A Team-By-Team Preview to the A League

The Australian A League springs back into action this weekend and with the number of Irish emigrants over here we thought you would like to know who your relatives will be cheering on this season. So here is a quick run-down on the runners and riders roughly in bookies odds order.

Sydney FC

The loss of star striker Alessandro Del Piero has been offset by the arrival of a foursome of international quality striking talent that could fire Sydney to the title. In come New Zealand forward Shane Smeltz, Austrian skipper Marc Janko and Socceroo pair Alex Brosque and Bernie Abini Isei. As mouth-watering as things look up front the picture isn’t quite as rosy at the back and this season could be a bit of a goal fest as Sydney try to outscore their opponents to make up for defensive deficiencies.

Brisbane Roar

The defending champs have sought to replace the loss of talismanic Albanian striker Besart Berisha with a like-for-like replacement in the truest sense by bringing in, you guessed it, an Albanian striker Mensur Kurtishi. Add to this the departure of Socceroo full back Ivan Franjic and a medium term injury to keeper Michael Theo and it all adds up to a season of catch up for the roar. A familiar face to Irish fans is provided by Liam Miller as he etches out another season in a career that is slowly winding up.

Melbourne City

Under the golden gilded cash heavy wing of Manchester City, Melbourne Heart have (if you’ll pardon the terrible pun) undergone open heart surgery a transformation not only of name but also of colours, Hull City fans please note.  Along with bags of cash City have also picked up the highest profile signing of the close season in the form of footballing royalty David Villa. Sadly for the neutral he arrives on an infuriatingly short ten game loan spell so enjoy him while it lasts. If he fires in that time span it could go a long way to firing City to the honours that they will inevitably be under pressure to deliver. Irish fans will recognise the wing wizardry of Damien Duff and any stray Baggies fans will welcome Robert Koren as they both seek to extend their playing careers. Again the team look attack heavy and their Achilles’ heel could well be quite literally at the back.

Melbourne Victory

Unlike their neighbours high profile attacking additions Victory have taken steps to shore up a porous defence bringing on board centre half Matthieu Delpierre and Carl Valeri to add cover in front of the back four. This will stand them in good stead, allied to the capture of Berisha and they might have the right blend to land the title.

Western Sydney Wanderers

The impact that Wanderers have made in just two years of existence at this level is hard to overstate. Their passionate fans will be hoping that their run to the Asian Champions League final has given them a head start on their rivals rather than an energy sapping run of extra games. Defensive strength and fanatical support from the stands are the trademark of this club, expect this to continue and for them to be contesting for honours come the end of season.

Adelaide United

The loss of striker Jeronimo Neuman, yes Jeronimo jumped, will hit Adelaide hard and they have to hope that new signing Pablo Alberto Sanchez can plug the gap. Although they will be entertaining to watch it’s hard to see the Reds doing any better than mid table.

Central Coast Mariners

Some would contend that last season’s third place finish was a triumph in over-achievement by the Mariners. Close season departures have not been effectively replaced so it would take the most supremely optimistic one eyed Mariners fan to believe that they can achieve anything like that this season.

Perth Glory

After a season of turmoil last time out Glory have made the necessary changes both on and off the pitch. Andy Keogh has arrived and by all reports is looking promising, he will be well supported by the thousands of Irish ex-pats in Perth.  If he settles well and can cope with the temperatures in Perth he could well be a very astute signing. Perth seem sure to improve on last years performance and if they can harness the advantage of their remote home ground they could be a good outside bet to be contesting finals football come the seasons end.

Wellington Phoenix

Last season saw the Phoenix finish second last, the season before brought the wooden spoon. This year will bring more hardship for the hardy band of fans across the ditch as the disjointed Phoenix defence has been further weakened by departures with replacements noticeable by their absence. Maybe the locals should stick to rugby.

Newcastle Jets

Much like their English Premier League namesakes dark clouds hang heavy over Newcastle. A new coach in the form of Phil Subbins and the arrival of the reliable Jeronimo Neuman up front may give some cause for optimism. However the good news stops there as the dangerous Adam Taggart has departed and the “For Sale” signs still hang over the club. Have their fans not suffered enough after watching Emile Heskey ply his trade in their colours?

I’ll be back with weekly round-ups of the action Down Under in the A-League on Extratime.com.