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It’s been five long months but the A-League season for 2019-20 finally kicks off again tonight.
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 vs Sydney FC
Friday 11 October, 7:30pm AEDT, 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 four 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
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday 12 Oct, 5:00pm AEDT, Bankwest Stadium
The Wanderers return home to Bankwest Stadium in Round 1 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 semi-final 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
Melbourne Victory vs Melbourne City
Saturday 12 Oct, 7.30PM AEDT, Marvel Stadium
The Melbourne derby is one of the league’s most exciting, and fans will be treated to what’s set to be another blockbuster this Saturday.
Melbourne City have had a dazzling offseason 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 – Melbourne City 3
(Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
Wellington Phoenix vs Western United
Sunday 13 Oct, 4pm AEDT, 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 1
Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar
Sunday 13 Oct, 6pm AEDT, HBF Park
Tony Popovic’s Perth Glory were the benchmark throughout last season’s campaign but fell just short in the grand final, while Brisbane now led by Robbie Fowler had a below-par season and will be looking to make the top six.
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 – Brisbane Roar 2
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