Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League is almost ready to kick off and there’s some interesting new faces among the squad lists released on Thursday.
We’ve picked out five key ins that could spark their respective sides this weekend.
Corey Gameiro (Brisbane Roar)
How good is it to see the speedy winger back!
Gameiro has endured shocking luck with injury throughout his Hyundai A-League career but he’s in the Roar squad to play the Mariners on Sunday in what would be his first appearance in almost two years.
Still just 24, Gameiro is a real weapon when at full throttle and here’s hoping we’ll see the best of him in Brisbane.
Kenny Athiu (Melbourne Victory)
He’s lit up the Westfield FFA Cup and PS4 NPL in Victoria and now ‘King Kenny’ is set to get his chance in Victory’s Melbourne Cup-eve clash against the Wanderers.
With Besart Berisha suspended and attacking stars James Troisi and Kosta Barbarouses on international duty, Athiu is set to play some part at Etihad Stadium.
And as we’ve seen from him in the past, he only needs half a chance to score.
Michael Thwaite (Western Sydney Wanderers)
And Thwaite is the man who could go head-to-head with Athiu after being named to return from injury for the Wanderers.
Hugely experienced, a smart defender and excellent on the ball, Thwaite is a key cog to the way the Wanderers want to play.
He had struck up a good partnership with skipper Robbie Cornthwaite before his injury lay-off and it’s probably no surprise the Wanderers haven’t won a game – in the A-League or FFA Cup – since his absence.
Neil Kilkenny (Melbourne City)
The former Caltex Socceroos midfielder hasn’t been able to force his way into Warren Joyce’s unbeaten side yet this season but could get his chance in the top-of-the-table clash against Sydney FC on Friday night.
With Osama Malik out through suspension, there’s a hole in City’s squad that needs to be filled.
And the classy Kilkenny is not a bad player to bring in for what should be a cracking clash at AAMI Park.
Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix)
When Durante limped off against Sydney FC in round 2, it was feared he’d be sidelined for as long as three months.
But the Kiwi international – who was reportedly close to a return last weekend – is back in the Phoenix squad for Saturday night’s clash with his former club Newcastle Jets.
Still chasing their first win – and clean sheet of the season – Durante’s experience and quality will be a major boost to Darije Kalezic’s squad.
