With the Super 8 stage set to kick off this weekend after a 3 week break. ThePapare.com looks at what can be expected from the 8 teams taking part in the final stage of the tournament.
Air Force SC
Air Force have one of the best lineups in the league but only just made the cut for this stage.
They have some very talented young forwards who have troubled defences all season long, and in Sampath Perera they have a coach who can bring the best out their squad.
They performed well against the teams that made the Super 8 from Group B which would give them confidence going into the next round.
Army SC
Army was the most impressive of the teams in the group stage and the only team that are unbeaten at present.
This year they have a great chance of clinching the championship they narrowly missed out on last year given their form and squad depth.
Their entire front line has been among the goals with Thivanka Chandrasekara proving to be an excellent replacement for whenever their star forward Issadeen needs a break.
Defensively they have not been watertight though and they will need to improve on that if they are to win the title this year.
Blue Star SC
Blue Star has endured a season where their performances varied between brilliant and mediocre.
They were inconsistent in the group stage and much work will have to go in to perform at the same level they did when they sealed qualification in the final gameweek.
They have a capable lineup with talented players across the field, but too often it was a case of one aspect of their game letting them down. They should not be underestimated though and can surprise any opposition if given the chance.
Colombo FC
The defending champions have not looked as invincible as they did last season but are still very capable of pulling off a title defence.
Missing some of their foreign stars from last season, including league MVP Bodri Dimitri, their injury hit side lost against all other 3 teams that made the Super 8s from Group A.
However with players returning from injury and with nothing to lose in the final stage of the competition, it would be foolish to bet against them roaring back into top gear.
Navy SC
Navy endured a solid but unspectacular group stage campaign with a squad packed with experience but lacking in pace and youth.
They could potentially struggle in the Super 8 stage against the faster, stronger teams. They are usually organized in defence and make themselves difficult to break down and can test the patience of opposition forward line which will make them a tricky proposition.
New Youngs SC
Few would have expected New Youngs to qualify in second place with the difficult draw in Group B, but they proved everyone wrong by doing so quite comfortably.
They possess a well balanced side with a good mix of experience and youth as well as foreign and local talent.
They struggled against Renown in the group stage, and could find it difficult against them again and against the likes of Army, Colombo FC and Solid as well in the Super 8 stage.
Renown SC
Renown enjoyed a comfortable group stage campaign in what was touted as the tougher of the two groups, registering seven wins in their campaign.
They also were the joint highest goal scorers in the group stage with 26 goals; a testament to their attacking prowess. They have a well settled squad which has played together for a long time, and after missing out on both the DCL last year and FA Cup this year, there is no better time for them to win a major title.
Solid SC
After enduring a disappointing campaign last year, the 2014 champions are back among the top 8 teams of the league competing for the title.
Many of the familiar faces from their 2014 campaign are back at the club once again which enabled them to regain their position as a force in the top flight.
Defensively they have been strong but at the other end they have struggled to convert some of the opportunities that have come their way, which resulted in three group stage draws. Their strength is undoubtedly in their midfield packed with a good balance of talent and experience.
