Round One Preview (Hyundai A-League)
Five out of the ten teams will begin the Hyundai A-League season with a different manager to what they had last year. That is incredibly half of the teams competing in the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League season.
City v Roar Preview
The first game of the round promises to be an intriguing one. Warran Joyce will look to make a winning start to the season. They will be led by Michael Jakobsen due to the absence of Bruno Fornaroli due to injury. Meanwhile, the Roar may also have some new faces with the following players picked in the squad: Maccarone, Ben Khalfallah, Oxborrow, O’Toole, Akbari and Skapetis.
City Game Changer: Stefan Mauk
Roar Game Changer: Fahid Ben Khalfallah
My Prediction: City
Mariners v Jets Preview
The Mariners will go into the game against the Jets with a new captain in Baro. An interesting talking point will be how former Mariner Roy O’Donovan promises to play. Both teams have some new players. The Jets have a new manager in Ernie Merrick. The Jets are expected to play with Merrick’s customary attacking style of play.
Mariners Game Changer: Anthony Golec
Jets Game Changer: Roy O’Donovan
My Prediction: Jets
Victory v Sky Blues Preview
The Victory will be without key players Milligan, Troisi and Barbarouses due to being away of international duty. Sky Blues new signing Mierzejewski should see game time as he looked good in his first outing in the FFA Cup.
Victory Game Changer: Jason Geria
Sky Blues Game Changer: Brandon O’Neill
My Prediction: Sky Blues
Phoenix v United Preview
The Phoenix go into the game without Mcglinchey, Doyle and Durante all out due to being away on international duty. Both teams have new managers who will be looking to get off to a good start: The Phoenix with Darije Kalezic’ and United with Marco Kurz.
Phoenix Game Changer: Roy Krishna
United Game Changer: George Blackwood
My Prediction: Phoenix
Wanderers v Glory Preview
The Wanders will be managed by Hayden Foxe; for the first time in their existence they will have a different voice to Tony Popovic. There will be a few new faces for the Wanderers with them recruiting well in the off season. They will also have a new captain in Robert Cornthwaite.
Wanderers Game Changer: Mark Bridge
Glory Game Changer: Diego Castro
My Prediction: Wanderers