Skočić cool despite Zahora aura

Dragan Skočić is loath to talk up NK IB Ljubljana's Slovenian title hopes, saying: "Even at Real Madrid [CF] they don't say that at the start of the season."

Star quality
Having overcome FK Zeta of Montenegro in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, the team formerly known as NK Factor are many pundits' favourites to take the title, having retained the star players who helped them secure last season's Slovenian Cup – Aleksandar Rodič, Martin Pregelj, Darijan Matič, Ermin Rakovič, Matjaz Rozman. FC Koper's Amer Jukan has also swelled their ranks.

Zahora factor
However, their most telling signing has been striker Dario Zahora. Last season's top scorer with champions NK Domžale, the Croatian found the target in both of IB Ljubljana's opening league games, both of them draws. Coach Skočić said: "It's no secret that our aims are high. But will we win the title and the cup? Even at Real Madrid they don't say that at the start of the season."

Useful signings
For the moment, NK Celje are top of the Slovenian table, with Slaviša Stojanović showing the same coaching magic touch as he did in winning the last two titles with Domžale. The one-time NK Publikum have made useful signings like Spasoje Bulajič, Aleš Puš, Sebastijan Gobec and Aleš Kačičnik, but whether they can sustain their form over a long season is a moot point.

Kirm coveted
New coach Dejan Plevnik will look to lead Domžale to a third successive title despite losing Zahora, Dražen Žeželj and Siniša Janković during the summer, as well as sporting director Nenad Protega. Plevnik says his side "still have the quality to compete for top places" but that class may be diminished if they lose classy midfielder Andraž Kirm, who is widely tipped for a move abroad.

Maribor goal
Seven-time champions NK Maribor could yet find themselves in the hunt for the crown if sporting director Zlatko Zahovič's plans come to fruition. A young, talented side with much improved support at their refitted Ljudski Vrt Stadium, they are led by former Slovenia captain Darko Milanič, who said: "There is still a to do at Maribor, but we are on right track. Our goal is to finish in the top three. Favourites for the title? Domžale and IB Ljubljana."