The scourge of millions of footballing brains across the globe returns tomorrow, as Manchester United face Tottenham at 12:45. And we don't mean Phil Jones.
Fantasy football is back- as is the Balls.ie Fantasy Football Podcast, which you can listen to below for fantasy tips, tricks and even a small bit of messing.
We also want you to get involved in the Balls league, the code for which is 619279-154574.
But first, here's how we've lined our sides up ahead of the coming season. All comments on Twitter and Facebook welcome, we'll address them in the Ballbag™ on next week's podcast.
Here we go...
'Red Red Schwein'
Manager: Mikey Traynor
Manager's thoughts:
This year with the goalkeeper price drop there is no excuse not to go for the best of the best, and that is Thibaut Courtois who has a settled defence in front of him.
I've skimped on the high priced defenders and am hoping for some points from my token Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward. My midfield is stacked mainly because the strikers aren't worth the money with Sanchez and Aguero injured to start the term.
I'm hoping for Benteke to start well, and for Callum Wilson to make the step up to tougher opposition.
'I'm Not Joe Kinnear'
Manager: Conor O'Leary
Manager's Thoughts:
After a year out of the Fantasy Premier League scene, I turned to the emotion of watching my Dad follow Crystal Palace at the end of last season.
The cheap Bolasie, together with an expected upturn from Zaha and Championship POTY Patrick Bamford is the backbone of my team.
Defensive bankers are key, allowing me to bring in Seamus, Clyne and Courtois. Ozil's first full preseason at Arsenal has me enthused.
'The Lead Zeppelins'
Manager: Ricky Mooney
Manager's Thoughts:
I tried to spread the wealth so I would have a decent bench that actually get game time.
I think Wijnaldum will adapt quickly to the Premier League. Rooney is my tip for top goal scorer. Can't see anyone keeping more clean sheets than Courtois.
Hazard is there because he is Hazard.
'Proposition Joes'
Manager: Mark Farrelly
Manager's Thoughts*:
No [I'm not ready for the new season]. I think I'm done with it. I'm going to play it, but I'm playing against my own will. I don't want to play anymore.
*In a late attempt at mind games, Mark has decided to start all of his players this weekend.
'CSKAmus Coleman'
Manager: Gavan Casey
Manager's Thoughts:
This morning I was described as 'the Liverpool of fantasy football.' An absolute nonsense. I am overwhelmingly confident that this is going to be my year.
A few random justifications; Scotty Sinclair is only 5.0, and bagged a hat-trick at Forest last week. Bournemouth away? Surely. He'll also probably take Aston Villa's single penalty this season.
Jordan Henderson finished last season ahead of the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson during a woeful Liverpool campaign. With Benteke to feed and pens to be buried, I reckon he's slipping radars at that 7.5 mark.
'Immaculate Deflaction' - (apparently a typing error has "added a certain sophistication")
Manager: Brian Reynolds
Manager's Thoughts:
At the end of the day here, I've chosen optimism. 6 of my starting lineup had never eaten breakfast in the UK, never mind starred in it's biggest league.
I think that says more about them than me, however.
Big ideas don't appear out of nowhere, they start when you use Max Gradel, a Leeds legend and Premier League debutant on the wing while leaving Danny Rose who left Leeds under a cloud, on the bench with his Belgian friend Jan.
In an era of parking the bus and the false nine, I've gone for a soon to be much heralded false 5 at the back. I'll say this much, it's worked in training.
Aguero on the bench is a decision I've made so I can deflect any of the pressure off the players in the pre match media circus - Kun knows this as our wives holiday in the same chalet at Rainbow Rapids.
Lukakudoodledo
Manager: Donny Mahoney
Manager's Thoughts:
Tempting fate by leaving Aguero and Rooney out.
I'm a terrible starter. Everything hinges on Depay.
Let's hear from you:
Which (if any) side do you reckon is shaped up well ahead of the new campaign? And who will be bowing out in mid-October to focus on other interests?
Absolutely get in touch on Twitter with the hashtag 'Ballbag*,' or Facebook, and we'll discuss some of your kind advice in the Ballbag™ on next week's podcast!
*You absolutely do not have to use that hashtag, but it would be quite, quite funny.
