Greetings to you and happy hump day. The countdown to the CM Cup continues as KOTR looks at Groups E-H. Who is your metaphorical money on?

Footballacumen won’t need too much acumen to get these Spanish boys rolling. 9 players in the top 100 and 68 players in the top 1,000…maybe there is room to over think it? Their top 22 players have an average ability of 168.

Mark is geared up for penalties with an efficient draw in Germany. 10 players in the top 100 and 90 players in the top 1,000, not qualifying from this would be a sin. An average ability of 171 for their top 22 players should give them enough. Hopefully they’re not all 9’s and 10’s.

Blog squad regular Nick is flying the South American flag in Group E. With 1 in the top 100 and 8 in the top 1,000 Nick has his work cut out. Nick’s best players have 142 for their average ability so he’ll be hoping Salas can carry them.

Harry rounds up Group E having taken on the challenge of Japan that nobody wanted. Japan have 1 player in the top 1,000 and their 5 players with any set ability average 125. The ageless Miura will surely get a run out, but will he get a goal? Don’t hold your breath. Good luck Harry!

Tom draws a decent team as he’ll take a Belgium side into this group who have Luis Oliveira in the top 100 and 15 players in the top 1,000. Their best 22 players have an average ability of 150. I’ve never heard of Dante Brogno but maybe he’ll make Tom’s squad?

Kiota Gaming…well you have to feel for the uphill struggle they’ll have, although theh Aussies have been known to escape their group in CM9798 during the World Cup from time to time. Only 1 player in the top 1,000 and Paul Okon isn’t really up to much at all. Their top 22 players average 125 for ability.

Paddy is back again this year, and this time it’s Morocco. With 3 players in the top 1,000, they’re already going better than the Aussie’s! Will we see Chippo and Kachloul? They’re in the top 22 who average 134. Sit back, grab a mint tea, and let Belgium and Croatia get on with it Paddy…

Our own Deano is presented with an un-failable challenge of escaping the group. Sorry for the curse Deano. 3 players in the top 100 (1 in the top 15) and 16 in the top 1,000, Croatia aren’t a bad little outfit. Their top 22 average 154…if there’s an ‘ic’, they’ll scratch it.

Tactics expert Nikolai has probably pulled the best side in the draw out the hat. With 10 players in the top 100 and 73 players in the top 1,000, not escaping this group would be criminal. Averaging a 172 for ability, 2nd only to Italy, you wouldn’t bet against them.

Former champion and Blog Squad member Ross Bell has drawn everyone’s CM9798 favourites Norway. 20 players in the top 1,000 and Bye-Andersen their top man (165) they average an ability of 153. I do hear Ross is ignoring ability and going for reality…good luck Ross!

Daniel has the unenviable task of getting beyond Norway and Brazil with Switzerland. Just 7 players in the top 1,000 and averaging 146 for ability, they’ve got a chance, even if one of their best players is aged 38…

CharleMagne has drawn Cameroon. 2 players in the top 1,000 their best 22 average an ability of 134. I think there’s not much to say other than, if Cameroon mastermind a way out of this group, I’ll eat my own arsehole*.

*will not eat my own arsehole, just a figure of speech to demonstrate the enormity of the challenge.

Former champion and Blog Squad member Rob has been presented with a marvellous opportunity to fly under the radar. Portugal are blessed. 6 in the top 100, 26 in the top 1,000. Just let Rob check the tactics, and that will do. Their best squad averages a 161, close enough to give the big boys ago with the right system.

Liam picks up the challenge of Ghana. And you’re not Ghana believe it. Spoiler, you will. 7 players mostly hanging around the bottom of the best 1,000, there’s not much depth. The best 22 average 138 for ability.

Homer Simpson fans, prepare to giggle. Another former champion, and recent blogger Dan takes on Uruguay, right up his South American street of interest. 3 players in the top 100 and 13 in the top 1,000. It’s enough to work with. The ratings aren’t bad with an average of 153 for the best 22 but it won’t be a breeze.

Bringing up the rump of this group are Wales led by Blog Squad member Philip. 1 in the top 100, 3 in the top 1,000; it’s feasible Lee Nogan could make the squad – breathe that in! At an average ability of 130, they’ve got it all to do.