Division One of the European Championship gets underway on Saturday in Jersey, with the final place in July's global World Twenty20 Qualifier set to be decided.

As part of the ICC's "increasing opportunities for associates" agenda, it's all change from the last Division One tournament in 2013, with the field of 12 reduced to 6 due to the culling of teams from regional tournaments and the number of qualifiers reduced from 2 to 1 due to a combination of the size of the qualifier being cut from 16 teams to 14 and Denmark's poor performance in the last two global qualifiers, in which they finished last on both occasions.

Defending champions Italy will probably start the tournament as favourites. With much of the same side that won in 2013, they are the most experienced side at this level in the tournament. Since the last event, Carl Sandri had a brief - though uneventful - stint in the 2013/14 Big Bash League season, and Italy will no doubt be hoping he can bring some of his experience from that tournament to this one.

Denmark have two experienced players in former county professionals Freddie Klokker and Amjad Khan. Klokker played what was probably the best innings ever seen in a European tournament in the 2013 semi-final when he smashed 129 from 64 balls against Guernsey. He will no doubt be hoping to pull off something similar this year.

Amjad Khan played one Test and one T20I for England back in 2009, so brings some top level international experience to the tournament - his first ICC Europe event in 15 years. He made his return to the Danish side at the WCL Division 4 tournament last year, though he was unable to help his team to promotion. The key for Denmark will be to not rely too much on those experienced players.

Hosts Jersey can't be completely ruled out from upsetting the previous order in European cricket and moving past Italy and Denmark. They weren't that far from eliminating Italy at the semi-final stage in 2013, and have developed since then. One of the most exciting developments has been the emergence of Jonty Jenner. Still only 17, he has already played 16 times for Jersey, and will be involved with the Sussex academy side this year.

Jersey's old rivals Guernsey are going through something of a transition phase at the moment. Some long time players such as Jeremy Frith and Lee Savident have moved on, with many young players coming through the ranks. Captain Jamie Nussbaumer is the most experienced member of the squad, which is bolstered by the return of former Hampshire player Tim Ravenscroft to the national side for the first time in two years.

France and promoted side Norway are the teams with the least chance of securing the qualifying spot. Both teams have a blend of youth and experience, and do possess the ability to pull off a surprise or two on their day. They will likely be targeting Guernsey as well as each other as they bid to avoid relegation.

The tournament will be played from Saturday 9 May until Wednesday 13 May, with the Sunday and Tuesday as reserve days. Following the conclusion of the tournament, France and Norway will play a 50 over match on 15 May. The winner of that match will qualify for the next World Cricket League Division Six tournament.