top 22 players is 169.

Our very own KingOfTheRooks has a plumb draw in Angola, whose squad practically picks itself! Angola have no players in the top 100 or the top 1,000. Finishing bottom of this group will be a success. The average ability of their top 22 players is 118. #prayforangola

Another blog squad member Matt Wills is having a Yank or two. Whilst they have no superstars, they have 6 players in the top 1,000…that’s 6 more than Angola! Their top 22 players have an average ability of 134.

Dan rounds up this group, hoping his Scots can stand the heat in Qatar CM9798. Scotland have 10 players in the top 1,000 and they’ll be hoping that counts for something. Their best 22 players have an average ability of 146.

We welcome Stu to the CM Cup for the first time, and he’s pulled a rabbit out the hat. Argentina have 2 players in the top 100 and 28 in the top 1,000. Their best 22 players have an average ability of 161 so Stu will be hoping that 190 Batigol pulls no punches.

PES DNA have also had a blinder in the draw. Italy are stacked. They have 10 players in the top 100 and 158 players in the top 1,000. Their best 22 players average 173 for ability, as long as Baresi comes out of retirement.

Retrofootballnw get arguably one of the best teams in the draw. And by one of the best, we mean one of the worst. No players in the top 100 and 2 in the top 1,000 they are at least, better than Angola. Their top-rated players have an average ability of 128. Free Transfer Serge-Alain Maguy and his 170 ability will be vital to their plans.

Jakob rounds up this group with his bunch of pops…poles sorry, poles. Poland have 11 players in the top 1,000, Guingamp’s Marek Jozwiak their star man with 167 ability. Their average ability of 146 for their top 22 players isn’t too bad if Jakob can get a tune from them.

Friend of the blog Ross picks up the French. 7 players in the top 100 and 78 in the top 1,000 Ross has fine cuisine for thought. With their top 22 players having an average ability of 170, they are right up there as one of the favourites.

Nathan is learning to love blondes as he takes Romania to the task. With 1 in the top 100 and 15 in the top 1,000 it isn’t too bad. Their best 22 players have 150 for average ability. Worth a punt? No. Sorry Nathan.

Tom comes away with a very decent draw in Denmark. Peter Schmeichel in the top 100 and 6 players in the top 1,000 doesn’t sound like much, until you remember that’s season 1 Peter Schmeichel. Tom’s top 22 players have an average ability of 145.

Bringing up the rear of this group is Michael representing Quickly Kevin. Their best players coming from Bolton, Barnsley and Kocaelispor is enough to make you wince. 3 players in the top 1,000 and their best 22 players stand with an average ability of 119.