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10 hours to pass until the 2007-08 Winter season officially breaks off with the customary opening fixture being League Cup matches. The league cup is a long process that runs way into Spring 2008, and the opening group stage is all about securing a top 2 spot...

My thoughts......

Group 1: The defending champions, Hot Shots, open their account tonight at home v White Horse. Looks a very comfortable group for Hot Shots. So playing for 2nd spot: London Slates and possibly new team Elmer Cue Masters.

Group 2: Drillers are favourites and have a bye tonight. Magnum Force host Pawleyne Arms tonight - the other two sides likely to press for qualification.

Group 3: Group on paper looks easy, so Rack Pack will win it with the SAS being the main contenders. Warriors pose the outside threat in this group.

Group 4: Coney with div 1 status probably start as slight favourites for the group, though the Legion are the main danger. The Addicts will be touting to get in amongst the Coney & Legion to sneak a qualify spot.

Group 5: Eagles should win the group easily, but interesting opening encounter tonight v Goodfellas. Possible Evans v Evans match? Come on! Make it happen! Other main challengers in this group are Forum A & Bloodhounds who both meet tonight.

Group 6: One of the two 'Group of Deaths', so Pond Q's v Coach & Horses tonight is a big opening match for both sides in this group. My team open up tonight against one of the group minnows. Imperials are the other team who will believe they can get out of this group.

Group 7: The Farley stable has 3 of their sides in this group so plenty of local derby matches floating around down at the Theatre of Dreams. The main two sides play tonight, Brom Cuemasters and Propeller. In the end, both should qualify.

Group 8: The other 'Group of Death'. 5 sides capable of getting in the top 2. Unpreds v Patriots tonight being the feature game. 193's, Warbank and Flying Machine may have to play second fiddle to 1st division sides, however, all 3 have the players capable of making phase 2.