The 2008 edition of the Chinese Super League kicks off this weekend, just as it did on its inauguration 14 years ago, with a curtain-raiser in the south western city of Chengdu. Chengdu Blades, who earned promotion to the top-flight as runners-up of the second division, are hoping to get off their campaign to a good start when they play host to Liaoning on Saturday.

On the same day, two former league winners cross swords in Shanghai, with Shenhua entertaining Shenzhen, before the other 12 teams lock horns in the remaining matches of the opening round on Sunday.

Changchun count on emerging talent
On Sunday, many people's eyes will be on Changchun Yatai, last season's surprise winners who open the defence of their title with a trip to Changsha Ginde. The Jilin-based club, under former national striker Gao Hongbo, took the 2007 season by storm as they swept past many traditional heavyweights to clinch the title in only their second year in the Super League.

The team, however, could be victims of their own success. As defending champions, the pressure is on coach Gao and his side to live up to the growing expectations, while a cluster of rivals are keen to mount a serious challenge. Added to the difficulties, they are scheduled to play some key games in May without several of their star players, who will link up the national team in the build-up for the FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches in June.

The job of retaining the title, thus, falls on their foreign players as well as their youngsters, a fact Gao readily admitted. "The team's performance this year will be largely down to the strength of our squad," the 42-year-old told FIFA.com. "I am hoping our young players will be able to rise to the occasion to shore up the team."

He had a chance to take stock of the players at his disposal in their second AFC Champions League match on 19 March, when an under-strength side earned a point against Australia's Adelaide United. "The result shows that we can still be competent in the absence of our national players," concluded Gao.

Pretenders to the throne
The main threat to Changchun are four of the league's all-time powerhouses, including Beijing Guoan, last season's runners-up, who suffered the agony of missing out on the title by a single point.. The team from the capital have never won the C-league but under experienced Korean coach Lee Sang-Soo, they are hoping to break their duck this year.

Dalian Shide, the former 'super giants' and eight-time winners, will meet Qingdao Zhongneng on Sunday. An opening day victory could kick-start the team's revival of fortunes as they target their ninth title. Boasting defender Feng Xiaoting and striker Zhu Ting, who have been figuring prominently with both China's senior and Olympic teams, Dalian have the talent to return to the top.

The loss of Zheng Zhi, who has since been making waves with Charlton, had major repercussions for Shandong Luneng's chances last year. Eventually they finished third, but have since found an able replacement for the midfielder in the form of Zhou Haibin. With Han Peng and Li Jinyo spearheading the attack, Shandong should not be underestimated.

Two-time champions Shanghai Shenhua, under Wu Jingui, are also a team to watch. Captained by national defender Li Weifeng, the team also have their eyes on the ultimate prize.