James Clark and Josh Bennett of TheFootball Sack preview the upcoming Hyundai A-League season for backpagefootball.com
Adelaide United
Will they be Red faced?
In a season blighted by the sudden
resignation of coach John Kosmina, Adelaide were bundled out of the 2012-13
finals with barely a whimper against Brisbane Roar in week one. New Spanish
coach Josep Gombau has taken the reins at the Reds and has gone about
implementing a possession based mantra in pre-season. The former Barcelona
youth mentor wants the Reds to play like the Catalan giants and has brought in
two Spanish additions in Sergio Cirio and Isaias Sanchez to the squad. Cirio will add some attacking flair on the
flank with his pace, while Sanchez will provide stability in the heart of
midfield. The acquisition of Steven Lustica is a coup for the Reds with his
exceptional work rate and willingness to win the ball in midfield.
Returning Socceroo Michael Zullo is another
bonus for Adelaide as he attempts to resurrect his career in the city of
churches. The left back will provide an attacking threat with his exceptional
pace and preparedness to overlap down the flank. Injuries in pre-season to
strikers Bruce Djite and Jeronimo Neumann have left Adelaide’s attacking stocks
limited and depth in this area will be a concern. The challenge for the reds is
whether they can adapt to a different style of play in such a short period of
time. A lack of quality in the front third is a worry and the Reds will be
relying heavily on Argentinian Marcelo Carrusca for a creative spark. The loss
of Dario Vidosic in pre-season is massive blow and leave the Reds without a
genuine number 10. Goals will be hard to come by.
Key Player – Marcello Carrusca
The Argentine showed flashes of brilliance
in his first season with Adelaide including a cracking long range effort
against Wellington. But the midfielder too often drifted in and out of games
and lacked the consistency needed as an import player. The loss of playmaker
Vidosic means Carrusca must take more responsibility and assert his influence
on games if the Reds are to make the finals. His class is unquestionable, but
Gombau must get the most out of him for the Reds to be competitive.
United possess a quality squad and should
be competitive, but lack a cutting edge up front. It will take time to adjust
to a new style of football. Spanish imports Sergio Cirio and Isaias Sanchez
need to fire for Adelaide to cause problems for opposition teams. Marcello
Carrusca must step up from last season. The Reds to narrowly miss the finals.
Prediction – 7th
Brisbane Roar
In Mulvey we trust?
The Roar had an indifferent season in
2012-13 with managerial disruptions unhinging a smooth transition from the
“Ange Era”. Mike Mulvey joined the group and has been meticulous in building a
squad to emulate his successor. On paper the Roar team boasts seven
internationals and a wealth of premiership winning talent at their disposal.
They did struggle at times adapting to a new coaching method and style of play
but as confidence grew so did success on the pitch. The Roar fans have been
spoilt with silverware in previous seasons but the core group of loyal
supporters always remained long after the bandwagon pulled away from
Milton Station. There is plenty of belief in the squad and if they manage
things at the back and continue with an entertaining style that Mulvey brings,
then the turnstiles will again require a top-up of WD40 come finals time. Good news that the “Slippery Fish” Henrique
is fit and ready to carve up opposition defensive lines like a well-sharpened
sashimi knife
Key Player – Corey Brown
I know what you’re saying, “Who is Corey
Brown?” but come the end of this season there will be plenty of pundits who
will know who this young talent is. The local Brisbane boy has plenty of
football credentials for his 19 years representing both the Joeys and Young
Socceroos. Under the expert guidance of Socceroos Matt McKay and Jade North,
Brown’s A League career promises to take off after debuting for the senior team
towards the end of last season. As a
fast paced left back, Brown isn’t frightened to push forward when required and
has staked his claims by bagging two goals in pre-season match ups against the
Mariners and Sydney FC. It wont be hard to keep an eye out for this proud young
red head as he compliments the colours of his chosen home kit.
Prediction – 2nd
Central Coast Mariners
Arnie…. “I’ll be back 2 back?”
After securing their first A-League
Championship last season from their fourth attempt, it will be an uphill battle
for the Mariners in season 2013-2014. The loss of key players including Matt
Ryan, Pedj Bojic, Bernie Ibini and Patrick Zwaanswijk has made their quest for
back to back titles all the more difficult. The return of club favourite Matt
Simon up-front provides a giant boost and the Mariner’s faithful will be hoping
he can strike a lethal partnership with last season’s top scorer Daniel
McBreen. The acquisition of mercurial attacking midfielder Marcos Flores from
Melbourne Victory will provide a spark in midfield and take pressure off
Michael McGlinchey. The retirement of Zwaanswijk in the centre of defence is a
huge blow and all eyes will be watching his countryman and new signing Marcel
Seip and how he can fill the hole. With
the A-League’s best coach Graham Arnold at the helm, the Mariners will again be
very competitive and their starting XI is still quality. Depth of the squad
will be a problem as the season develops.
Key Player – Marcos Flores
The former Adelaide United and Melbourne
Victory midfielder is one of the most exciting midfielders to have played in
the A-League. The Argentinian struggled for consistency last season in Victory
colours and found it difficult to cement a spot in the starting XI. His vision,
silky dribbling ability and passing range led him to win the A-League’s player
of the year in 2009-10 with Adelaide. If he can recapture that stunning form
with the Central Coast, the Mariners are a chance of a top-two finish.
The loss of key players will hurt the
Mariners, but Arnold is a master at maximising the potential of his squad.
Central Coast will again be competitive and Matt Simon will provide an
exceptional work rate up front. The big question is whether enigmatic
midfielder Marcos Flores will fit into the Mariners structure and work
alongside Michael McGlinchey in the centre of the park. Expect the Mariners to
make top four but they could struggle to make an impact in the finals.
Prediction – 4th
Melbourne Heart
Do they have the ticker?
The expectation weighing on Melbourne Heart
and manager John Aloisi will be immense after a disappointing campaign last
season. Harry Kewell makes his return to the A-League and will provide a spark
to the Melbourne Derby marking the start of the season. Victory fans are
still seething after he signed with their cross-town rivals and has been vocal in his
desire to travel with the Socceroos to Brazil. The only way he will join his mates
aboard a QF flight to South America is goals and plenty of them. Aziz Behich
also returns to AAMI Park on loan from his Turkish Club Bursapor and will
relish regular pitch time after appearing only twice for his adopted Super Lig
club. The pre-season hasn’t been kind so far with giant marque signing Orlando
Engelaar breaking his leg in a pre-season mishap against the Brisbane Roar. The stocks
however have been boosted with the late signing of experienced Maltese international
Michael Mifsud.
Key Player – Michael Mifsud
Michael Mifsud should be at the centre of
the Heart’s attack with his speed and goal-scoring prowess. His vast experience
should combine well with Kewell and the Heart youth talent on show. Mifsud is
nearing 100 games and has 37 goals for his country, and if the strike rate
continues we can expect to see his name grace the score sheet regularly this
season. If the Heart start the season positively and keep a healthy
confidence within the squad then anything is possible. Early markets have the
Heart as equal favourties with the Phoenix for the wooden spoon, however with
their quality up front and a strong work ethic they are better than that, but
only just.
Prediction: 9th
Melbourne Victory
Are they ready to Roar with Ange?
The A-League’s biggest club struggled for
consistency last season and a spate of injuries forced Ange Postecoglou to
promote a number of youth players to the first team. The team struggled to
adapt to Postecoglou’s up-tempo style of play early in the season and conceded
too many goals as a result of silly mistakes. A third place finish in hindsight
was a terrific return for the victory, thanks largely to A-League player of the
year Marco Rojas. The loss of Rojas and Marcos Flores are big blows, but Victory
have made some astute signings in Mitch Nichols, James Troisi and Kosta
Barbarouses.
Their problematic defence has also been
bolstered with the signing of experienced Chilean international Pablo Contreras
as their marquee player. The 35-year old centre-back has represented his
country on 66 occasions and should provide much needed stability at the back
for the Victory. The Iridescent Archie Thompson will again lead the line for
the victory and will be ably supported by Barbarouses and Troisi in the front third.
If captain Mark Milligan and Guilherme Finkler fire in midfield, the quality is
there to fire them to a top-two finish. The youthful looking squad should
execute Postecoglou’s up-tempo possession based football to a tee and there is
enough experience to ensure they remain consistent. Top Four is a minimum.
Key Player – Mark Milligan
Unquestionably Victory’s most consistent
player last year and his standout performances have propelled him to the
Socceroos starting XI. Milligan is the heartbeat of Melbourne’s team and his
leadership is vital to ensuring a young and talented squad remains consistent
on a weekly basis. His combativeness and willingness to win the ball in
midfield are his strongest attributes, but his passing range should not be
underestimated. A real leader who inspires his team mates with his work ethic.
Ange Postecoglou has assembled an exciting
young squad coupled with some quality-experienced players. The attacking third
of the pitch is exciting for victory fans and there is more depth in midfield
this time around. Contreras at the back provides the experience and stability
which were lacking last year. Another pre-season adapting to Postecoglou’s
mantra will shape Victory as genuine title contenders.
Prediction – 1st
Newcastle Jets
In a holding pattern or ready for take-off?
It is pressure time for the Newcastle Jets
and manager Gary van Egmond this season. Fans and club officials are demanding nothing less than a finals berth. The test will be on the back four,
with not too much top-flight experience there to keep the likes of Mark
Birighitti quiet in the box. The huge loss of Emile Heskey after a spiteful
pre-season clash with Melbourne Victory has left the forward line lacking in
attacking options. If young talent James
Brown can get his “groove-thang” back on and put his injury woes in the past,
he could be a fantasy league bargain buy.
Last season consistency proved be their
kryptonite after an impressive start where they beat the likes of Sydney FC,
Central Coast and Melbourne Victory on the trot. From then on their season
never got going and were beaten by many of the weaker teams in the competition.
Intensity and playing the game out for the entire 90mins will a priority for
Van Egmond. Ben Kennedy returns to the squad but will find the going tough to
dislodge Birighitti from the number one sport after his impressive stats and
five clean sheets saw him debut in a thrilling 4-3 game for Socceroos senior
side against China in the East Asian Football Cup.
Key Player – Nathan Burns
Nathan Burns joined the Jets on loan from
his Koren Club Incheon United but it is understood the terms could be extended
which could be a positive move in the lead up to next year’s World Cup in
Brazil. For now Burns will be looking at cementing his spot and ensuring he
plays an important role in creating as many goals on the sheet for his new
team. It will be a big change from the hustle and bustle of Seoul back to
Newcastle, but the weather and relaxed lifestyle could be just what is needed
to get Burns in a winning frame of mind. Newcastle should be a competitive
outfit this season but will need to lift their intensity and success depends on
the skills of Ruben Zadkovich to get them over the line each week. Other squad
members will need to step up this season and stamp their own mark on a club that has
been in a final drought since 2009-10.
Prediction – 6th
Perth Glory
What’s the story?
The Glory have gone about a massive style
shift under manager Alistair Edwards since his appointment last season. Despite their poor showing, which ultimately
decided the fate of Ian Ferguson after five successive losses in Round 20, the
Glory still managed a credible sixth place, only one shy of Brisbane Roar on
the ladder. The Glory’s geographical position on the continent places them
at a distinct disadvantage to the many clubs placed on the Eastern seaboard.
The travel demands on players and officials could be used as
an excuse for poor performances but not under Edwards. They do have a poor
travelling record with a win percentage of only 21% when they play away from
nib Stadium.
Shane Smeltz will be looking to improve on
last year’s goal tally of seven. For the Glory to make the finals this season
they need to improve on one statistic, goals! In season 2012-13, they finished
with the lowest goals “for” record and hitting the net on average 1.07 times
per game compared with the Mariners very impressive 1.76. In a positive sign for the club their new
home and away kits turned plenty of heads at a recent launch. Purple is
seriously coming into fashion in big way in the West and all the hipsters will
be seen in the Glory gear over the summer.
Key Player – Shane Smeltz
In his third season for the Glory Smeltz
will be hoping to team with other key forwards and mid-fielders to improve
under new boss Alistair Edwards. The Glory’s long ball game looks to be a thing
of the past and the football public will be interested to see if the long
off-season has paid dividends. Plenty of praise has been heaped on youngster
Daniel De Silva but the question is will he see more game time this season or
will a what a see approach be adopted. Ideally he will work well coming off the
bench as an impact player, but his certainly has the X-Factor that could help
Glory develop their new model of play. We would love to see them improve on
last year but a lack of depth and firepower may just see them slip further down
the ladder. Hopefully we’re proven wrong.
Prediction – 8th
Sydney FC
aka ADP FC
With the hype surrounding the signing of
Alessandro Del Piero, the Sky Blues struggled for consistency in a spluttering
campaign last season. The Italian maestro regularly produced moments of
brilliance for Sydney, but was too often fighting a lonely battle up front.
After shedding a number of players, the Sydney have recruited well with the
likes of Richard Garcia, Corey Gameiro, Pedj Bojic and Nicky Carle returning
from his loan. They have shored up a leaky back line with the signing of Nikola
Petkovic from Red Star Belgrade and Matt Jurman from Brisbane Roar. There
appears a more balanced look to the outfit this season and the front third
oozes class with Del Piero, Carle and Garcia.
Goal scoring should not be a problem for the perennial powerhouse, but
consistency and settling on their best defensive outfit will provide their
biggest challenge.
Key Player – Alessandro Del Piero
Unquestionably the best player to have
graced the A-League, Del Piero will again be key to Sydney’s fortunes again
this season. After top scoring for the club with 14 last season, Sky Blue fans
will be hoping to see more of the same from the Italian superstar. His
dribbling and ability to beat defenders is a nightmare for opposition
teams. ADP is a genuine two-footed
player who scores spectacular goals at will and is a match-winner.
Responsibility will need to lift to match
the class of their captain if they are to challenge for the top four. Sydney FC
will be much improved this season and boast a squad capable of beating any
opponent on the day. Consistency and putting back-to-back wins together will be
their ultimate challenge, but on paper should make an appearance in the final
series.
Prediction – 5th
Wellington Phoenix
The only way is up!
The Phoenix has it all to do this season
but with a side boasting plenty of years in experience you never know what will
transpire. With the departure of Ricki Herbert late into a disappointing season
that delivered them the wooden spoon, new manager Ernie Merrick arrives with
plenty of expectation for success. Merrick should deliver a more attacking
outfit than seasons past particularly with the addition of star striker Carlos
Hernandez. Word on the street is that Hernandez has shed a few keggers in the
pre-season, which is great news for Nix fans. He has been responsible for some
of the most jaw dropping strikes in the past and if he teams with the likes
of Paul Ifil, they will worry plenty of quality defensive lines in the league.
The biggest statistical failure to have dogged Wellington’s ultimate success is their ability to win away from
Westpac Stadium. The cake tin is a happy hunting ground but it’s not New
Zealand but Australia that is their real life shaky isles. In 79 away games
they have an appalling win loss record winning only 16 games and losing 49.
Merrick will know this and will summon his entire managerial team to turn this
record around. Early results in the pre-season fixtures have been mixed, but
form lines are always hard to read into when the starting X1 is continually
tinkered with.
Key Player – Jeremy Brockie
Brockie’s return home after his loan to MLS
side Toronto FC could be just what doctor ordered for Phoenix Manager Ernie
Merrick. Last season was one to forget for the club but Brockie was the shining
light finishing second in the league’s Golden Boot battle with 16 goals. There is no doubting his class but the
cattle behind him will ultimately decide the team’s fate this season. It
is another huge test this season for the Phoenix and results need to improve
markedly to taste any form of success, but stranger things have happened.
Prediction – 10th, Wooden Spoon
Western Sydney Wanderers
They love to go a Wandering…
The league’s new boys far exceeded
everyone’s expectations last season winning the premiership and qualifying for
the grand final in their first year. Most expect the Wanderers to suffer from
second-season syndrome and struggle this year, but don’t count on it. Tony
Popovic has proved himself as a top class manager and his ruthless nature will
ensure the Wanderer’s remain a force in the league. Popovic’s man-management
skills and ability to get the best out of his players ensures his team will be
hard to beat again this season. The core of last season’s squad remains for
this campaign, but they have added some attacking quality with the signing of
Tomi Juric and former Sky Blue favourite Brendan Santalab.
The Wanderers will again be extremely well
organised in defence by Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Michael Beauchamp – with the
team conceding a league best 21 goals last season. The attacking third is more
potent this season with mobile centre forward Tomi Juric leading the line with
Mark Bridge, but expect Shinji Ono and the impressive Aaron Mooy to pull the
strings in midfield again this season. Hersi and Santalab will provide spark on
the flanks. WSW will be hard to be break down and their front third looks more
potent. Top four beckons.
Key Player – Shinji Ono
Ono struggled to find his feet early on
last season, but when he did he was breathtaking to watch. His juggling goal
against Melbourne Victory last season was one of the best goals in A-League
history and backed it up with a sublime chip in the 2-0 win over Brisbane in
the preliminary final. His technical ability is world-class and provides the
creative spark to unlock opposition defences. Like Del Piero, Ono can win a
game with his own two feet. Expect goals
and plenty of assists from the Japanese ‘genius’.
Not too much will change with the Wanderers
– defensive structure and work rate are keys to Tony Popovic’s side. Tomi Juric
will provide more goals than his predecessor (Dino Kresinger) and Santalab adds
another dimension to an already strong midfield. With Shinji Ono and Aaron Mooy
pulling the strings in midfield it is hard to see the Wanderers dropping too
much from last season. Will again be hard to beat and difficult to break down.
Top Four.
Prediction – 3rd
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