5 promoted clubs around Europe who will surprise us this season 

The classic excuses of they won’t make the leap, they can’t compete financially or they were even lucky to get there means that in some eyes, they have no chance.

But more often than not, we see at least one new club in each league across Europe do something a little special. Whether that’s avoiding relegation on a shoe-string budget, their positive football turning into strong results in a good league or even challenging for the European spots.

While it might be tough to predict that final point, whatever feats should come their way in 2017/18, here are five teams that will open your eyes this season.

---

#5 Strasbourg

A fairy-tale of a resurrected giant, Strasbourg are finally back in the big time. Two successive promotions from the National to Ligue 1 see the former six-time league winners look to re-establish themselves among the French elite.

They secured the services of Thierry Laurey last season, who almost kept tiny Gazelec Ajaccio in the division two years ago, before going on a little spending spree. Jonas Martin has great Ligue 1 experience, Idriss Saadi should bring them goals and Bingourou Kamara is highly rated by teams in Europe.

That potent mix, combined with a positive style and a chairman wanting to build for a future in the top flight, should see them do just that. They are not here to simply make up the numbers or even scrap for survival, Strasbourg are here to compete.

#4 Girona FC

Do not be fooled by their small stadia or their first-ever appearance in the top flight of Spanish football, Girona are here to make a mark. A mark with a fair few Manchester City loanees in tow but a mark nonetheless.

Their new relationship with the Premier League giants, who own part of the club alongside Pep Guardiola’s brother Pere, has given them quite the boost ahead of the La Liga season. Players like Pablo Maffeo, Aleix Garcia and Marlos Moreno are well thought of at the Etihad Stadium and have been sent out to gain valuable experience they can bring back next season.

Not only that, signing experienced La Liga players like Cristhian Stuani and Gorka Iraizoz shows not only the pull of the club but what they are looking to build. Don’t expect them to be another hotbed for short-term deals, it’s looking like they also want to become a permanent fixture in Spain’s top flight.

#3 Hellas Verona

Despite a disappointing drop two years ago, Hellas have sprung back up like a spring chicken. Now they are back in Serie A, they are looking to avoid all the mistakes that cost them last time out.

That begins with not signing old players for big deals. Antonio Cassano fiasco aside, the club have done a decent job in mixing in a few youthful faces alongside more seasoned veterans like Alessio Cerci and club captain Giampaolo Pazzini.

Adding more to the defence was needed too, with a new goalkeeper and a slew of defensive loanees in tow, so they should be better off than last time out. Whether it’s enough in the long term remains to be seen but for the 2017/18 season, they have enough not to be as embarrassing as they were last time.

#2 Stuttgart

The relegation two season ago stung. The 2007 champions, the fifth-largest sporting entity in Germany, were sent down to the 2. Bundesliga to absolve their mistakes.

And so they did, winning the division not quite in the spectacular fashion they’d hoped but regardless, they are back where they feel they belong. A mixture of youth products, Bundesliga veterans and clever signings give them much more hope that they can rebuild into a powerhouse once again.

Now consistency will be key, which will mean sticking with Hannes Wolf and giving him their full backing. So many big clubs in the German top flight stumble due to short-sightedness and if they can just ride out any small storms, they could even take on the jumble of sides looking at Europe.

#1 Huddersfield Town

Having already shocked the viewing public with a 3-0 slamming of Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, watch out for Huddersfield Town.

Managed by the enigmatic David Wagner, who brought the Jurgen Klopp-esque Gegenpress to Yorkshire, the team will live and die by his hand. Some are still slightly in disbelief he’s still at the John Smith Stadium but the German seems proud to lead his troop through their first adventure in England’s top flight since the 1960s.

They’ve made some shrewd signings, such as Montpellier’s top goalscorer Steve Mounie and securing player of the season Aaron Mooy on a permanent deal from Manchester City. Both will be integral to increasing their quality from last season while adding to a tightly-nit dressing room.

So long as they avoid fading like they did in the second half of last season, the Terriers’ scrappy side will cause unprepared teams problems.