A-League Preview- Season 70
The A-League action begins again on Tuesday with four new teams promoted to fight for top league honours. Last season’s winner Crimson Eagles will be hoping to go back to back but it may not be that easy. Below I’ve previewed each side and had a guess where I think they will likely finish. I’ve also got a few predictions from some of the top managers and where they think everyone might end up.
Abbotsford FC
– The most consistent performer in the A-League over the last 10 seasons again showing this with a 4th place finish last season.
– Abbotsford hasn’t acquired any new players for the season but with last season’s starting X1 average age of only 26.45, his team will likely be just as good as last season
Prediction: 3rd
Bes Mudi Bandits
– Bes Mudi Bandits are back in the A-League, having won Division 1.1 last season. After their recent hiatus from the top division, they will be looking to lock down a permanent position in the top flight.
– They’ve made no notable transfers and may struggle a little to compete with the top teams but wouldn’t be shocked if they pulled off some surprises.
Prediction: 6th
Bindi FC
– Since going the A-League a few seasons ago, Bindi looked at home amongst the company of Australia’s elite.
– Finishing a strong 5th last season and making one addition to the starting line up in the off season, I’m sure they will be highly competitive once more.
Prediction: 4thChelsea Dream
– Chelsea Dream fought hard in a relegation play-off to remain in the top league this season.
– They sold two ageing players and replaced them with younger options.
– It will be hard to see Chelsea Dream finishing higher than their 9th place finish last season.
Prediction: 11th
Collingwood
– Collingwood won Division 1.3 convincingly last season. They have a solid squad on paper but I’m unsure of their quality or how they will fair against the countries best.
– They haven’t made any additions to their squad but only losing two matches last season they clearly have class, but it’s unknown if that will translate to victories in the top league.
Prediction: 9th
Crimson Eagles FC
– Last season’s winner Crimson will be looking to go back to back after tasting victory again after a long absence.
– Crimson has sold two starters, 9.6 million worth of talent but is yet to fill that void.
– Expecting Crimson to be highly competitive again and wouldn’t be surprised if they went back to back.
Prediction: 2nd
Flying Hellfish
– Flying Hellfish was unlucky last season finishing in 3rd but did taste success in the Nation Cup.
– Arguably has the best starting team in the A-League and will be hard to hold out this year, especially after making a few key transfers in the back end of last season.
Prediction: 1st
Glasston– Glasston has been a solid competitor for seasons now in the top flight finishing a solid 6th last time out.
– They’ve made one key addition in the off-season but has an ageing squad and I expect this consistent performer to possibly struggle a little this season
Prediction: 7th
Harry Cool
– Harry Cool won Division 1.2 last season only losing one game on the way up.
– They’ve made one key addition to the squad in the off-season but are a big unknown talent.
– Harry Cool might find the step up in class a little too much but I’m happy to be proven wrong.
Prediction: 10th
Jimmy Pizza
– Jimmy had absolutely no luck last season with easily the best squad last time around.
– They finished the season 2nd and also finished runner up in the National Cup.
– Jimmy Pizza had an off-season rage sale and sacked his entire squad.
– He’s made a heap of transfers but is looking at a younger market to build a squad around.
– Depends how he spends his war chest of funds will determine what he achieves this season.
Prediction: 5th
SYDclub
– SYDub sold three of his starters with no editions to the team sheet yet.
– His squat is quite a young squad with an array of older guys. I think it might be a challenge for SYDclub to stay up this season.
Prediction: 12th
The Obscurials
– Finished 2nd last season. In Division 1.1 and went up in promotions.
– Made a few upgrades to replace previous starters in the offseason.
– Young squad all under 24 except 2 players
– Highly successful u23 campaign last season winning two U23 Official Cups but will find it difficult to compete with the top teams especially looking to camp a few starters throughout the season.
– Middle/Lower end of the table finish at best
Prediction: 8th
Fellow Manager Predictions:
senile_old_men
1. Flying Hellfish
2. Crimson Eagles
3. Abbotsford FC
4. Jimmy Pizza
5. The Obscurials
6. Bindi FC
7. SYDclub
8. Harry Cool
9. Glasston
10. Bes Mudi Bandits
11. Collingwood
12. Chelsea Dream
maccorosso
1. Crimson Eagles
2. Flying Hellfish
3. Collingwood
4. Bes Mudi Bandits
5. Harry Cool
6. Glasston
7. Bindi FC
8. Abbotsford FC
9. The Obscurials
10. SYDclub
11. Chelsea Dream
12. Jimmy Pizza
pureowen
1. Crimson Eagles FC
2. Jimmy Pizza
3. Flying Hellfish
4. Abbotsford FC
5. Glasston
6. Bindi FC
7. Harry Cool
8. Collingwood
9. SYDclub
10. Bes Mudi Bandits
11. The Obscurials
12. Chelsea Dream
aussiezone 