This season we had very weird draws in the competitions.
So far, there was a pattern in the CH.L. draw.
The League winner had about 70% chances to play in a +1 level CH.L. next season, vs also same lv league winners and +1 lv teams that finished 2-4th in previous league.
Now it's a mess.
Teams that finished 2-4th position, also maybe play in a +1 level CH.L.
In the Cup, almost all the teams are from the same level but with different qualities.
You can find a 3* team but a 5* too. I don't recognize the logic anymore.

So, about your case
In your league it's too early. be patient.
In CH.L., if some of those +1 lv teams start buying and training their team, gonna be hard to win 7* or 8* players.
You must observe what kind of players they bought. If they are young expensive, they are fast trainers so they gonna grow fast.
In generals, try to understand from their prifil, what kind of managers they are.
You can use the old version also, to see their achievements and titles of previous seasons.
Then you can decide better.