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Fans of the world game in Australia are patient – and they have to be.
The longest sporting off-season on the planet is finally over, with the A-League officially kicking off on October 7 when Melbourne City host Western United at AAMI Park in a grand final replay.
At the same venue on May 28, John Aloisi’s squad stunned City 2-0 due largely to a man of the match performance from Serbian striker Aleksandar Prijović.
Since then, the 12 A-League men’s outfits have been working towards another shot at silverware – and come Friday, it is showtime.
Daily Mail Australia has taken a close look at the new-look squads – and boldly predicted where YOUR team will finish.
Adelaide United
Any team with Ben Halloran and Craig Goodwin on their team sheet should be competitive. Also look for youngster Alexandar Popovic and Sydney FC recruit Harry Van Der Saag to impress.
Coach Carl Veart has been in charge now for three seasons and will look to hit the ground running.
Key recruit Charlie Austin will look to offer Brisbane Roar a cutting edge up front in the A-League (pictured, with wife Bianca)
Predicted finish: 9th
Brisbane Roar
Coach Warren Moon landed a much needed big fish in the form of journeyman English striker Charlie Austin. The one-time Southampton forward knows how to find the back of the net – although he may take time to adjust to the brutal heat in Queensland across summer.
Jay O’Shea will provide grunt in the middle of the park, with Japanese attacking midfielder Riku Danzaki also impressing during pre-season.
Predicted finish: 10th
Central Coast Mariners
Young gun Garang Kuol will look to turn heads for the Mariners so he can be in the frame for Socceroos selection ahead of the World Cup
All eyes will be on forward Garang Kuol as the 18-year-old uses the A-League to push his case for Socceroos selection ahead of the World Cup in Qatar come November.
Coach Nick Montgomery will have his team fit, with fellow World Cup hopeful Jason…
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Source : dailymail
