The squads are in for the opening round of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season with some big inclusions across all five matches.
We’ve picked out five key ins that could prove the difference in getting their side off to a winning start to the campaign.
SQUADS: Hyundai A-League Round 1: Ins and Outs
Massimo Maccarone (Brisbane Roar)
One of the keys for Roar boss John Aloisi in the off-season was finding someone to replace the goals of the departed Jamie Maclaren.
The veteran Italian has scored a stack of goals in Serie A and England and despite turning 38 last month, Maccarone has the pedigree and experience to become Brisbane’s new ‘Big Mac’.
Asdrubal (Central Coast Mariners)
There’s big wraps coming out of Gosford when it comes to the Spanish striker and home fans will get a chance to get a proper look at him in Saturday’s F3 Derby against Newcastle Jets.
Brought in to cover the loss of Roy O’Donovan – who ironically made the move to the Hunter – which striker will make an immediate impact at their new club this weekend?
Adrian Mierzejewski (Sydney FC)
If what we’ve seen in the Westfield FFA Cup is anything to go on, then Mierzejewski is set to light up Saturday night’s Big Blue.
The Polish international has fitted in seamlessly at the Sky Blues and is a player Victory will need to stop if they are to end their four-game losing streak against Graham Arnold’s side.
Goran Paracki (Wellington Phoenix)
With a host of All Whites stars missing on international duty, the Croatian midfielder’s class and experience will be even more important at the Cake Tin.
Paracki will be a key cog to Wellington’s hopes of making the finals and in the all-important midfield battle, the 30-year-old won’t shirk the challenge against the Reds.
Xavi Torres (Perth Glory)
One of the impressive Spanish contingent to join the Hyundai A-League this season, Torres is widely-regarded as one of the best signings of the off-season.
A complete midfielder, Torres is set to form a lethal combination with compatriots Diego Castro and Andreu in Glory’s engine room against the Wanderers on Sunday.
