As expected by many (and predicted in this column back in March) the Belgians have begun their quest to return to Division one following their atrocious performance in 2013. However their path is far from clear, they have some formidable opponents standing in their way.

Germany should probably be considered favourites to gain promotion to Division 1. They have been consistent at European level. It was not too many years ago that Germany were in the WCL structure, and they will be hungry to return (which probably requires their presence in Division 1 next year).

2013 was a good season for the Germans, without being an excellent one. They came 6th in the Continental T20 back in May, losing the 5th and 6th play-off with France by just 2 wickets in a low scoring thriller. Notably Belgium were rooted to the bottom of the Continental T20 table.

Germany also came up against the French in their group of Division 1, again they came off second best in another close contest. However they finished above both the Isle of Man and Belgium. This record, and their strong bowling attack and solid top order should stand them in good stead come next week.

Austria came 6th in Div 1 last year, so on paper they may look to be the team to beat. They also put in a fantastic performance vs Italy - they only lost by 11 runs. Unfortunately for the Austrians the rest of their tournament was very disappointing.

They undoubtedly benefitted from being in the easier of the two groups last year, and as such their final standing may have been inflated somewhat. This is evidenced by the fact that despite France having tight games with the Isle of Man, Belgium and Germany, the Austrians lost by 84 runs vs France, having been cleaned up for just 67.

The remaining teams in the tournament; Norway, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, all have their strengths. However their respective performances last year suggest that they have too many weaknesses to be serious competition for the top 3 sides - although anyone prepared to write any team off at European level is a braver man than I.

So who will be victorious? Austria's inconsistency makes them dangerous, but also indicates that they won't have the staying power to win the tournament outright.

Belgium won Division 3, however not without a stumble against the Spanish. Had the Spanish chased their target in 3 fewer balls, then the Belgians would not even be in Division 2. Despite this, expect the Belgians to thrive on grass. Both Abdul Rehman and Brighton Watambwa will use their experience with the ball to cause their opponents all sorts of problems.

Despite their undoubted class with the ball, their top order collapses all too often. Fortunately for their batsmen, the Belgian lower order bails them out almost as frequently. Although on turf wickets these lower-order-escapes may be header to come by.

So it seems that the tournament will be between the consistent Germans, and the unpredictable Belgians, but don't be too surprised to see a few upsets. If there is anything predictable about European cricket, then it is that you can expect the unexpected.