Following a dominant performance in Division One last year, much is expected of the Saracens first string in their Men’s Premier League debut in Manx hockey this weekend.

But they would probably have hoped it would be against slightly easier opposition as they take on Valkyrs A, although the latter have gone through a significant change this year with many younger players getting chances in the first team.

Saracens, although experienced as a squad, have no experience at the top level therefore Valkyrs will be the favourites - if Saracens expect to compete at this level, they need to earn it against the likes of a difficult Valkyrs side.

Elsewhere in the Men’s Premier League, Ramsey A will hope to kick start their season when they take on Vikings B.

The northerners proved a thorn in the side of many teams in this division last year and Vikings will need to guard against complacency.

l In the Women’s Premier League, Saracens A will be hoping they can improve on last week’s loss to the championship holders when they take on Bacchas A who also struggled in their previous outing and are going through a rebuilding process.

Both sides will be desperate to earn victory and, given Bacchas’ pedigree at this level, they will be the favourites.

Vikings A will be looking to overcome a Castletown A side that also struggled last week despite exceeding expectations last year. Elsewhere, Valkyrs will strive to maintain their lead at the top when they welcome Ramsey A.

l Valkyrs B narrowly lost to Vikings B last week in Men’s Division One in what could be seen as a slight surprise for the team in blue who were challenging for promotion last year.

Expect the westerners to be up for their game against a strong Bacchas B side who are currently top of the table.

There is an inter-club derby on the cards when Vikings C take on their B side, with both teams having a good blend of youth and experience but the B outfit just shading it on quality.

Castletown A will hope to kickstart their season when they take on Harlequins A this weekend and will be desperate to put points on the board early on to stave off any thoughts of being in a relegation battle.

l Women’s Division One sees a battle expected when the All Blacks of Vikings B take on the westerners Valkyrs B.

The latter had a storming start to their campaign following victory last Saturday while Vikings will be disappointed to have lost to Harlequins A in what was a tight game.

Elsewhere, Castletown B will be bitterly disappointed with the nature of their loss to Valkyrs B last time out and will be hoping they can put up more of a fight when they take on Bacchas B who are keen to keep pace with those at the top of the table.

Saracens, although experienced as a squad, have no experience at the top level therefore Valkyrs will be the favourites - if Saracens expect to compete at this level, they need to earn it against the likes of a difficult Valkyrs side.

Elsewhere in the Men’s Premier League, Ramsey A will hope to kick start their season when they take on Vikings B.

The northerners proved a thorn in the side of many teams in this division last year and Vikings will need to guard against complacency.

Both sides will be desperate to earn victory and, given Bacchas’ pedigree at this level, they will be the favourites.

Vikings A will be looking to overcome a Castletown A side that also struggled last week despite exceeding expectations last year. Elsewhere, Valkyrs will strive to maintain their lead at the top when they welcome Ramsey A.

Expect the westerners to be up for their game against a strong Bacchas B side who are currently top of the table.

There is an inter-club derby on the cards when Vikings C take on their B side, with both teams having a good blend of youth and experience but the B outfit just shading it on quality.

Castletown A will hope to kickstart their season when they take on Harlequins A this weekend and will be desperate to put points on the board early on to stave off any thoughts of being in a relegation battle.

The latter had a storming start to their campaign following victory last Saturday while Vikings will be disappointed to have lost to Harlequins A in what was a tight game.

Elsewhere, Castletown B will be bitterly disappointed with the nature of their loss to Valkyrs B last time out and will be hoping they can put up more of a fight when they take on Bacchas B who are keen to keep pace with those at the top of the table.