After four draws and only one winner, after one round, the A-League may sound dull. But, then, if you read into it more you would realise that those results included two thrilling, 3-3 draws, a 1-0 win and two 0-0 draws. So anyway, an exciting season awaits us, and here's my previews for round two.
WELLINGTON v GOLD COAST
Westpac Stadium
WP last result: Yet to play.
GCU last result: 0-0 draw v Brisbane.
Key Match-up/s: Glen Moss v Mark Paston could be interesting in goal, but the most key match-ups will be Sigmund v Smeltz and Brown v Culina. Both will be vital in the context of the match.
Prediction: 2-0 Phoenix. Ifill and Greenacre.
NEWCASTLE v MELBOURNE H.
EnergyAustralia Stadium
NJ last result: 0-0 draw at Adelaide
MH last result: 0-1 defeat v Central Coast
Key Match-up/s: Skoko v Wehrman will be a great match-up to watch and could win-or-lose each team the game. Also Sibon v Tapor-Stanley in the Heart attacking third will also be crucial to how the game pans out.
Prediction: 1-0 Jets. Wehrman.
NORTH QUEENSLAND v SYDNEY FC
Dairy Farmers Stadium
NQF last result: 3-3 at Perth
SFC last result: 3-3 v Melbourne V.
Key Match-up/s: Akoto v Brosque. Both good players, so match-up should be interesting.
Prediction: 2-0 Sydney. Brosque and Carle.
MELBOURNE V. v PERTH
AAMI Park
MV last result: 3-3 at Sydney
PG last result: 3-3 v North Queensland
Key Match-up/s: Kevin Muscat v Robbie Fowler. Two big names going up against each other, should be a classic battle. Also Hernandez v Burns, should be a vital match-up as well.
Prediction:2-0 Perth. Sterjovski and Burns
CENTRAL COAST v ADELAIDE
Blue Tongue Stadium
CCM last result: 0-1 win at Melbourne H.
AU last result: 0-0 v Newcastle Jets
Key Match-up/s: Jess Vanstratten v Eugene Galekovic is a good match-up because both will be crucial in marshalling there sides in this game
Prediction: 0-0.
Bye: Brisbane
Saturday, August 14, 2010
A-League. Version 6. (part 3)
Here are the last three previews. Perth, Sydney and Wellington:
PERTH GLORY
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Perth have made a huge signing in the way of former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler from North Queensland Fury. He should help attract the crowds this season. Leaving the club is star midfielder Wayne Shroj to Melbourne Heart. Apart from that only Scott Bulloch and Daniel McBreen leave the club.
Key players:
In a strong looking squad the only players that stand our for me are, Robbie Fowler, the hugely influential striker labeled "God" is going to bring in the crowds and hopefully, for Perth fans, bring in the goals and wins. Also Victor Sikora and Jacob Burns are gonna be vital in those attacking posistions.
Prediction:5th. This Perth outfit is going to be hard to stop. Exspecially at home. Will be unlucky, not to get in top four, might even sneak first. But i've predicted them fifth because I have this feeling that luck wont be on there side, due to bad refereeing and possibly injuries.
SYDNEY FC
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Sydney have done extremely well in the off-season in terms of signings with the impressive and proven Liam Reddy(Wellington Phoenix), Scott Jamieson(Adelaide United)and Nick Carle(Crystal Palace) all coming in to the squad. Although they have lost a lot of key players from there championship winning campaign including Slovakian Defender/Midfielder Karol Kisel who leaves to Slavia Prague in Czech Republic and Goalkeeper Clint Bolton, Defender Simon Colosimo and marquee striker John Aloisi all depart for new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart. Also Steve Corica has retired from Football.
Key Players:
Classy midfielder Nick Carle comes into an absolute quality midfield which includes Stuart Musialik, Terry McFlynn and new recruit Scott Jamieson. If Liam Reddy is in the form he was in for Wellington towards the end of last season, then Sydney have more than made up for the loss of Clint Bolton. The defence should be strong once again and Mark Bridges and Alex Brosque should be more than reliable given last seasons form.
Prediction:1st. Have done well in bringing Nick Carle back to Australia, and if they have continue last seasons form top four is almost a certainty.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Wellington have suffered a huge loss in Jon McKain to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. But with Jade North coming back from a stint overseas to reignite his championship winning centre back pairing with Andrew Durrante, they should have a reasonable replacement. Dylan Macallister(Central Coast Mariners)comes into the squad to give Chris Greenacre a target man to play off up front. Oscar Roberto Cornejo(Toto)(Nueva Chicago, Argentina)has been signed by Ricki Herbert to give the Phoenix that creative link in the attacking third.
Key Players:
Barbados international Paul Ifill will be key up front along with Leo Bertos. If these two make good attcking play, Phoenix will be a force to be reckoned with. If Jade North and Andrew Durrante can rediscover there form from there Newcastle days, and if Mark Paston plays like he did in the World Cup, Wellington may have one of the best defenses in the league, along with one of the best attacks in the league.
Prediction:2nd. Have the goods to win the league, with one of the best attacks and defenses, on paper, in the league. Also if they can continue there record of 19 games without a loss at Westpac Stadium then they are a very good chance to win it all.
PERTH GLORY
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Perth have made a huge signing in the way of former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler from North Queensland Fury. He should help attract the crowds this season. Leaving the club is star midfielder Wayne Shroj to Melbourne Heart. Apart from that only Scott Bulloch and Daniel McBreen leave the club.
Key players:
In a strong looking squad the only players that stand our for me are, Robbie Fowler, the hugely influential striker labeled "God" is going to bring in the crowds and hopefully, for Perth fans, bring in the goals and wins. Also Victor Sikora and Jacob Burns are gonna be vital in those attacking posistions.
Prediction:5th. This Perth outfit is going to be hard to stop. Exspecially at home. Will be unlucky, not to get in top four, might even sneak first. But i've predicted them fifth because I have this feeling that luck wont be on there side, due to bad refereeing and possibly injuries.
SYDNEY FC
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Sydney have done extremely well in the off-season in terms of signings with the impressive and proven Liam Reddy(Wellington Phoenix), Scott Jamieson(Adelaide United)and Nick Carle(Crystal Palace) all coming in to the squad. Although they have lost a lot of key players from there championship winning campaign including Slovakian Defender/Midfielder Karol Kisel who leaves to Slavia Prague in Czech Republic and Goalkeeper Clint Bolton, Defender Simon Colosimo and marquee striker John Aloisi all depart for new A-League franchise Melbourne Heart. Also Steve Corica has retired from Football.
Key Players:
Classy midfielder Nick Carle comes into an absolute quality midfield which includes Stuart Musialik, Terry McFlynn and new recruit Scott Jamieson. If Liam Reddy is in the form he was in for Wellington towards the end of last season, then Sydney have more than made up for the loss of Clint Bolton. The defence should be strong once again and Mark Bridges and Alex Brosque should be more than reliable given last seasons form.
Prediction:1st. Have done well in bringing Nick Carle back to Australia, and if they have continue last seasons form top four is almost a certainty.
WELLINGTON PHOENIX
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Wellington have suffered a huge loss in Jon McKain to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. But with Jade North coming back from a stint overseas to reignite his championship winning centre back pairing with Andrew Durrante, they should have a reasonable replacement. Dylan Macallister(Central Coast Mariners)comes into the squad to give Chris Greenacre a target man to play off up front. Oscar Roberto Cornejo(Toto)(Nueva Chicago, Argentina)has been signed by Ricki Herbert to give the Phoenix that creative link in the attacking third.
Key Players:
Barbados international Paul Ifill will be key up front along with Leo Bertos. If these two make good attcking play, Phoenix will be a force to be reckoned with. If Jade North and Andrew Durrante can rediscover there form from there Newcastle days, and if Mark Paston plays like he did in the World Cup, Wellington may have one of the best defenses in the league, along with one of the best attacks in the league.
Prediction:2nd. Have the goods to win the league, with one of the best attacks and defenses, on paper, in the league. Also if they can continue there record of 19 games without a loss at Westpac Stadium then they are a very good chance to win it all.
Monday, August 9, 2010
A-League. Version 6. (part 2)
Here are the next four previews, Melbourne Heart, Melbourne Victory, Newcastle Jets and North Queensland Fury:
MELBOURNE HEART
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Heart have done very well with there inaugural season recruitment and everyone involved with the club can pat themselves on the back. Here are some of the excellent signings, Simon Colosimo(Sydney FC), Dean Heffernan(Central Coast Mariners), Josip Skoko(Hajduk Split, Croatia), Wayne Srhoj( Perth Glory), Matthew Thompson(Newcastle Jets), Gerald Sibon(Heerenveen,Holland), Alex Terra(Rio Branco, Brazil), just to name a few. As you can see there nothing short of talent in this squad. It's just about finding a solid gameplan and strategy now.
Key Players:
The Alex Terra and Gerald Sibon partnership looks the goods, and could turn out to be one of the best partnerships in the league. Also look for Josip Skoko, Matthew Thompson and Wayne Shroj to provide Sibon and Terra those killer balls, and make those forward runs that they did so well for there former clubs. The defence shouldn't be a problem, with Heart boasting Simon Colosimo and Dean Heffernan, two proven A-League defenders. Clint Bolton should be solid in goal.
Prediction: 3rd. Should be a good side towards the end of the season when they gel even more and become a well oiled unit. But the big thing everyone's been talking about is they may have one of the best first elevens in the league, but, they have one of the weakest second elevens in the league. If they get any key player injuries or suspensions, the Yarra-side should get worried.
MELBOURNE VICTORY
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Both goalkeepers leave the club, Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund, Germany) and Glen Moss(Gold Coast United), but are replaced but the highly capable Michael Petkovic (Sivasspor, Turkey). Other than that only Diogo Ferreira(Green Gully,Melbourne) and Petar Franjic (Youth) have been picked up.
Key Players:
Once again Carlos Hernandez will be absolutely vital in that attacking midfield role. Also Robbie Kruse needs to step up with the loss of Archie Thompson until at least November. The defence should be solid once more, its just the goals that I think they will need.
Prediction: 4th. Without Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp (until at least November) I stuggle to see this Melbourne side winning titles. Sorry, but, I don't think Robbie Kruse can win them titles and score more goals than Thompson. I am happy to be proved wrong.
NEWCASTLE JETS
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Newcastle have done reasonably well in the off season with the signings of Ruben Zadkovich(Derby County, England), Kasey Wehrman(Fredrikstad FK, Norway) and Marcello Fiorentini(Palazzolo, Italy), to replace the departed Matthew Thompson(Melbourne Heart), Song Jin Hyung(Tours FC, France) and Fabio Vignaroli(released). Also Jeremy Brockie comes to the club to replace Jason Hoffman who has left for Melbourne Heart.
Key Players:
Newcastle are gonna rely heavily on a creative, exciting attack, and a strong, no-nonsense defence if there gonna be up in and around the top six again this year. It's still undecided whether the signings of Wehrman, Zadkovic and Fiorentini will make up for the huge losses of Vignaroli, Thompson and Song. There gonna have to if Newcastle are gonna be competitive this year. Also Michael Bridges takes over the captaincy from the departed Matt Thompson.
Prediction: 10th. There's still a bit of uncertainty around the squad with so much new faces and there three genuine quality midfielders leaving the club. This could be the deciding factor whether there top six or wooden spoon.
NORTH QUEENSLAND FURY
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Alot of action on the transfer market for North Queensland, in total, sixteen players have left the club and thirteen players have came in to a new look Fury side. Some of the departures include Marquee signing Robbie Fowler who has left for Western Australia side Perth Glory, also impressive Defender/Midfielder Rostyn Griffiths has left the club for the Central Coast Mariners and New Zealand international Jeremy Brockie has left to rival A-League side the Newcastle Jets. Chris Payne(Sydney FC), Mark Hughes (Walsall, England), Eugene Sseppuya, Gareth Edds (Tranmere Rovers, England) and Eric Akoto (OFI, Greece) are just a few of the signings for North Queensland.
Key Players:
With midfield being the strength in this underwhelming North Queensland squad, it will need to be on top of its game(and a whole lot more) if the Fury are gonna go even close to getting anywhere near the top six. Chris Payne, David Williams and Dyron Daal are, simpy,(imo) not gonna be able supply enough goals to accomplish the dreams and hopes of the North Queensland faithful, although i'm yet to see new signing Sseppuya in action, so he could be a great coup and there also may be the odd game where everything go's right for the Fury and they get a result.
Prediction: 11th. Without Fowler, I struggle to see this Fury side bringing in crowds and get enough wins to see them as top six contenders. For those reasons I'm willing to predict them as favourites for the dreaded wooden spoon.
MELBOURNE HEART
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Heart have done very well with there inaugural season recruitment and everyone involved with the club can pat themselves on the back. Here are some of the excellent signings, Simon Colosimo(Sydney FC), Dean Heffernan(Central Coast Mariners), Josip Skoko(Hajduk Split, Croatia), Wayne Srhoj( Perth Glory), Matthew Thompson(Newcastle Jets), Gerald Sibon(Heerenveen,Holland), Alex Terra(Rio Branco, Brazil), just to name a few. As you can see there nothing short of talent in this squad. It's just about finding a solid gameplan and strategy now.
Key Players:
The Alex Terra and Gerald Sibon partnership looks the goods, and could turn out to be one of the best partnerships in the league. Also look for Josip Skoko, Matthew Thompson and Wayne Shroj to provide Sibon and Terra those killer balls, and make those forward runs that they did so well for there former clubs. The defence shouldn't be a problem, with Heart boasting Simon Colosimo and Dean Heffernan, two proven A-League defenders. Clint Bolton should be solid in goal.
Prediction: 3rd. Should be a good side towards the end of the season when they gel even more and become a well oiled unit. But the big thing everyone's been talking about is they may have one of the best first elevens in the league, but, they have one of the weakest second elevens in the league. If they get any key player injuries or suspensions, the Yarra-side should get worried.
MELBOURNE VICTORY
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Both goalkeepers leave the club, Mitchell Langerak (Borussia Dortmund, Germany) and Glen Moss(Gold Coast United), but are replaced but the highly capable Michael Petkovic (Sivasspor, Turkey). Other than that only Diogo Ferreira(Green Gully,Melbourne) and Petar Franjic (Youth) have been picked up.
Key Players:
Once again Carlos Hernandez will be absolutely vital in that attacking midfield role. Also Robbie Kruse needs to step up with the loss of Archie Thompson until at least November. The defence should be solid once more, its just the goals that I think they will need.
Prediction: 4th. Without Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp (until at least November) I stuggle to see this Melbourne side winning titles. Sorry, but, I don't think Robbie Kruse can win them titles and score more goals than Thompson. I am happy to be proved wrong.
NEWCASTLE JETS
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Newcastle have done reasonably well in the off season with the signings of Ruben Zadkovich(Derby County, England), Kasey Wehrman(Fredrikstad FK, Norway) and Marcello Fiorentini(Palazzolo, Italy), to replace the departed Matthew Thompson(Melbourne Heart), Song Jin Hyung(Tours FC, France) and Fabio Vignaroli(released). Also Jeremy Brockie comes to the club to replace Jason Hoffman who has left for Melbourne Heart.
Key Players:
Newcastle are gonna rely heavily on a creative, exciting attack, and a strong, no-nonsense defence if there gonna be up in and around the top six again this year. It's still undecided whether the signings of Wehrman, Zadkovic and Fiorentini will make up for the huge losses of Vignaroli, Thompson and Song. There gonna have to if Newcastle are gonna be competitive this year. Also Michael Bridges takes over the captaincy from the departed Matt Thompson.
Prediction: 10th. There's still a bit of uncertainty around the squad with so much new faces and there three genuine quality midfielders leaving the club. This could be the deciding factor whether there top six or wooden spoon.
NORTH QUEENSLAND FURY
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Alot of action on the transfer market for North Queensland, in total, sixteen players have left the club and thirteen players have came in to a new look Fury side. Some of the departures include Marquee signing Robbie Fowler who has left for Western Australia side Perth Glory, also impressive Defender/Midfielder Rostyn Griffiths has left the club for the Central Coast Mariners and New Zealand international Jeremy Brockie has left to rival A-League side the Newcastle Jets. Chris Payne(Sydney FC), Mark Hughes (Walsall, England), Eugene Sseppuya, Gareth Edds (Tranmere Rovers, England) and Eric Akoto (OFI, Greece) are just a few of the signings for North Queensland.
Key Players:
With midfield being the strength in this underwhelming North Queensland squad, it will need to be on top of its game(and a whole lot more) if the Fury are gonna go even close to getting anywhere near the top six. Chris Payne, David Williams and Dyron Daal are, simpy,(imo) not gonna be able supply enough goals to accomplish the dreams and hopes of the North Queensland faithful, although i'm yet to see new signing Sseppuya in action, so he could be a great coup and there also may be the odd game where everything go's right for the Fury and they get a result.
Prediction: 11th. Without Fowler, I struggle to see this Fury side bringing in crowds and get enough wins to see them as top six contenders. For those reasons I'm willing to predict them as favourites for the dreaded wooden spoon.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A-League. Version 6. Previews.(part 1)
Its that time of the year again, where excitement builds up in every Football supporter in Australasia's stomach as we all eagerly await that first whistle at AAMI Park in Melbourne, to kick start the A-League season. Here's the first four previews.
ADELAIDE UNITED
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Adelaide have done well with there signings, with Sergio Van Dyk and Nigel Boogaard already proven in the A-League they should be very reliable in the lineup. They have also signed Marcos Flores, who will do nothing but add support for Van Dyk in that crucial attacking third. The most notable exception is young Scott Jamieson who has departed for rival A-League side Sydney FC. Other players that have departed include Alemao (released), Kristain Sarkies(Melbourne Heart) and Cristiano (released).
Key Players:
Sergio Van Dyk is a striker who has already proven himself in the league, so he should help to add some firepower to the Adelaide attack, also with Lloyd Owusu and possibly Marcos Flores to mix in there they should have a decent attack. Nigel Boogaard should bring confidence to Adelaides defence, and if Rini Coolen can fit in all of Travis Dodd, Lucas Pantelis, Matthew Leckie and Fabian Barbiero, they should have a very attacking minded midfield to provide focus and direction for the front third.
Prediction:
7th. They could be the darkhorse with there attacking talent. But with so much attacking minded players and not as much talented defenders it will be interesting to see how they lineup this season.
BRISBANE ROAR
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
With Griffin McMaster(released), Matthew Ham(North Queensland Fury FC), Sergio Van Dyk(Adelaide) and the young trio of Adam Sarota, Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo all saying there goodbyes to the club, It leaves a gaping hole in the Brisbane attacking and goalkeeping ranks. But, with Reinaldo and Henrique staying with the club and Kosta Barborouses(Wellington Phoenix), Andrew Redmayne(Central Coast Mariners), Michael Theoklitos (Norwich City, England ), Thomas Broich (1. FC Nuremberg) and Jean Carlo Solorzano(LD Alajuelense, Costa Rica ) coming in they've more than made up for there losses. Craig Moore and Danny Tiato have also left the club.
Key Players:
Michael Theoklitos will be vital in marshalling a poor looking Brisbane defence. Also Jean Carlo Solorzano, Henrique and Reinaldo will be a handful if Ange Postecoglou can fit them all in to the attacking third. Broich, to many people in Australasia, is unknown so by that, it's unknown whether he'll be a great asset or a terrible signing by Postecoglou.
Prediction: 9th. Strong looking attack, but a poor looking defence. As the old saying goes "Defence whens championships".
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
The losses of Dean Heffernan(Melbourne Heart) and Nigel Boogaard(Adelaide United) are huge for the Mariners defence, but Patrick Zwaanswijk and Josh Rose both should be helpful at the back. While miniature Argentine Patricio Perez could be quality in that attacking midfield posistion given his previous honours that include Argentina u-20 and u-17 squad member. He should make up for the loss of Nicky Travis. Also Adam Kwasnik returns to the Mariners and Daniel McBreen comes into the squad.
Key Players:
Perez, Porter and MacGlinchey. No doubt for me. If these three provide good delivery for the Forwards, watch out for this side. Perhaps the darkhorse, all they need is Central Coast to really make BlueTongue a fortress. That midfield's going to make or brake there season, me thinks.
Prediction: 8th. Mainly because of Heffernan and Boogaard departing. Although I wouldn't be suprised if they slowly start climbing the ladder when there new signings start to gel with the rest of the squad. In saying that Perez is key for me, if he succeeds, Central Coast succeed.
GOLD COAST UNITED
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Everyone thought Shane Smeltz was off to China, but just four days in, he was back in Australia. Other than that, theres been hardly any movement in the transfer market for Gold Coast apart from John Curtis comes in to the backline and Glen Moss comes in for the departing Jess Vanstratten. Also Charlie Miller has left the club.
Key Players:
Jason Culinas presence in midfield will be key to Gold Coast being successful this year. Also if they want to be a title contender, Culina and Porter need to be on top form and scoring goals to help out Smeltz in the attcking third. The defence needs to be sharp and Glen Moss needs to be on his toes.
Prediction:
6th. The defence could be the let down but once again the majority of the goals will rely on Smeltz, which once again will not be enough to meet Big Clive Palmers expectations.
ADELAIDE UNITED
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Adelaide have done well with there signings, with Sergio Van Dyk and Nigel Boogaard already proven in the A-League they should be very reliable in the lineup. They have also signed Marcos Flores, who will do nothing but add support for Van Dyk in that crucial attacking third. The most notable exception is young Scott Jamieson who has departed for rival A-League side Sydney FC. Other players that have departed include Alemao (released), Kristain Sarkies(Melbourne Heart) and Cristiano (released).
Key Players:
Sergio Van Dyk is a striker who has already proven himself in the league, so he should help to add some firepower to the Adelaide attack, also with Lloyd Owusu and possibly Marcos Flores to mix in there they should have a decent attack. Nigel Boogaard should bring confidence to Adelaides defence, and if Rini Coolen can fit in all of Travis Dodd, Lucas Pantelis, Matthew Leckie and Fabian Barbiero, they should have a very attacking minded midfield to provide focus and direction for the front third.
Prediction:
7th. They could be the darkhorse with there attacking talent. But with so much attacking minded players and not as much talented defenders it will be interesting to see how they lineup this season.
BRISBANE ROAR
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
With Griffin McMaster(released), Matthew Ham(North Queensland Fury FC), Sergio Van Dyk(Adelaide) and the young trio of Adam Sarota, Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo all saying there goodbyes to the club, It leaves a gaping hole in the Brisbane attacking and goalkeeping ranks. But, with Reinaldo and Henrique staying with the club and Kosta Barborouses(Wellington Phoenix), Andrew Redmayne(Central Coast Mariners), Michael Theoklitos (Norwich City, England ), Thomas Broich (1. FC Nuremberg) and Jean Carlo Solorzano(LD Alajuelense, Costa Rica ) coming in they've more than made up for there losses. Craig Moore and Danny Tiato have also left the club.
Key Players:
Michael Theoklitos will be vital in marshalling a poor looking Brisbane defence. Also Jean Carlo Solorzano, Henrique and Reinaldo will be a handful if Ange Postecoglou can fit them all in to the attacking third. Broich, to many people in Australasia, is unknown so by that, it's unknown whether he'll be a great asset or a terrible signing by Postecoglou.
Prediction: 9th. Strong looking attack, but a poor looking defence. As the old saying goes "Defence whens championships".
CENTRAL COAST MARINERS
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
The losses of Dean Heffernan(Melbourne Heart) and Nigel Boogaard(Adelaide United) are huge for the Mariners defence, but Patrick Zwaanswijk and Josh Rose both should be helpful at the back. While miniature Argentine Patricio Perez could be quality in that attacking midfield posistion given his previous honours that include Argentina u-20 and u-17 squad member. He should make up for the loss of Nicky Travis. Also Adam Kwasnik returns to the Mariners and Daniel McBreen comes into the squad.
Key Players:
Perez, Porter and MacGlinchey. No doubt for me. If these three provide good delivery for the Forwards, watch out for this side. Perhaps the darkhorse, all they need is Central Coast to really make BlueTongue a fortress. That midfield's going to make or brake there season, me thinks.
Prediction: 8th. Mainly because of Heffernan and Boogaard departing. Although I wouldn't be suprised if they slowly start climbing the ladder when there new signings start to gel with the rest of the squad. In saying that Perez is key for me, if he succeeds, Central Coast succeed.
GOLD COAST UNITED
Notable Inclusions/Exceptions:
Everyone thought Shane Smeltz was off to China, but just four days in, he was back in Australia. Other than that, theres been hardly any movement in the transfer market for Gold Coast apart from John Curtis comes in to the backline and Glen Moss comes in for the departing Jess Vanstratten. Also Charlie Miller has left the club.
Key Players:
Jason Culinas presence in midfield will be key to Gold Coast being successful this year. Also if they want to be a title contender, Culina and Porter need to be on top form and scoring goals to help out Smeltz in the attcking third. The defence needs to be sharp and Glen Moss needs to be on his toes.
Prediction:
6th. The defence could be the let down but once again the majority of the goals will rely on Smeltz, which once again will not be enough to meet Big Clive Palmers expectations.
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