Hyundai A-League Round 1 Previews and Predictions

It’s been 5 long months but the A-League season for 2019-20 finally kicks off again tomorrow night. With a host of new signings across all the teams and new boys Western United on the block, season 15 of the competition is set to be an absolute thriller.

Here are all your match previews and predictions for Round 1.

Adelaide United V Sydney FC

Friday 11th Oct, 7.30pm, Coopers Stadium

Steve Corica’s defending champions Sydney FC will be looking to get off to a strong start against an Adelaide side that have had a great off season and run in the FFA Cup. Adelaide under new manager Gertjan Verbeek have racked up goals in the FFA cup scoring 11 in their 4 matches. At home they may be able to get a win over Sydney FC who have brought in a fair few stars to replace a number of departing players and will still be looking to gel. Sydney FC will also be without goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne and defender Rhyan Grant who are on international duty.

Prediction: Adelaide United 2- Sydney FC 1

 Will Sydney FC be able to go back to back?

Western Sydney Wanderers FC V Central Coast Mariners

Saturday 12th Oct, 5.00pm, Bankwest Stadium

The Wanderers return home to Bankwest Stadium in round one and will be eager for some success but face up against a rebuilt Mariners. The biggest question will be if the promising signs from Central Coasts off season including a FFA Cup semifinal will carry into the A-League. Western Sydney have also been through a rebuild as new recruits such as experienced midfielder Pirmin Schwegler and veteran goalkeeper Daniel Lopar will be looking to impress.

Prediction: Western Sydney Wanderers 3- Central Coast Mariners 1

The Wanderers are back at Wanderland. 

Melbourne Victory V Melbourne City FC

Saturday 12th Oct, 7.30PM, Marvel Stadium

The Melbourne derby is one of the league’s most exciting, and fans will be treated to whats set to be another blockbuster this Saturday. Melbourne City have had a dazzling off season in the FFA Cup reaching another final and new recruit Craig Noone has linked up brilliantly with striker Jamie Maclaren. The Victory will be without Robbie Kruse, a big blow for new coach Marco Kurz who will want to get a good start at his new club.

Prediction: Melbourne Victory 1 V Melbourne City FC 3

 Is Craig Noone the best signing of the off season? 

Wellington Phoenix V Western United FC

Sunday 13th Oct, 4.00PM, Westpac Stadium

What could potentially develop into a grudge match will see Wellington Phoenix up against the new A-League side Western United, led by the Nix former coach Mark Rudan. Key Wellington players from last season including defender Andrew Durante and goalkeeper Filip Kurto have also joined the new Melbourne side, which has a list of big names including Alessandro Diamanti and Besart Berisha.

Prediction: Wellington Phoenix 1 V Western United FC 1

 The new boys on the block.

Perth Glory V Brisbane Roar FC

Sunday 13th Oct, 6.00PM, HBF Park

Tony Popovic’s Perth Glory were the benchmark throughout last season’s campaign but fell just short in the Grand Final. Whilst Brisbane now led by Robbie Fowler had a below par season and will be looking to make the top 6. Plenty of new faces have been brought in for Brisbane including striker Roy O’Donovan and midfielder Aiden O’Neill.  This shapes up to be an interesting first round fixture as everyone will have their eyes on the new look Roar outfit.

Prediction: Perth Glory 2 V Brisbane Roar FC 2

 Can the Glory go one better than last year?

Bye Newcastle Jets.

Newcastle Jets fans will have to wait one more painstaking week for some A-League action.

Author Mitchell Farrugia

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