Normal service resumes in Moldova

No room for complacency 
The reigning champions have a nine-point lead over second-placed FC Zimbru Chisinau - yet both clubs know there is no room for complacency. Last season the Tiraspol side trailed Zimbru by the same margin at the halfway stage only to pip them to the title.

Sheriff get Stoichita 
Not that Sheriff lack confidence about their title defence. The recent appointment of Mihai Stoichita as first-team coach suggests they are already looking towards a potential UEFA Champions League campaign. "I am sure we will reach the targets set before us," Stoichita said. "I promise we will play attractive football and the title will stay in Tiraspol."

Ringing the changes 
Incredibly, the experienced Romanian is the fourth trainer to occupy the Sheriff hot seat this season. It has been the same story elsewhere. New faces at FC Agro Chisinau, FC Nistru Otaci and FC Tiligul mean all eight top-flight clubs have changed manager this term. Another novelty is the return from exile of Agro. The capital's second team will play their home matches in Chisinau after three years based in Speia, 70 miles away.

History makers 
Over at Zimbru, meanwhile, coach Nicolai Mandricenco has strengthened his squad with the signings of Moldova Under-21 internationals Serghey Darii and Anatoly Stavila and defender Serghey Stroenco. Mandricenco may also blood some of the country's history-making Under-17 team - the first Moldovan XI to reach a UEFA European Championship finals.

A happy ending? 
But while Zimbru and Sheriff race for the championship, there is no guarantee of a happy ending. Quite literally. FC Happy End Camenca face an uncertain future, and could quit the Divizia Nationala having already withdrawn from the Moldovan Cup. On Sunday, they entertain FC Constructorul-93 Chisinau while Sheriff face Nistru, and Tiligul go to FC Hincesti. The pick of the matches, though, is the derby between Agro and Zimbru.