A-League season preview [part two]

Roar Pro

By Con Stamocostas, 9 Jul 2009 Con Stamocostas is a Roar Pro

Tagged:: A-League, football, Perth Glory, Sydney FC

Related coverage

The second part of this A-League season preview looks at the chances of both Sydney FC and Perth Glory.

Sydney FC (4th)
Sydney FC has the best credentialled coach in the A-League in terms of having been a proper coach in a proper league, enjoying success with Slovan Liberec. The squad looks more balanced than the last few seasons, particularly the left side with new left back Byun Sung-Hwan and Koffi Danning expecting to cause havoc.

The defence could be the weakest link, with Tony Popovich and Iain Fyfe departing. The hole has been filled by youth team players Anthony Golec and Mathew Jurman. However, an experienced defender is on the way.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Karol Kisel, the 32 year old Slovakian attacking midfielder from Czech clubs Slovan Liberec and Sparta Prague, can play in the middle on the right and on the left of midfield.

The Korean Byun Sung-Hwan comes to Sydney FC after seven years and 134 appearances in the K-League, most recently with Jeju United. His best position is left back and my spies tell me the 29 year old is not scared to take on players, can cross well and is two footed.

PREDICTION
Should make finals, but Bling FC, Drama FC, Discipline FC whatever you want to call them, will make their fans work for it, that’s for sure.

FAN CULTURE
The Cove, in both sight and sound, is something to behold in full flight. A supporters group can be marred by those who want to lead and those who don’t want to follow.

Perth Glory (5th)
The Glory has made some of the best signings so far, ranging from current Socceroos to players from the top leagues of Germany and England.

Coach David Mitchell likes to whinge and moan about long flights and how expensive Perth is to live in, and likes to kick water bottles on the pitch.

However, I believe Perth has made the right choice in keeping Mitchell as he is striving to re-build Perth Glory to something like what they were before in the old NSL.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Socceroos Mile Sterjovski (Derby) and Jacob Burns (FC Unirea Urziceni) are both full of experience at club and international level.

Serbian striker Branko Jelic (Energie Cottbus), at 32 yearS old, is nearing the veteran stage. Performances on the field is what counts and the striker has experience in Asia and Europe.

Ex -Derby defender Andy Todd will add bite to a defence that has needed it. Dutchman and former Ajax man Victor Sikora came late in the season. He will be one to watch as well.

PREDICTION
Should make the finals this season after missing out every time since season one. Mile Sterjovski to be quoted numerous times throughout the season that the A-League and Championship are the same level if not better.

FAN CULTURE
During the old NSL, the shed led the way in chanting, singing and fan culture. The A-League has seen the Shed not as animated, as results have been poor. Hopefully this season will see the Shed in full voice again.

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.

The Crowd Says (41) | Page 1 of Comments

Rellum said | July 9th 2009 @ 9:32am | Report comment

I don’t think you can get two more contrasting approaches to the season that these two teams. Sydney has brought in the most credentialed, educated manager in the history of the A-League, whilst Perth have tried to out Florentino the Coast to some degree.

I hope personally hope that, even though I support the Roar, Lavička goes on to lead Sydney to playing intelligent, stylish winning football, and shows that a marque manager is more valuable to a club than a marque player. My prediction is that Sydney will go on and win the League and make the Grand Final. Great younger players coming through, good experience in key areas, they seem to have the best balance of all the teams, rivaled only by the Melbourne and the Goldy.

Perth has brought in some good players, but I still think that Mitchell is not the man to get the best out of them. They will certainly improve on last year, and make the finals, possibly the top four. Alot of their attacking play will rely on Sterj to be at his best, but he hasn’t had enough football over the last year for me, to really grab the league by the scruff of the neck. I think it will take him a good few weeks to show his potential influence. If Coyne does come, then top four is a real chance, maybe top three if Melbourne get left behind by the improving Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast.

Reply
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 9:46am | Report comment

You support the Roar but you’re hoping SFC wins the comp???

Reply
Con Stamocostas said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:03am | Report comment

I think a lot of fans think like that…..

Reply
Rellum said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:05am | Report comment

I support the A-League first, Roar second. It’s long and complicated, to do with lions, and orange. I just want the A-League to do well. I still will be going for the Roar to win the comp.

Reply
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:21am | Report comment

Con Stamocostas said :
I think a lot of fans think like that…..

hah! Like the bloke said in The Castle: dreaming!!

Reply
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:23am | Report comment

If Australians are to have a favourite second team, then clearly it’s Melbourne: unobtrusive, genial, humble and always keen to put the game first, above all personal ambitions and attachments.

Reply
Con Stamocostas said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:28am | Report comment

Pippinu,

Actually Melbourne is my second team. Just like a dark mistress I keep, but it’s very hush hush. Sydney FC gets very jealous.

Reply
MVDave said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:30am | Report comment

The only thing l want for SFC this season… is for them to get beaten by MV in the GF at the MCG in front of 80,000!!

Reply
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:30am | Report comment

Con
I always knew you were a top bloke!

unlike all these other @r$eholes I’m dealing with on here on a daily basis!!!

Reply
Pippinu said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:30am | Report comment

MVDave
I’d 2nd that!!

Reply