5 months. The offseason for the Hyundai A-League drags so much! But the wait is over. It’s that time again. The first tier of Australian football is back for season 19-20! As already mentioned we have ditched the generic reporting side of matches and other content. It’s not gonna be what you would read in the newspaper, this is now purely written by the fans & for the fans.
So without further delay, let’s get right into the good stuff. Tanner and Tas will attempt to preview and rate your teams chances for the season.
ADELAIDE UNITED
Embed from Getty ImageswhO’S IN CHARGE?
Gertjan Verbeek
Embed from Getty ImagestHE INS
Riley McGree (Club Brugge)
Michaël Maria(Charlotte Independence)
Kristian Opseth (Erzurum BB)
Al Hassan Toure (promoted)
Kusini Yengi (promoted)
James Troisi (Melbourne Victory)
tHE OUTS
Isaias (released)
Scott Galloway (Melbourne City)
Baba Diawara (released) Craig Goodwin (Al-Wehda)
Tanner’s opinion
Lot’s of hits and misses here for me.
Losing former Manager Marco Kurz to bitter rivals Melbourne Victory is huge. Who really saw that one coming? Craig Goodwin leaving overseas doesn’t help the squad either but with 10 goals and 9 assists, clubs were bound to come in for him.
The Key Player
Riley mcGree (Winger)
Embed from Getty ImagesRiley McGree coming back into the mix is a tick in my book. Had a good season with Melbourne City scoring 7 goals and 4 assists so him coming into Verbeek’s plans will be interesting. United need that flair and pace back and McGree should bring every weapon in his arsenal to the club.
MANAGER
Speaking of Verbeek. Certainly another good name to bring to the helm. Much like Kurz with his managerial career in Germany, Verbeek established himself in Deutschland and the Netherlands as well.
With an impressive resume with clubs like Sportclub Heerenveen & Feyenoord Rotterdam, Adelaide fans can be excited with what the Dutchman will bring to Hindmarsh.
Verbeek’s last managerial job however ended with dismissal after Football Club Twente let go of him after a disappointing run of results and being at the bottom of the Eredivise leaving Twente to have eventual relegation
Their latest signing
Throw in Victory’s James Troisi and United have a respectable team on paper. Troisi was long linked with United after his Victory departure and the deal was confirmed earlier this week. Personally as a Melbourne fan I was happy to see Troisi go after a a underwelming second stint with the Vuck, but Lord knows he will probably find his form back with United and likely score one or two against them along the way.
Prediction – 6TH
United will just sneak into the Finals Series. They have made some interesting recruitments across the park, and with a big clash with Champions Sydney FC in the Opening Round, fans will get a real idea just how good this team can be for season 2020. I feel the lack of depth will hurt Adelaide this season however.
brisbane roar
Embed from Getty ImagesWHO’S IN CHARGE?
Robbie Fowler
THE INS
Roy O’Donovan (Newcastle Jets)
Tom Aldred (Bury)
Aaron Amadi-Holloway (Shrewsbury)
Macaulay Gillesphey (Carlisle United)
Jake McGing (Wisla Plock)
George Mells (Fortuna Sittard)
Brad Inman (Rochdale)
Aiden O’Neill (on loan from Burnley)
Jay O’Shea (Bury)
Scott Neville (Perth Glory)
Max Crocombe (Salford City)
Jai Ingham (Central Coast Mariners)
Rahmat Akbari (Melbourne Victory)
tHE OUTS
Matt McKay (retired), Henrique (released) Thomas Kristensen (released) Brett Holman (released) Luke DeVere (released) Eric Bautheac (released) Eli Babalj (released) Joe Caletti (released) Charles Lokoli-Ngoy (released) Alex Lopez (released) Tobias Mikkelsen (released) Stefan Nigro (released) Brendan White (released) Ruon Tongyik (released) Nick D’Agostino (released) Dane Ingham (released)
Tanner’s opinion
Has Robbie Fowler underestimated the quality of the A-League? His transfer business may suggest that. With most of his new additions coming from lower League English football one must think why he didn’t try get that big name to the club for season 19-20.
the key player
Roy O’Donovan (sTRIKER)
Embed from Getty ImagesFowler needs his Irishman to find his form back and score every week. With the departure of Adam Taggart, Roy was the obvious choice for recruitment from our shores at least. O’Donovon will bring some excitement back to the leading line and give the Den some hope to break into the Finals.
MANAGER
Robbie Fowler, the name itself speaks history. The Liverpool legend enjoyed a long and successful career amongst the English topflight, however his managerial career is well and truly in its infancy.
Fowler’s only previous experience in coaching came at Thailand club Muangthong United where he took over as player-coach during the 2011/12 season following the sacking of Henrique Calisto.
Despite guiding the club to a third-place finish, the Brisbane Roar will pose an entirely new challenge for the Englishman.
With a host of departures, this new Brisbane Roar side has shown promise in Fowler’s first pre-season, most notably an FFA Cup win over reigning champions Sydney FC.
Known as one of the most natural finishers to ever play in England, whether he can build an equally formidable coaching record will be one of the big questions asked during this A-League season.
Their latest signing
Returning back to Brisbane after a year on loan at Melbourne Victory, Rahmat Akbari has shown promising signs in pre-season. After limited game time in the Victory senior side, Akbari strung together some impressive performances at NPL level and will look to take his game to the next level under Robbie Fowler.
PREDICTION-9th
Despite bringing in A-League proven Roy O’Donovan, it is very hard to see the Roar making the finals. While I think it will be a close race, ultimately the depth and big names other teams have recruited will go against Robbie Fowler’s men in the long run.
CEntral Coast Mariners
WHo’s in charge
Alen Stajcic
THE INS
Giancarlo Gallifuoco (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Daniel De Silva (end of loan period)
Ziggy Gordon (Hamilton Academical)
Abraham Majok (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Ruon Tongyik (Brisbane Roar)
Kim Eun-Sun (Ansan Police)
Milan Đurić (FK Vojvodina)
Dylan Fox (FC Anyang)
Gianni Stensness (Wellington Phoenix)
THE OUTS
Peter Kekeris (released)
Tom Hiariej (released)
Corey Gameiro (released)
Joe Gauci (released)
Andrew Hoole (Broadmeadow Magic)
Ben Kennedy (released)
Jem Karacan (released)
Aiden O’Neill (end of loan)
Jai Ingham (Brisbane Roar)
Tas’ Opinion
To say the Mariners have struggled over the last few years would be an understatement. There are some solid recruits and with Stajcic having a full off season with his squad, followed by a long FFA Cup run, I fear that for the Mariners the finals wildernesses will continue.
THE KEY PLAYER
Daniel De Silva
Embed from Getty ImagesIt seems like an eternity since De Silva sealed a dream move to AS Roma which ultimately fell through. After a loan stint last season at Sydney FC, De Silva will be eager to rebuild his career. At 22, De Silva has plenty of time to do this without the pressure of playing for one of the traditional powerhouse sides of the competition.
Manager
Alen Stajcic took over the Mariners in March 2019 as caretaker and was appointed as the permanent manager in May this year. After a controversial sacking from the Matilda’s head coach post, Stajcic has a mammoth to turn the Gosford side around.
Despite a long and successful career coaching in the women’s game, including titles at Sydney FC and leading the Matildas to new heights, this job will be Stajcic’s first in the men’s game.
There were signs at the end of the last season that perhaps Stajcic could be the one to return the club to finals. However with the tools at his disposal compared to some of their rivals, Stajcic will firstly be looking to build a much more competitive side this season and build on this going forward.
Their latest signing
Not the most high profile signing, but Gianni Stensness is a highly rated New Zealand youth international who returns to Gosford (after spending time in the Mariners academy) after a stint at the Wellington Phoenix. After representing the Kiwis at the Under 20 World Cup earlier this year, the midfielder will provide the side with a versatile option who can play in a range of defensive roles.
PREDICTION-10th
Looking at the Mariners squad, it is hard to see them challenging for finals. With a young squad and exciting squad, is this the year the Mariners finally show signs of returning to the glory days? I think they will be significantly more competitive than in seasons gone by but ultimately will still sit close to the bottom of the table.
Melbourne City
Who’s in Charge
Erick Mombaerts
The ins
Scott Galloway (Adelaide United)
Craig Noone (Bolton Wanderers)
Richard Windbichler (Viborg FF)
Josh Brillante (Sydney FC)
Javier Cabera (Montevideo Wanderers)
Adrian Luna (Veracuz)
Tom Glover (Tottenham Hotspur)
Raphael Borges Rodrigues (scholarship contract)
Idrus Abdulahi (scholarship contract)
Yaya Dukuly (scholarship contract)
Joe Gauci (scholarship contract)
Kerrin Stokes (scholarship contract)
Connor Metcalfe (promoted from academy)
Moudi Najjar (promoted from academy)
THE OUTS
Ritchie De Laet (Aston Villa – end of loan spell)
James Delianov (Western United)
Eugene Galekovic (retired)
Shayon Harrison (Tottenham Hotspur – end of loan spell)
Riley McGree (Club Brugge – end of loan spell)
Dario Vidosic
Bart Schenkeveld
Kearyn Baccus
Mark Birighitti
Tas’s Opinion
Is this the year that Melbourne City finally deliver their fans a title? A run to the FFA Cup final indicates that City will be thereabouts at the pointy end of the season. Socceroo Jamie Maclaren and new recruit Craig Noone have formed a strong partnership in the front third netting 10 goals between themselves in City’s cup run. With these two leading the line expect some silverware to return to Bundoora.
KEY PLAYER
Jamie Maclaren
Embed from Getty ImagesThe main source of goals for City will be Jamie Maclaren. The Socceroo has shown potent form in front of goal during the FFA Cup and netted 5 goals in his 9 appearances last season. After a frustrating spell in Germany and Scotland, Maclaren looks to be settled back his hometown and will no doubt be ready to return to the form which saw him take home the golden boot in the 2016/17 season.
manager
Embed from Getty ImagesErick Mombaerts arrives in Melbourne almost 2 years since his last managerial job where he coached Yokohama F.Marinos.
With nearly 30 years of coaching experience which include roles at PSG back in the late 80s and coaching the French youth sides, his greatest success came at Toulouse where he led the side to the Ligue 2 title.
With the chance to collect the FFA Cup title in the coming weeks, Mombaerts faces a challenging task to deliver a league title to a side with high expectations.
His experience will hold him in good stead and with a strong squad at his disposal, this side are primed to deliver some exciting attacking football throughout the coming season.
THEIR LATEST SIGNING
Tom Glover joins City from Tottenham Hotspur Youth, where it is likely he will deputise Dean Bouzanis. The youngster has previous A-League experience in the form of a season long stint in 2017. Touted by many as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Australia, Glover will look to continue his development and push Bouzanis for first team football.
Prediction-3rd
The early signs in the Pre- Season point to City being right at the top at the end of the season. For me the only reason why I have them sitting in third is due to the depth of some of the other front runners who also possess the experience to grind out results when it matters most.
Melbourne Victory
Who’s in charge
Marco Kurz
THE INS
Jay Barnett (Brisbane Roar)
Robbie Kruse (free agent)
Andrew Nabbout (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Tim Hoogland (VfL Bochum)
James Donachie (Jeonnam Dragons)
Kristijan Dobras (Rheindorf Altach)
Benjamin Carrigan (promoted)
Brandon Lauton (promoted)
Jakob Poulsen (FC Midtjylland)
Adama Traore (Göztepe)
Migjen Basha (Aris Thessaloniki)
THE OUTS
Rahmat Akbari (Brisbane Roar)
Raul Baena (released)
Keisuke Honda (released)
Jai Ingham (released)
Georg Niedermeier (released)
Carl Valeri (retired)
Kosta Barbarouses (released)
TAS’ OPinion
Strong recruitment coupled with Marco Kurz joining the club as manager points to the Victory being right in the mix again. Despite making it to the semi final last season, Victory fans have been craving some fresh ideas which Kurz will bring to the side. The signings look very strong on paper with a good blend of internationals and local players. Expecting more silverware to be won by the Victory this season.
Key PLayer
ola toivonen
The Swede had an impressive first campaign netting 15 goals in just 22 appearances. Recently appointed captain of the Victory, Toivonen will look to headline a potent forward line when partnered with Socceroo forwards Andrew Nabbout and Robbie Kruse. With a full Pre-Season under his belt, Toivonen will be raring to collect domestic silverware.
MANAGER
Marco Kurz arrives from Adelaide where he led the Reds to two FFA Cup Finals winning the 2018 title. There is no doubt that the Victory will benefit from a fresh set of ideas with Kurz’s recruitment seeing a good mix of quality visa recruits, international players and some returning fan favourites. Despite their early FFA Cup exit, albeit before much of the recruitment had been done, Kurz’s side look ready to return to the summit of Australian Football.
THEIR LATEST SIGNING
Migjen Basha was the latest player to join the Victory on a 2 year deal, signing from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki. The Albanian international midfielder recently arrived in Australia will provide the squad with strong leadership experience as well as bolstering the midfield stocks which had been somewhat depleted in the off season.
prediction-1st
With a strong squad and quality recruits the Victory look like one of the teams to beat, while it is hard to predict the exact finishing position, I think the Victory will nudge their biggest rivals and claim the Premiers Plate-just. With Kurz they will get a much needed injection of fresh ideas and their recruits point to more silverware for the Victory.
newcastle jets
who’s in charge
Ernie Merrick
THE INS
Pat Langlois (promoted, youth team)
Matt Millar (Central Coast Mariners)
Nick Fitzgerald (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Abdiel Arroyo (Arabe Unido – loan)
Wes Hoolahan (unattached)
Bobby Burns (Hearts loan)
THE OUTS
Roy O’Donovan (released)
Ronald Vargas (released)
Daniel Georgievski (released)
Jair (released)
Nick Cowburn (released)
Jake Adelson (released)
Kwabena Appiah (released)
Ivan Vujica (Western United)
Tas’ Opinion
It is going to be a tough year for the Jets. After losing a host of quality players like Roy O’Donovan, Ronald Vargas and Daniel Georgievski the incomings don’t really inspire a lot of confidence that the Jets can challenge for the finals. Further adding salt into the wounds is the news that their most high profile signing Wes Hoolahan will be out with an injury until at least the new year. Can the Jets stay in pace until the turn of the year without him? I don’t think they can.
Key PLayer
Dimitri Petratos
Dimi Petratos has been the pick of the players which saw the Jets play in a Grand Final only two seasons ago. His form earned him a Socceroo call up in 2018. Petratos will be looking to return to his 2017/18 form which saw him score 10 goals and record 9 assists. After an injury interupted season in 2018/19, Petratos will be crucial to the Jets cause as they look to defy the odds and make finals.
manager
Ernie Merrick heads into his third season in the Hunter Valley with a big task as he looks to repeat his heroics from 2017/18 which saw him lead his side all the way to the Grand Final. With plenty of experience in the A-League across three clubs, Merrick will have the chance to build up this Jets side as they enter another period of transition.
THEIR LATEST SIGNING
Bobby Burns joins the Jets on a season long loan from Scottish side Hearts. The 19 year old, an under 21 Northern Ireland youth international comes to Australia looking to play consistent senior football. The left back will certainty have his chance to do so in Australia but will also face a tough challenge to deal with the climate differences which pose only a slight difference to the cold Scottish winters… as well as playing against seniors week in week out.
Prediction-11th
Unfortunately for Newcastle fans it is going to be a challenging year. With some of the big guns in the league recruiting well, the underwhelming recruitment drive (well on paper at least) points to a tough year for the Jets.
PERTH GLORY
who’s in charge
Tony Popovic
THE INs
Nicholas D’Agostino (Brisbane Roar)
Dane Ingham (Brisbane Roar)
Jacob Tratt (Sydney FC)
Soo-beom Kim (Jeju United)
Osama Malik (Al-Batin)
Gregory Wüthrich (Young Boys)
James Meredith
Riley Warland (Fulham)
THE OUTS
Jason Davidson (Ulsan Hyundai)
Brendon Santalab (retired)
Fabio Ferreira, Walter Scott (released)
Jacob Italiano (Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany)
Scott Neville (Brisbane Roar)
Andy Keogh (unconfirmed)
Tas’ opinion
After a brilliant season last year which saw the Glory claim the Premiers Plate and make it all the way to the Grand Final, Popa will have his side ready to go one better. Their recruits on paper look very strong with Bruno Fornaroli also in line to make his long awaited debut for the Glory. With a strong home ground advantage, the Glory will no doubt be right at the top of the ladder come May.
key player
Chris Ikonomidis
Embed from Getty ImagesThe recently names Young Footballer of the Year had an outstanding campaign last season scoring 9 goals and recording 3 assists in 18 games. Ikonomidis at only 24 Ikonomidis is yet to reach the peak of his powers. Partnering with the likes of Bruno Fornaroli, expect the Socceroo’s game to go to the next level.
manager
Tony Popovic has done it all in Australia… well almost. With multiple Premier Plates and an Asian Champions League title under his belt, the one glaring omission from his honour roll is a Grand Final victory. Several Grand Final losses including one last year as Perth manager will sting the former Australian international. With another strong squad Perth will go close again, only time will tell if he can finally win the trophy he so desperately desires.
THEIR LATEST SIGNING
Perth born defender Riley Warland returns from a stint in England with Fulham. Now back home, Warland who is highly rated by Popovic will learn plenty from his coach who once played in defence. Being settled and back home, a common trend amongst many of the Glory’s recent signings, after a difficult stint in England will help Warland reach his undoubted potential.
prediction-4th
The Glory will once again be the top end of the table and will prove to be a dangerous threat come finals. With strong recruitment across some of Perth’s closest rivals, this is the only reason why I think the Glory will drop down the ladder… slightly. However, I like many others I am sure, will not be shocked to see the Glory playing in the last game of the season.
SYDNEY FC
WHO’s IN CHARGE
Steve Corica
THE INS
Kosta Barbarouses (Melbourne Victory)
Alexander Baumjohann (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Ryan McGowan (Bradford City)
Anthony Caceres (Manchester City)
Luke Brattan (Manchester City)
Chris Zuvela and Patrick Flottman
THE OUTS
Alex Brosque (retired)
Siem de Jong (Ajax)
Reza Ghoochannejhad (APOEL)
Anthony Caceres (Manchester City)
Daniel De Silva (Central Coast Mariners) end of loan spell
Aaron Calver (Western United)
Josh Brillante, Jop van der Linden, Alex Cisak, Mitch Austin, Jacob Tratt, Cameron Devlin (all released)
TAS’ OPINION
The reigning champions bolstered their squad with proven A-League talent which will ultimately hold them in good stead as they look to go back to back. The signing’s of Kosta Barbarouses and Alexader Baumjohann from their two closest rivals will add to Sydney’s already strong attacking options, there is no doubt that Sydney will at least make it to the semi finals and be one of the biggest threats to the title.
KEY PLAYER
KOSTA BARBAROUSES
Pinched from Melbourne Victory, the signing of Barbarouses will certainty add another layer of tension to the rivalry that is the Big Blue. Barbarouses netted an impressive 13 goals last season, and despite swapping shades of blue he will once again prove one of the most influential forwards in the competition. Expect him to net at least a couple of goals against his former side to break Victory hearts.
ManagER
Steve Corica began his managerial career in the perfect fashion winning the Grand Final against Perth Glory. Based on last season it seems as though it is business as usual for the Sky Blues who have now won 2 titles in 3 seasons. However, with a large turnover of talent this season, can Corica keep the magic going and lead another title challenge? It would be a shock if he didn’t.
THEIR LATEST SIGNING
Replacing the departing Josh Brillante seems like a challenging job. However, the Sky Blues seem to have done that perfectly with the signing of Luke Brattan. Brattan has enjoyed a success filled A-League carreer winning three titles, two Premiers Plates and most recently an FFA Cup. Brattan will not only bring this experience but a quality midfield signing to bolster one of the strongest sides in the competition.
PREDICTION-2nd
Expect a real arm wrestle from day one to the end of the season. Ultimately with their quality, the Sky Blues should be able to lock in a home final, the only thing having me place them below the Victory is a slight difference in the quality of recruits across every line
Western sydney wanderers
Who’s in charge
Markus Babbel
The ins
Daniel Georgievski (Newcastle Jets)
Pirmin Schwegler (Hannover 96, Germany)
Daniel Lopar (St. Gallen, Switzerland)
Radoslaw Majewski (Pogon Szczecin)
Dylan McGowan (Vendsyssel)
Nick Sullivan
Mohamed Adam (promoted)
Matthew Jurman
Alexander Meier
the outs
Brendan Hamill (Western United)
Giancarlo Gallifuoco (Central Coast Mariners)
Josh Risdon (Western United)
Oriol Riera Roly Bonevacia Raul Llorente Alexander Baumjohann Jaushua Sotirio Abraham Majok Marc Tokich Rashid Mahazi Nick Fitzgerald
Tanners opinion
Surely the Wanderers can break the duck of woeful form and performances. They return home to Wanderland and have had a good cleanout plus new additions have given the WSW faithful hope that maybe it’s all about to change. Alexander Meier is an excellent signing so don’t let the age fool you.. the man knows how to score. Babbel will be under serious pressure if he doesn’t get some points early.
Key player
Alexander Meier
Embed from Getty ImagesEnough said. Meier has to be expected to rank up the goals for the Wanderers. Babbel needs him fit and starting every week, up the top of the box on a setpiece or a 40 yard bomb. A huge name who needs big results.
Their latest signing
N/A
Tanner’s prediction – 4th
Wanderers will finally steady the club into a good direction. Some good signings here and there, I can see them testing a lot of teams this season and perhaps a few more come Finals! I would add more but I need to see more from.
Wellington phoenix
Who’s in charge
Ufuk Tulay
the ins
Luke DeVere (Brisbane Roar)
Stefan Marinović (Bristol City)
Walter Scott (Perth Glory)
Jaushua Sotirio (unattached)
Ben Waine (Academy)
Callum McCowatt (Eastern Suburbs)
Cameron Devlin (Sydney FC)
Ulises Davila (Delhi Dynamos)
Liam McGing (Sutherland Sharks)
David Ball (Rotherham United)
Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi (Onehunga Sports FC)
Tim Payne (Eastern Suburbs)
Matti Steinmann (Hamburger SV)
Reno Piscopo (Renate FC)
The outs
Filip Kurto (Western United)
Max Burgess (Western United)
Roy Krishna
David Williams
Andrew Durante (Western United)
Tom Doyle (unconfirmed) Michal Kopczyński Nathan Burns Antony Golec Justin Gulley Ryan Lowry Cillian Sheridan
Tanner’s opinion
The Nix have been taken to the cleaners by Western United. A vast majority of their former players from last season have departed. Oh and they lost Mark Rudan to them too. Ouch. Their ins sadly aren’t much to get too hyped about. Lots of unknown faces. But perhaps Tulay can turn it all around. Ball needs to score week in week out.
key player
David Ball
Embed from Getty ImagesIn a 5 year stint with English club Fleetwood Town, Ball scored 41 goals. Call this a shot but Nix will need more than 41 goals this season to stay in the finals race as we all know how important that GD is. A good forward but the Nix need this man firing. Goals win games and Nix need to win a lot of them
their latest signing
N/A
Tanner’s prediction – 9th
I can’t see a good season coming here. Nix have lost all their depth and haven’t recruited well. I love the club and everything it represents, but all hope may be lost for Wellington here. Let’s hope they prove me wrong.
WESTERN UNITED
WHO’S IN CHARGE
Mark Rudan
THE INS
Panagiotis Kone (Udinese)
Alessandro Diamanti (Livorno)
Josh Risdon (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Connor Chapman (Pohang Steelers)
Aaron Calver (Sydney FC)
Sebastian Pasquali (Ajax Amsterdam)
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Adelaide United)
Dylan Pierias (Melbourne City)
James Delianov (Melbourne City)
Valentino Yuel (Bentleigh Greens)
Connor Pain (Central Coast Mariners)
Josh Cavallo (Melbourne City)
Jonathan Aspropotamitis (Central Coast Mariners)
Ersan Gulum (uncontracted)
Brendan Hamill (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Filip Kurto (Wellington Phoenix)
Scott McDonald (Partick Thistle)
Max Burgess (Wellington Phoenix)
Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix)
Ivan Vujica (Newcastle Jets)
Thierry Iradukunda
Dario Jertec (Varaždin)
Luke Duzel (Melbourne City)
Besart Berisha (Western United)
TAS’OPINION
The new boys on the block are ready to make a splash if their recruitment is anything to go by. Starting with the announcement of Mark Rudan, the signings on paper see a good mix of youth, local and international experience along each line. While being formed entirely from scratch can potentially lead to some issues in gelling, however with a long off-season and plenty of Pre-Season games, I don’t see this being an issue. Expect United to cause some damage in their inaugural campaign.
KEY PLAYER
ALESSANDRO DIAMANTI
Embed from Getty ImagesTouted as potentially being a marquee for the Melbourne Victory only a couple of seasons ago, Alessandro Diamanti has finally arrived in the A-League and will hold the honour of becoming the first ever captain of Western United. The attacking midfielder has plenty of pedigree in playing across Europe and with the strong attacking options in front of him, expect the Italian to pull the strings for Western United.
THE MANAGER
Mark Rudan’s switch to Western United from Wellington was a massive talking point during the offseason, and it seems perfect that his first game in charge will in fact be against his old side. Rudan’s sole season in New Zealand was impressive, lifting his side to the finals. After a strong stint at Sydney United and then at Wellington, expect Rudan to lift Western United into finals and push all the way to the Semi Finals.
THEIR LATEST SIGNING
Just when you thought adding another Melbourne based team add tension in their match up with local rivals Melbourne Victory, how about adding one of their biggest legends to their rank. That is exactly what United has done by signing Besart Berisha. After a highly successful stint in Australia, followed by a not so successful stint in Japan, Berisha will be back raring to get back doing what he does best, scoring goals. Coming in as a local player this season, Berisha is a smart signing and will add plenty of experience and another lethal option up top for an already depth filled Western United attack.
prediction- 5th
Predicting 3rd to 6th is a real challenge, I think Western United will make finals in their debut, simply they have too much quality not to. I think they will finish their campaign on fire and will finish 5th purely down to having a slow start as the brand new playing group gets to know each other and the tactics of coach Mark Rudan.
predictions for end of season
Tanner’s tips
Premier’s plate and Champions – Victory
Golden Boot – Andrew Nabbout
Johnny Warren Medalist – Alessandro Diamanti
TAS’ TIPS
Premiers Plate and Champions- Victory
Golden Boot- Ola Toivonen
Johhny Warren Medalist- Chris Ikonomidis
