The Reds will be hoping to build on their new style as they aim to go back to the finals. A look at their roster reveals plenty of players capable of scoring big in this season’s Fantasy A-League.
Adelaide United:
Team overview/chances for season ahead:
Coach Josep Gombau said from the outset you would see the best of his side in his second season so the pressure is on the Reds to perform. After being exposed for trying to overplay Gombau’s tiki-taka philosophy at times last season, they got the balance right towards the end of the campaign and if they can keep that improvement going the Spaniard’s vow could come true. They look strong all over the park and are a lock for at least a top-six finish.
Player price list:
|
Ferreira |
M |
$362,000 |
|
Cirio |
F |
$329,000 |
|
Carrusca |
M |
$320,000 |
|
Galekovic |
G |
$319,000 |
|
Malik |
D |
$293,000 |
|
Djite |
F |
$250,000 |
|
Sanchez Alberto |
F |
$244,000 |
|
Elrich |
D |
$226,000 |
|
Goodwin |
D |
$187,000 |
|
Boogaard |
D |
$169,000 |
|
Marrone |
D |
$164,000 |
|
Mabil |
M |
$149,000 |
|
Jeggo |
M |
$145,000 |
|
Isaias |
M |
$117,000 |
|
Elsey |
D |
$116,000 |
|
Watson |
M |
$106,000 |
|
McGowan |
D |
$98,000 |
|
Cassio |
D |
$91,000 |
|
Hall |
G |
$91,000 |
|
Izzo |
G |
$91,000 |
|
Kamau |
M |
$91,000 |
|
Konstandopoulos |
F |
$91,000 |
|
Ochieng |
D |
$91,000 |
|
Smith |
M |
$91,000 |
|
Warland |
D |
$91,000 |
| Â | Â | Â |
Star Man:
Marcelo Carrusca ($320,000)
The Argentine is the Reds’ x-factor. If he can have a strong season then Adelaide are undoubted challengers for the title. He not only creates goals for his team-mates but is also getting his name on the scoresheet a bit more of late. If his form in the pre-season continues – including his star showing against Juventus in the Foxtel All Stars – Carrusca will be one of the fantasy players of the season.
Bargain Buy:
Cassio ($91,000)
One of the good news stories of the pre-season has been the return to fitness of the Brazilian left-back. Having missed a huge chunk of football over the last two seasons, Cassio is almost like a new signing for Gombau and once he is fully fit is likely to make that left-back position his own. If that happens, he is an absolute steal at just $91,000.
Likely starting XI: (4-3-3)
Eugene Galekovic (GK), Michael Marrone, Nigel Boogaard, Dylan McGowan, Tarek Elrich, Isaias, Osama Malik, Marcelo Carrusca, Fabio Ferreira, Bruce Djite, Sergio Cirio
