I am level 5, i am 2nd the 1st is only 3 points ahead and we have 38 average, and are way far from evryone else.
At level 4 my average was 33 and i won the league without any problem.

Try to eliminate all the players above 3 stars or low 3 stars that will not be able to reach the next star during the season.
If you buy older player above 26, try to buy 5* 1 or 2 levels closed to the 6*.
Younger players you can buy them in lower 5*, but can also buy 3 or 4* fast trainers near the next star, to fill your bench.

Hope i could help.