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2015-16 A-League season preview: Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory have led the way in the current A-League fan crisis. (AAP Image/David Crosling)
Expert
5th October, 2015
19

Melbourne Victory’s dismantling of Sydney FC in last season’s grand final was confirmation that Kevin Muscat’s side are way ahead of the A-League pack.

This team oozes quality, and Muscat has proved a more-than-worthy successor to Ange Postecoglou. A dynasty awaits this talented side and this season could see the A-League’s first treble completed, perhaps even a quadruple.

Four trophies are still on offer for Melbourne Victory – three domestically and one in Asia – and the ambitious club will be targeting all of them. The A-League premiership should be a given, yet their gruelling schedule may even the playing field.

Strengths
Where do you start? Up front is stacked with talent – Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Besart Berisha and Kosta Barbarouses make a frightening combination, and they are ably supported by Connor Pain and Archie Thompson (when he returns from injury).

The midfield looks strong and the defence has also been improved with the addition of Danny Vukovic and a fully fit Matthieu Delpierre. It is hard to find a weakness in this squad.

Weaknesses
Fighting on three fronts. Aiming to claim the premiership-championship double, the FFA Cup, and the Asian Champions League, the squad will be stretched. Injuries to Nick Ansell and Thompson have already depleted the stocks, one or two more and this squad could struggle with a heavy workload.

With a bright, quality manager and a mixture of grit and guile on the pitch, it is the only thing that may hurt their hopes of breaking records.

Besart Berisha of Victory celebrates after scoring a goal Melbourne Victory’s key man (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

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Big question: Can Victory finally progress in the Asian Champions League?
He infamously derided the competition as a player, but as a manager Muscat has undoubtedly matured and will be aiming to conquer Asia.

Victory have underperformed in the competition, only grabbing six wins from 24 games and failing to progress past the group stages on four occasions. This year, however, their first team should be able to navigate through to the knockouts.

A deep run from Victory to emulate Western Sydney or Adelaide United would be great for the club and Australian football, and would be well received by the more than 24,000 members.

Unfortunately, Muscat’s toughest decision will be choosing the right squad – one of Guilherme Finkler, Khalfallah, Berisha or Barbarouses will have to be omitted due to foreign quotas.

Key man: Oliver Bozanic
Mark Milligan’s departure is a big blow to Victory and Muscat, yet the club have found a like-for-like replacement in Bozanic. The 26-year-old will slot in seamlessly next to Carl Valeri and could even eclipse the exploits of Milligan.

Possessing superior attacking qualities, Bozanic will likely add even more goals to this side, especially through his assists column. The midfielder will be eager to return to the Socceroos fold and playing for Muscat’s Victory will definitely catch Postecolou’s attention. He also adds vital ACL experience to the team.

Youngster to watch: Giancarlo Gallifuoco
It may be a while before we see Gallifuoco crack the first team, with the 21-year-old currently on Olyroos duty. However, the versatile centre back could find himself partnering Matthieu Delpierre in defence if Ansell’s injury woes continue.

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Gallifuoco captained Swansea City’s Under-21 Premier League side last season following an apprenticeship at Tottenham Hotspur. Definitely one to watch domestically and internationally.

Position last season: First
Victory finished top of the table and then swept all aside in the finals to take out the premiership-championship double. They were easily the best team in the competition.

Prediction: Top three
Kevin Muscat possesses the best XI in the league, no argument. It would be hard to bet against them claiming the double again. Yet with ACL duties their squad will be stretched, and top place could be out of reach if they make a deep run in Asia.

First five fixtures
Adelaide United (A), Melbourne City (H), Newcastle United (A), Wellington Phoenix (H), Perth Glory (A).

Possible line-up
Khalfallah, Berisha, Barbarouses
Finkler
Valeri, Bozanic
Georgievski, Broxham, Delpierre, Geria
Vukovic

Ins
Danny Vukovic (Perth Glory), Oliver Bozanic (free agent), Giancarlo Gallifuoco (free agent).

Outs
Mark Milligan (Baniyas), Andrew Nabbout (released), Nathan Coe (released), Jordan Brown (released).

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