Beejayville
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Re: Australian A-League Round 1 Queensland Roar V Perth Glory tonight
Last season in A League Round 3 Perth Glory 2-1 Queensland Roar Round 10 Queensland Roar 0-0 Perth Glory Round 17 Perth Glory 0-2 Queensland Roar Queensland Roar pre season/last 3 at home Aug 06, 2006 Queensl. Roar 0 – 0 CC MarinersJul 22, 2006 Queensl. Roar 1 – 1 NZ Knights Jul 15, 2006 Queensl. Roar 1 – 2 Sydney FCPerth Glory pre season/last 3 away Aug 11, 2006 Newcastle Jets 0 – 1 Perth Glory Aug 06, 2006 Sydney FC 3 – 0 Perth Glory Jul 15, 2006 CC Mariners 2 - 1 Perth GloryOn past performances this game could go anyway, and without ever seeing either side before I can only go on facts and figures. I'm not betting on the game in any way, shape, or form but lean towards a home victory for the Roar by a single goal, or a 0-0/1-1 draw, as both teams have similar pre season form, with the Roar having 2 good home efforts against the Mariners and Sydney. Perth Glory had 5 - 4 - 1 away record last season which is quite good. Both these teams will be bottom half of table and have different teams to last year, be interesting to see how the game pans out. -
Re: Australian A-League Round 1 Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners Date: Sunday August 27 Kick-off (local time): 5.00pm Venue: Aussie Stadium Head-to-head Four league meetings: Sydney - 2 wins, Central Coast - 1 win, 1 draw Previous meeting Sydney 1 Central Coast 0 (Aussie Stadium, Hyundai A-League grand final, March 2006) Last five results Sydney: Win - Draw - Win - Loss - Win Central Coast: Draw - Win - Draw - Win - Draw Last Season in A League Round 4 Sydney FC 2-3 CC Mariners Round 11 CC Mariners 1-5 Sydney FC Round 18 Sydney FC 1-1 CC Mariners Analysis The much-discussed return of Sydney's Dwight Yorke has set the tone during the build-up to this grand final rematch at Aussie Stadium. Yorke, who was assigned as Sydney's on-field captain this week, is expected to be fit following a delayed return from the World Cup finals and a groin injury which set the Trinidad and Tobago star back another three weeks. He has been named in coach Terry Butcher's provisional 17-man squad for the visit of the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday alongside Alvin Ceccoli, who returns from a one-match ban, and a quartet of Sydney's Qantas Socceroo contingent. David Carney, Alex Brosque, Mark Milligan and Steve Corica - whose clinical finish separated the sides in last season's showpiece decider - all return after national team duty. One player not rested last weekend was Sasho Petrovski, the striker with three Hyundai A-League Pre-Season Cup goals and the Qantas Socceroos' winner in the Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait to his name already this season. Petrovski led a highly experimental Sydney line-up to a convincing 2-0 win over the Jets in last week's third-place playoff, an ominous sign for the rest of the league including Lawrie McKinna's in-form Mariners. McKinna's men make the short journey to Sydney - one of five away matches in the opening seven rounds - without the services of John Crawley (hip), Nick Mrdja (knee), Nigel Boogaard (Osteitis Pubis) and Matthew Osman (back). But the Scotsman welcomes back Tom Pondeljak after eight weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem, Paul O'Grady from suspension and also includes striker John Hutchinson following a serious knee ligament injury. Hutchinson, who scored six times in seven starts last season, played 20 minutes as an extra-time substitute against Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League Pre-Season Cup final after seven months out although Adam Kwasnik is expected to retain his berth upfront. Squads Sydney FC: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Iain FYFE, 3. Alvin CECCOLI, 4. Mark RUDAN, 6. Ufuk TALAY, 7. Robbie MIDDLEBY, 9. David ZDRILIC, 10. Steve CORICA, 11. Sasho PETROVSKI, 12. David CARNEY, 13. Jeremy BROCKIE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 15. Terry MCFLYNN, 16. Mark MILLIGAN, 19 Dwight YORKE (captain), 20. Justin PASFIELD, 21. Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY. (Two to be omitted) Central Coast Mariners: 20. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 2. Wayne O'SULLIVAN, 3. Paul O'GRADY, 4. Noel SPENCER (captain), 5. Bradley PORTER, 6.Andre GUMPRECHT, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Jamie McMASTER, 10. Tom PONDELJAK, 11. Damien BROWN, 12. Stewart PETRIE, 13. Tony VIDMAR, 14. Vuko TOMASEVIC, 15. Andrew CLARK, 18. Alex WILKINSON, 19. Adam KWASNIK, 30. Matthew TROTT (gk) (Two to be omitted) Sydney FC coach Terry Butcher: "We have everyone, except for the long term injuries to Jacob Timpano and Ruben Zadkovich, available and ready to play. It means some people will have to miss out and I have some tough choices but that is my job. It is better to be in this situation than having a whole lot of unavailable players. We have 17 fit and available and I will narrow it down to 15 for the squad and then the starting 11 on Sunday." Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna: "If we stay injury free for the first few rounds, we should have a full squad to choose from in about one month, which is a good result considering the bad luck we've had during pre-season. There are a few pleasant selection headaches on the horizon and that can only be positive for our overall performance and competition for places within the squad."
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Re: Australian A-League Round 1 New Zealand Knights v Newcastle Jets Date: Sunday August 27 Kick-off (local time): 5.00pm Venue: North Harbour Stadium Head-to-head Three league meetings: Newcastle - 3 wins Previous meeting New Zealand 1 Newcastle 1 (North Harbour Stadium, Pre-Season Cup round one, July 2006) Last five results New Zealand: Draw - Draw - Loss - Loss - Loss Newcastle: Loss - Draw - Loss - Loss - Loss Last season in A League Round 4 Newcastle Jets 1-1 NZ Knights Round 11 NZ Knights 2-4 Newcastle Jets Round 18 Newcastle Jets 3-0 NZ Knights Analysis They may be coming off the back of three successive defeats in the Hyundai A-League Pre-Season Cup but Sunday's clash with Newcastle provides the New Zealand Knights a timely opportunity to record a first-ever league win at home. The Jets are equally out-of-sorts following a disrupted pre-season of transfer wrangles including the departures of Liam Reddy, Ante Milicic and Ned Zelic and the subsequent arrivals of Joel Griffiths, Paul Okon and Milton Rodriguez. Griffiths, although not fully fit by his own admission, is in the frame for his full league debut after managing 90 minutes two weeks ago in Newcastle's disappointing semi-final defeat to a depleted Sydney side. But his Colombian strike partner - who will be known as Milton in the forthcoming campaign - will not be making his debut as he's yet to receive immigration clearance. Jets coach Nick Theodorakopoulos, who wants to build a passing team this season, is expected to continue playing three at the back with the most likely candidates Paul Okon, Jade North and Andrew Durante. All White international Steven Old only arrived in Newcastle on Monday after New Zealand's overseas tour of Europe but will the trip to his homeland. The Knights, who missed out on signing Old as well as compatriot Vaughan Coveny, have their own defensive concerns with new signing Matt Carbon out with a groin injury and Frank Van Eijs suspended. Captain Darren Bazeley twisted an ankle against the Roar last Friday but is in the squad. Gregory Duruz and Jonas Salley have been included after being omitted last week as a precaution but Paul Nevin's woes continue with Dani Rodriguez (hamstring) and Noah Hickey (knee) missing. Hickey, one of only two Knights to have started all six Hyundai A-League Pre-Season games, was stretchered off after 10 minutes against Queensland but is expected to return within a fortnight. Squads New Zealand Knights: 2. Darren BAZELEY (captain), 3. Greg DURUZ, 4. Che BUNCE, 6. Neil EMBLEN, 7. Richard JOHNSON, 8. Scot GEMMILL, 10. Sean DEVINE, 11. Jonti RICHTER, 12. Mark PASTON (gk), 13. Jonas SALLEY, 14. Malik BUARI, 16. Adam CASEY, 18. Michael WHITE, 19. Sime KOVACEVIC, 20. Michael TURNBULL (gk) Newcastle Jets: 20. Ben KENNEDY (gk) 6.Andrew DURANTE , 8.Matt THOMPSON, 9.Vaughan COVENY , 10.Nick CARLE, 12.Paul OKON (captain),, 13.Adam D’APUZZO, 14.Jobe WHEELHOUSE, 15.Stuart MUSIALIK, 16.Labinot HALITI, 17.Tolgay OZBEY, 18.Joel GRIFFITHS, 19.Mark BRIDGE, 22.Stephen OLD, 23.Shane WEBB
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Re: Australian A-League Round 1 Queensland Roar v Perth Glory Date: Saturday August 26 Kick-off (local time): 7.00pm Venue: Suncorp Stadium Head-to-head Three league meetings: Queensland - 1 win, Perth - 1 win, 1 draw Previous meeting Perth 0 Queensland 2 (Members Equity Stadium, Hyundai A-League round 17, January 2006) Last five results Queensland: Draw - Draw - Draw - Draw - Win Perth: Draw - Draw - Loss - Win - Loss Last season in A League Round 3 Perth Glory 2-1 Queensland Roar Round 10 Queensland Roar 0-0 Perth Glory Round 17 Perth Glory 0-2 Queensland Roar Analysis Perth Glory will face a daunting prospect when they hit the road for the fourth consecutive week to tackle the Queensland Roar. With injury and illness sweeping through the camp, new coach Ron Smith has had precious little time to mould his new-look side and is sure to encounter a passionate Roar outfit desperate to prove a point at Suncorp Stadium. Miron Bleiberg is expected to field six debutants from his expansive off-season recruitment drive including strikers Ante Milicic and Simon Lynch and playmaker Marcus Wedau in the midfield. Milicic has recovered from illness to take his place and Brazilian frontman Reinaldo is in the frame to retain his spot upfront after scoring last weekend. Yuning Zhang is yet to arrive back in Brisbane from China. Goalkeeper Liam Reddy appears to have won the battle for the number one jersey with Tom Willis after Bleiberg rotated the pair during pre-season. Fellow Roar debutant Andrew Packer will attempt to keep Glory marquee man Stan Lazaridis quiet on Queensland's right-hand side. Perth welcomes back Simon Colosimo from a knee ligament injury after he played just 22 minutes in the Hyundai A-League Pre-Season Cup. Fellow midfielders David Micevski (flu) and Adrian Webster (hamstring) will also make the trip to Queensland. Bobby Despotovski has a long-term back complaint so Glory head coach Ron Smith will have to rely on veteran Stuart Young, Naum Sekulovski and 22-year-old debutant Mislav Saric for goals. Former Roar defender Tyler Simpson, who made just three starts for the Queenslanders last year, retains his place in the Glory squad after signing a short-term deal last week but Ryan Townsend (back), Jamie Coyne (abdominal) and Josip Magdic (flu) are all unavailable. Squads Queensland Roar: 1. Tom WILLIS (gk), 2. Andrew PACKER, 4. Chad GIBSON (captain), 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN, 7. Marcus WEDAU, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Simon LYNCH, 10. Ante MILICIC, 11. REINALDO 15. Matthew McKAY, 16. Hyuk-Su SEO, 18. Dario VIDOSIC, 19. Sasa Ognenovski, 20. Liam REDDY (gk), 21. Steve FITZSIMMONS Perth Glory: 20. Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 3. David TARKA, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 5. Jamie HARNWELL (captain), 6. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 7. Mislav SARIC, 8. David MICEVSKI, 11. Stan LAZARIDIS, 12. Leo BERTOS, 13. Ante KOVACEVIC, 16. Adrian WEBSTER, 17. Stuart YOUNG, 18. Josip MAGDIC, 19. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 23. Tyler SIMPSON, 30. Andrew CREWS (gk)
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Re: Australian A-League Round 1 FT: Melbourne Victory 2 - 0 Adelaide Utd 29m K. Muscat (pen.) 78m Claudinho Uninspiring second half after Fred and Allessandrio went off just after half time. Adelaide had most of the possession in the 2nd half but never really looked like scoring against Melbourne's tight defence. The Victory took its chances and deserved the win as they always looked dangerous when going into attack. Claudinho another Brazilian came on as a substitute and finished nicely to score the 2nd goal. Conclusions: Melbourne Victory look to have an exciting season ahead if they can keep it up and once they learn to gel as a team Adelaide Utd will win there share of games as their defence is strong and ball movement is quite good, and they will no doubt find the net more often than not Good win by Melbourne
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Re: Australian A-League Round 1 Melbourne Victory 1 - 0 Adelaide Utd at half time 29m K. Muscat (pen.) Entertaining first game of the A League season with Adelaide starting off solidly and again very strong defensively. Melbourne with Archie Thompson starting to get into the play and new Brazilians Alessandro and Fred playing with a lot of flair started to gain control at around the 15 min mark. Allesandros's skill resulted in a penalty for Melbourne which was taken by Muscat and never in doubt for the opening goal, incidently, Melbournes first ever goal against Adelaide. Melbourne missed a couple of very gettable chances, and Dodd missed a sitter for Adelaide just before half time. All in all a great game and Mellbourne should be up 3-1, they are in control at the moment.
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Re: Australian A League 2006/2007 Season Preview Table Pos. ...Team ..........G.....W ..D...L....F....A.... P 1. Adelaide United ....24...13...5...6...36..30...44 2. Sydney FC ..........24...12...7...5...40..31...43 3. Central Coast M....25...10...9...6...38..30...39 4. Newcastle............23....9...5...9...28..31...32 5. Perth Glory ..........21....8...5...8...34..29...29 6. Queensland Roar ...21....7...7...7...27..22...28 7. Melbourne Victory ..21...7...5...9...26..24...26 8. New Zealand Kgts ..21...1...3..17...15..47.....6 Home ....Team ..........G ...W...D..L.....F...A .....P 1. Sydney FC ...........13 ...7 ..5...1...17..10... 26 2. Adelaide United .....12...5....4...3...18..17 ...19 3. Melbourne Victory ..10 ..4....3...3 ..15...9....15 4. Central Coast Mar...11...4 ...3...4...19..17...15 5. Newcastle ............12...5....0...7....14..19...15 6. Queensland Roar ....11...2....5...4....11..13...11 7. Perth Glory............11....3...1....7....13..16...10 8. New Zealand Kgts ..10....0...2....8....11..25....2 Away ..Team..............G.....W..D...L....F...A....P 1. Adelaide United ......12....8...1...3...18..13...25 2. Central Coast Mar ...14....6...6...2...19..13...24 3. Perth Glory ............10....5...4...1....21..13..19 4. Queensland Roar .....10....5...2...3....16...9...17 5. Sydney FC .............11....5...2...4....23..21...17 6. Newcastle ..............11....4...5...2....14..12...17 7. Melbourne Victory ....11....3...2...6....11..15...11 8. New Zealand Kgts ....11....1...1 ..9.....4...22....4
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Re: Australian A-League Round 1 Previous results for Adelaide and Melbourne in A League first season last year Round 3 Adelaide United 1-0 Melbourne Victory Round 10 Melbourne Victory 0-1 Adelaide United Round 17 Adelaide United 1-0 Melbourne Victory Previous history suggest a low scoring affair but it is the first round of a new season and anything can happen.
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Re: Australian A-League Round 1 Good review Miguel and look forward to your future posts regards the A League. I didn't get to follow the A League as much as I liked last year so will be fun to swap thoughts with those more knowledgable than myself until I can offer some thoughts of my own. Think the cover on Adelaide is good thinking too, cheers!
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Re: Australian A League 2006/2007 Season Preview Perth Glory
Coach: Ron Smith
Captain: Jamie Harnwell
Last year: Fifth.
Marquee player: Stan Lazaridis. After a tug of war between Perth and Adelaide for his services, the former Birmingham City and West Ham wideman followed his heart back to where it all began.
Recruited for much more than just his pace down the left side, the 34-year-old Socceroo has provided the face for the Glory to base its reinvention around.
But having been kept on the bench for the entire World Cup by Guus Hiddink, Lazaridis also arrives in the A-League with a point to prove.
One to watch: Luka Glavas. The mail on this 21-year-old striker was already good before he scored all four goals in Sydney United's triumph in the grand final of the NSW Premier League.
Already a target for Hajduk Split, Glavas' lean frame belies a voracious appetite for goals and he will lend strike power along with the ageing Stuart Young and Bobby Despotovski.
New faces: Leo Bertos (Worksop, England), Jeremy Christie (NZ), Luka Glavas (Sydney United), Stan Lazaridis (Birmingham City, England), Josip Magdic (Floreat), Mark Robertson (Stockport, England), Mimi Saric (Adelaide Rangers), Ryan Townsend (Burnley, England), Aleks Vrteski (AIS), Adrian Webster (Darlington, England).
Moved on: Adrian Caceres (Melbourne Victory), Billy Celeski (Bulleen), Brian Deane (Sheffield United, England), Henry Fa'arodo (Essendon Royals), Matt Horsley (retired), Hiro Ishida (released), Milan Jovanic (released), Steve McMahon Jr (released), Scott Miller (retired), Damian Mori (Adelaide City), Neil Teggart (released), Nick Ward (QPR, England), Daniel Vasilevski (released)
We say: After a disastrous first A-League season, dogged by infighting and the acrimonious departure of abrasive coach Steve McMahon, the off-season for Perth Glory fans has been equally traumatic.
Issues of ownership dragged on interminably until Football Federation Australia decided they would take charge of the club themselves.
This led to the recruitment of Lazaridis as a marquee signing and the appointment of former Socceroo technical director Ron Smith as head coach, and suddenly things look a whole lot brighter.
If Lazaridis can stay fit and Smith lives up to his reputation by getting the best out of his mix of veterans, imports and local hopefuls, then a finals appearance is not out of the question.
Prediction: 6th
Queensland Roar
Coach: Miron Bleiberg
Captain: Chad Gibson
Last year: Sixth.
Marquee player: Nil. Have recruited well by securing former Socceroo Ante Milicic, Scot Simon Lynch and Chinese star Yuning Zhang but once again opted against paying up for a marquee man.
One to watch: Young Socceroo Spase Dilevski looms as the Roar's headline-grabber but it is under-20 international Dario Vidosic who could be the real surprise packet.
Huge things are expected by the Roar of the sharp Croatian-born midfielder. Vidosic is due for some good luck after contracting stress fractures while touring with the Young Socceroos and then being hit by glandular fever. Restarted training only to be hit by a police car in a road accident.
New faces: Simon Lynch (Dundee, Scotland), Ante Milicic (Newcastle Jets), Yuning Zhang (Shanghai), Andrew Packer (Sydney FC), Stu McLaren (elevated), Marcus Wedau (VFL Osnabruck, Germany), Dario Vidosic (AIS), Sasa Ognenovski (Victorian Premier League), Liam Reddy (Newcastle Jets), Steve Fitzsimmons (NZ).
Moved on: Alex Brosque (Sydney FC), Jonti Richter (NZ), Scott Higgins (Falkirk, Scotland) Todd Gava (released), Michael Baird (Uni Craiova, Romania), Royce Brownlie (Swindon Town, England), Jordan Simpson (Switzerland), Tyler Simpson (released), Reece Tollenaere (released), Warren Moon (released), David Williams (Brondby, Denmark), Karl Dodd (Falkirk, Scotland).
We say: Promised more than they delivered last season with an exciting, attacking game which failed to reap many wins due to an inability to find the back of the net.
The colourful Bleiberg, who needs a top-four finish to keep his job, is retain to keep his style.
His 2006-07 squad has lost some pace but looks to have more maturity and nous, giving a greater expectation. Milicic and Lynch up front are keys.
Prediction: 6th
That's it for the local review and wish I could have offered my own thoughts. I plan to be watching the A league closely this year and will offer my thoughts when I feel they are useful :)
Good luck and good punting! -
Re: Australian A League 2006/2007 Season Preview Newcastle Jets
Coach: Nick Theodorakopoulos
Captain: Paul Okon
Last season: Fourth (Lost minor semi-final 2-1 to Central Coast).
Marquee player: None.
One to watch: Joel Griffiths. After scoring on his Socceroo debut in the 5-1 win over Jamaica last year, the 26-year-old attacking midfielder endured a horror stint at England's Leeds United. He will be keen to get his career back on track, which can only benefit the Jets.
Griffiths had three European seasons with Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax under his belt and was in the same Young Socceroos team as Jason Culina, Vince Grella and Marco Bresciano.
New faces: Paul Okon (Apoel, Cyprus), Joel Griffiths (Leeds United, England), Tony Faria (Marconi), Tarek Elrich (previously short-term), Adam D'Apuzzo (Marconi), Tolgay Ozbey (Blacktown City, NSW), Ben Kennedy (Broadmeadow Magic), Steven Old (Manawatu), Jess Kedswell-Vanstratten (Verona, Ita).
Moved on: Ante Milicic (Queensland), Liam Reddy (Queensland), Richard Johnson (NZ Knights), Allan Picken (Walsall, England), Ned Zelic (released), Guy Bates (released), Paul Kohler (released), Mateo Corbo (released), Franco Parisi (released), Brett Studman (released), Andy Petterson (released).
We say: The surprise sacking of foundation coach Richard Money led to a mass player exodus and as it may take time for the new recruits to gel, the Jets may be destined for a transition (read mixed) season which is likely to end closer to the bottom than the top.
Many new players have been promoted from state leagues, so it may be too much to ask for an improvement on last year's finish. New coach Theodorakopoulos will also want to prove himself in the A-League.
But there is some talent and experience - North and Durante are bright sparks while veteran former Socceroo Okon's experience makes up for Zelic's departure.
Also, luring Griffiths home in his prime was quite a coup.
Prediction: 8th.
New Zealand Knights
Coach: Paul Nevin
Captain: Darren Bazeley
Last year: 8th
Marquee player: Scott Gemmill. The 35-year-old former Scottish international was recruited in the off-season and brings years of experience gained at Everton and Nottingham Forest. The central midfielder reads the play well and has already assumed an on-field leadership role in pre-season matches.
One to watch: Dani Rodrigues. Another new recruit, the former Portuguese under-21 striker's Premier League career at Southampton was cut short by injury. The 26-year-old scored on debut against Queensland in the pre-season and could provide the spark the Knights need in front of goal.
New faces: Malik Buari (Woking, England), Che Bunce(Waikato), Matt Carbon (Barnsley, England), Adam Casey (Wollongong), Greg Duruz (FC Thun, Switzerland), Scott Gemmill (Oxford United, England), Richard Johnson (Newcastle Jets), Simi Kovacevic (rookie), Mark Paston (St Johnstone, Scotland), Jonti Richter (Qld), Dani Rodrigues (Englandf), Jonas Salley (South Melbourne), Michael Turnbull (Standard Liege, Belgium), Michael White (Canterbury, NZ)
Moved on: Jeremy Brockie (Sydney FC), Ronnie Bull (released), Zenon Caravella (released), Jeremy Christie (Perth), Ben Collett (released), Steven Fitzsimmons (Qld Roar), Danny Hay (released), Naoki Imaya (released), Joshua Maguire (released), Glen Moss (released), Joshua Rose (released), John Tambouras (released), Cole Tinkler (released), Simon Yeo (released, Xiaobin Zhang (released).
We say: The A-League's only overseas franchise had a disastrous first season, finishing a long last with just one win.
Paul Nevin has replaced John Adshead as coach and a massive turnover of players has seen just five members of the inaugural Knights squad retained.
The result is a more competitive outfit, in the pre-season at least, with three draws and two losses, both by a single goal.
The Knights lost rising star Jeremy Brockie to Sydney and Jeremy Christie to Perth but have recruited heavily overseas with Gemmill and Rodrigues joined by Ghanaian and former Fulham midfielder Malik Buari, previously UK-based Australian midfielder Richard Johnson, All Whites defender Che Bunce and former Australian junior goalkeeper Michael Turnbull.
Prediction: 7th -
Re: Australian A League 2006/2007 Season Preview Central Coast Mariners
Coach: Lawrie McKinna
Captain: Noel Spencer
Last season: Runner-up (lost Grand Final 1-0 to SydneyFC). Third at end of regular season.
Marquee player: Tony Vidmar. A significant signing for the Mariners with the 36-year-old Socceroos defender returning to Australia on a two-year deal after missing the World Cup with a heart condition.
Will add plenty of experience to the line-up,particularly in defence where the Mariners have lost last season's sensations, Michael Beauchamp and Dean Heffernan.
One to watch: Nick Mrdja. Looked set to light up last season's A-League after making a big impression during the pre-season only to miss the entire year with a knee injury.
After being only able to watch Central Coast's impressive Grand Final run, the talented striker will be out to make amends this season.
New faces: Tony Vidmar (NAC Breda, Holland), Bradley Porter (previously short-term), Vuko Tomasevic (Marconi), Jamie McMaster (previously short-term).
Moved on: Michael Beauchamp (Nurnberg, Germany), Dean Heffernan (Nurnberg, Germany), Russell Woodruffe (released), Leo Carle (released).
We say: Last season's Cinderella story, the Mariners exceeded expectations to go all the way to the Grand Final, losing 1-0 to Sydney FC at Aussie Stadium.
Having to deal with higher expectations this season will be one of the club's biggest hurdles, although they again showed their worth in the pre-season cup by qualifying for a fourth straight competition final.
The loss of central defender Michael Beauchamp (a Socceroos World Cup squad member) and goal-scoring left-back Dean Heffernan are both major blows, although Tony Vidmar's addition makes up for some of that.
After missing all of last season, striker Mrdja willbe a significant addition.
Prediction: 5th.
Melbourne Victory
Coach: Ernie Merrick
Captain: Kevin Muscat
Last year: Seventh.
Marquee player: Archie Thompson. Proved himself the best local player in the A-League with a stunning first half of last season, before protracted loan move to Holland's PSV Eindhoven in January during which he fell out with the Victory hierarchy.
But all has been forgiven Socceroo Archie - complete with mohawk - is back to bang in the goals and reclaim his cult hero status.
One to watch: Kristian Sarkies. Attacking midfielder and deadball specialist set to become Australian soccer's next big thing. After call-up as a training partner to the Socceroos, Guus
Hiddink thought enough of him to keep with the World Cup squad as an unofficial 24th player.
But at Victory last year, he was often substituted or left out of starting side entirely. That's set to change. Enjoy this 19-year-old while you can - he'll probably be in Europe next year.
New faces: Fred (Tupi, Brazil), Claudinho (Atletico Paranaense, Brazil), Alessandro (Internacional RS, Brazil), Adrian Caceres (Perth Glory), Grant Brebner (Dundee United, Scotland), Roddy Vargas (Green Gully, Victorian Premier League).
Moved on: Richard Kitzbichler (Salzburg, Austria), Chris Tadrosse (Uerdingen, Germany), Andy Vlahos (released), Carl Recchia (released), Ricky Diaco (released).
We say: Three new Brazilian imports have given far greater depth to a squad which didn't build on its early promise last season.
Attackers Fred and Claudinho were hand-picked by coach Ernie Merrick to address a lack of goals.
Sarkies is a gun, young defender Adrian Leijer was a revelation last season, and watch for Kevin Muscat to move into midfield to get his toughness closer to the action.
The ingredients are there, and Merrick will need early results to quell any uprising from fans calling for his head.
Prediction: 3rd. -
I did not have the opportunity to follow the A League much in its first Season in Australia, but I am posting a local review of the upcoming season for those interested in Australian A League. After the review i have added last years first season Full table and Home and Away ladder. Sydney FC
Coach: Terry Butcher
Captain: Mark Rudan (club captain), Dwight Yorke (team captain).
Last year: Champion. Second at end of regular season.
Marquee player: Dwight Yorke. The 35-year-old's distinguished career peaked during Manchester United's 1999 treble-winning season when he was top scorer in the English premier league but he has had a renaissance at Sydney thanks to a switch from striker to midfield playmaker.
Now in the final year of his contract, his confidence is high after a good World Cup as captain of Trinidad and Tobago.
One to watch: Alex Brosque. Signed in the off-season from Queensland, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder was joint top scorer last season with eight goals.
With the quality of combinations available beside David Carney, Yorke and Saso Petrovski, Brosque is likely to bang them in. Likes to run at players and so should add an extra dimension to the Sydney attack.
New faces: Jeremy Brockie (NZ), Alex Brosque (Queensland Roar), Ruben Zadkovich (previously short-term), Nikolai Topor-Stanley (new short-term)
Moved on: Andrew Packer (Queensland Roar), Matthew Bingley (released), Steve Laurie (released), Alejandro Salazar (released).
Comment: Sydney's squad strength was underlined with a record eight call-ups to the Socceroos training squad in August with representatives from all over the park.
An impressive pre-season belied conventional wisdom that a change in manager is destabilising and the switch from German Pierre Littbarski to Englishman Terry Butcher not seeming to have caused any teething troubles - yet.
Brosque's flair - with gun striker Jeremy Brockie also waiting in the wings - should help avoid last season's mid-term slump while a Yorke without World Cup distractions should allow for more consistency, which bodes well for Sydney's title defence.
Prediction: Champions again.
Adelaide United
Coach: John Kosmina
Captain: Ross Aloisi
Last year: Third. Topped the league after regular season.
Marquee player: Shengqing Qu. Midway through the off-season it seemed highly unlikely that Qu would return to Adelaide following a first season in which the Chinese international lit up the A League with numerous moments of brilliance.
But a deal was signed as the season approached and his return bodes well for United's attacking prospects.
One to watch: Bobby Petta. Although he failed to impress the Queensland Roar coaching staff during a try-out, Petta, 32, made a good enough impression with Adelaide to earn a place.
A versatile left winger with plenty of goal-making pedigree, Petta was good enough to be a Dutch international squad member during his time with Celtic from 1999-2004, a spell that also saw him impress in the Champions League.
After missing out on Stan Lazaridis, Kosmina rates Petta the better player.
New faces: Bobby Petta (Bradford City, England), Greg Owens (Sydney United, NSW), Dez Giraldi (Empoli, Italy - loan), Nathan Burns (AIS), Jason Spagnuolo (Metro Stars, SA).
Moved on: Louis Brain (released), Chad Bugeja (released), Michael Matricciani (released), Tony Hatzis (released).
We say: Apart from a long-term knee injury to midfielder Lucas Pantelis, Adelaide has lost nobody significant over the off-season while also bolstering its stocks with the likes of Petta, Dez Giraldi and Greg Owens.
A strong pre-season campaign has been made all the more impressive by the fact that Petta, Fernando Rech and Shengqing Qu are all yet to play, with all likely to cause considerable discomfort for opposition sides and ensure Adelaide is a title contender once more this season.
About the only area Adelaide will be disadvantaged is its surprise factor - few sides will underestimate the Reds as they did last time.
Prediction: 2nd
Australian A-League Round 1
in Other Africa & Middle East Football Predictions
Posted
Re: Australian A-League Round 1 HT: Queensland Roar 0 - 0 Perth Glory Nil all at half time with both sides having clear chances to score but a clear lack of finishing skill put paid to any goals. The start of this game was a bit of a carbon copy of last nights season opener in Melbourne without the class or skill. The Roar started like a house on fire early creating a few chances and looking generally dangerous until Perth reeled them in actually took control of the game. Both sides have made many unforced errors and are not in the class of either Melbourne or Adelaide. Game probably should be 1-1 but it's not and I don't think there is going to be a goal fest in the 2nd half.