Football Manager 2020 is just around the corner so boot up your laptop and get ready to while away the hours trying to unearth wonderkid regens from Venezuela.

Upon release, we fully intend to spend our time tweaking tactics and instructions in hope of finding the ultimate way to beat opponents in the hyper-realistic management simulation game.

It’s no fun just being Manchester City, Barcelona, Juventus, or Bayern Munich, though. You need to really test your skills every now and again.

Barcelona superstar Antoine Griezmann, amongst many others, is a fan of the series and regularly posts images of his Arsenal save – he clearly loves a challenge too!

But who are the clubs you should be considering to manager as we await the game’s release?

Here talkSPORT.com has taken a look at 15 teams we reckon will really test your skills.

Chelsea (Premier League)

Think you can do better than Frank Lampard? Try it out for yourself.

The club legend is currently dealing with long-term injuries to three starlets, a two-window transfer ban, and the loss of Eden Hazard.

Lampard’s start to life at Stamford Bridge has been mixed but how will you do?

Will you stick with Kurt Zouma, will you pick Cesar Azpilicueta? Give it a go.

Athletic Bilbao (LaLiga)

It’s far too easy just being Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico in Spain. You need to make things tricky.

Why not become boss in Bilbao?

You’re going to have to be an ace at handling young stars as Athletic Club can only sign players with a Basque heritage or Spaniards no older than 16.

The talent of Inaki Williams, Iker Munian, Yeray, and Inigo Martinez will help to start out.

FC Koln (Bundesliga)

Winners of the first ever Bundesliga title in 1963, Effzeh have only won one more since, back in 1977/78, so can you end the drought?

They were promoted back to the top flight last season, winning the second division in Germany.

The managed to retain stars like Timo Horn and Jonas Hector, amongst others, while Simon Terodde was prolific last season – can he cut it in the top flight for you after previous first division struggles?

AC Milan (Serie A)

Financial Fair Play breaches mean the Italians won’t be playing in Europe this season, despite finishing fifth last term.

There’s been another overhaul with their squad as Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, and Ismael Bennacer joining permanently, while Ante Rebic signs on loan with an option to buy.

Out go several former first-teamers like Riccardo Montolivio, Ignazio Abate, Cristian Zapata, as well as youngster Patrick Cutrone, along with several loanees.

Can you get them back into the Champions League where they belong?

Monaco (Ligue 1)

A topsy-turvy 2018/19 saw things get grim on the Cote d’Azur last season and not even Thierry Henry could help them.

It’s a squad which has a mixture of young talents and experienced professionals like Cesc Fabregas, Naldo and Kamil Glik.

The forward line is tasty with Henry Onyekuru, Wissam Ben Yedder, Islam Slimani and Jean-Kevin Augustin joining Stevan Jovetic, Gelson Martins, and Keita Balde.

But can you get them back near the top of the table competing with Paris Saint-Germain and the best in Europe?

Ajax (Eredivisie)

How do you cope with losing two of the world’s most exciting talents?

By managing the Dutch giants you can put yourself in Erik ten Hag’s shoes.

Will you place faith in talents like Perr Schuurs, Kik Pierie, Sergino Dest, or go with experienced stars?

Can you use the club’s new wealth to develop even more wonderkids? Or will you splash the cash on stars from around the globe? It’s a test of shrewdness and being savvy with your finances.

Aberdeen (Scottish Premiership)

Sir Alex Ferguson was the last man to hand The Dons a league title in Scotland back in 1985.

When Rangers weren’t in the top flight recently, they couldn’t capitalise either.

But with you in charge, well, anything could happen.

Sam Cosgrove can get you goals, but can you sort out a leaky defence and put a title bid back on the cards?

Deportivo La Coruna (LaLiga 2)

For 20 years, the Spaniards were one of the top teams in the top flight but now they’re a mid-table second tier side.

Things have changed in Galicia but you can turn the clock back on Football Manager 2020.

You will need to find your own answers to Roy Makaay, Djalminha, Noureddine Naybet, Donato and Mauro Silva.

But if you can, you’ll be a fine gaffer.

Auxerre (Ligue 2)

Guy Roux became player-manager of the club back in 1961 when they were in the fourth tier.

Across 40 years he took them to the top-flight and eventually helped them win the Ligue 1 title in 1996, as well as earning them four Coup de France trophies.

Now, though, they’re back in Ligue 2 and have been for seven campaigns.

The squad needs a little bit of TLC and if you get things right you could be a club legend, just like Roux.

St Pauli (2. Bundesliga)

Everyone loves the left wing ideologies of the Hamburg natives but, despite their global brand, they haven’t been in the first tier since 2011.

This year they even have some Brits in their squad, as Matt Penney and James Lawrence join their ranks.

You might also remember ex-Arsenal man Ryo Miyaichi and former Manchester United academy ace Mats Moller Daehli.

Will you get them promoted ahead of cross-city rivals Hamburg in 2019/20?

Venezia (Serie B)

A bridge too far? Not for someone as skilled in Football Manager as you.

Why not head to the lagoon this year and help the Floating City into Serie A?

Venezia were handed a stunning reprieve this summer as they were set to be sinking into Serie C.

Instead, with Palermo demoted to Serie D due to funding issues, Gli Arancioneroverdi hung onto a spot in the second tier.

This one is a fun task, if you choose to accept it.

Bolton Wanderers (League One)

The Trotters were on the brink just days ago but their salvation now presents you with a real test of Football Manager.

Once in the UEFA Cup playing Bayern Munich, the club has fallen on hard times. Get them back there and you’ll be a local hero forever.

Salford City (League Two)

Fancy having the Class of 92 as your bosses? Why not pitch up at Moor Lane and try to meet their expectations.

You’ll likely to have to adhere to a few philosophies but that’s never stopped you before has it?

Play attacking football, vie for promotion, and bringing through young talent are likely to be among your immediate tasks.

Chorley (National League)

Promoted last season, the Magpies play at Victory Park.

And victories will be needed to keep them in the National League, let alone for a shot at the Football League.

This one is for lower league management veterans and not for the faint-hearted.

Shanghai SIPG (Chinese Super League)

Fancy having Hulk, Oscar, and Marko Arnautovic at your disposal over in the CSL?

It’s still tough to win the title with Paulinho and Anderson Talisca inspiring Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, so you need to be at the top of your game.

Goalkeeping coach Ian Walker will be there to lend you a hand.

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